Racks are standardized frame systems designed to house and organize electronic equipment, providing mechanical support, cable management, and environmental protection. Defined by international standards (e.g., EIA-310), they ensure interoperability across industries. Their importance lies in enabling scalable infrastructure for data centers, telecommunications, industrial automation, and mission-critical systems.
| Type | Functional Features | Application Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 19" Open Frame Rack | Lightweight, ventilated structure with adjustable mounting | Data center network switches |
| 23" Cabinet Rack | Legacy standard with enclosed design | Telecom legacy equipment |
| Wall-Mount Rack | Space-saving vertical mounting | Branch office servers |
| 4-Post Server Rack | Reinforced load-bearing for heavy equipment | Enterprise data centers |
| Portable Rack | Mobile solutions with casters and shock absorption | Field deployment systems |
Typical racks feature:
| Parameter | Value Range | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Rack Unit (RU) | 1U=1.75" (44.45mm) | Standardized height measurement |
| Load Capacity | 50-2000kg | Equipment safety and structural integrity |
| Material Thickness | 1.2-6.0mm | Vibration resistance and durability |
| Cooling Efficiency | 0.5-5.0m /s | Thermal management performance |
| Seismic Rating | 0.2-2.0g | Earthquake protection compliance |
| Vendor | Representative Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Panduit | NetShelter VX | Modular cooling, 80kW rack support |
| Rittal | TS8 Cabinet | IP55 protection, active airflow management |
| Schneider Electric | APC AR Series | Toolless mounting, seismic certification |
| Tripp Lite | SU Series Rack | ZeroU cable management, seismic compliance |
Key considerations:
Emerging trends include:
A hyperscale data center implemented 42U high-density racks with: