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Server Rack Buying Guide
1. Invest in high-quality, long-life enclosures
Bottom line: Don’t skimp. Your rack will house critical gear and structured cabling for decades.
2. Always consider depth, width and height
Depth: Choose 1200 mm (47.24 in.) or greater to accommodate today’s deeper equipment and leave room for rear cable bends, airflow and accessories.
Width: Opt for 750 mm when you expect heavy cable volumes (200+ cables). The extra space on each side dramatically improves vertical cable routing and reduces congestion.
Height: Go as tall as fire codes allow (often 42U–48U). Taller cabinets maximize density without adding footprint, but you’ll need to ensure you have the required clearance (e.g., 18” from fire suppression heads).
3. Integrate cable management and analyze internal layout
Use integrated vertical cable managers to keep patching and power neat.
Route power and data cabling overhead when possible (especially in slab-floor designs) to keep the rear of racks free for airflow and maintenance.
Install stress-relief bars behind patch panels to protect terminations.
Consider double-sided vertical cable managers for large cross-connects.
4. Deciding between 4-post racks, 2-post racks or wall-mount enclosures
4-post racks:
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2-post racks:
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Wall-mount enclosures:
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Summary:
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5. Deciding between open-frame and enclosed racks
Open-frame racks:
Excellent airflow, easy access, flexibility on depth.
Potential downsides: exposure to dust or accidental contact.
Best for locked or secure closets/workspaces.
Enclosed racks:
Provide physical security, containment against dust and possible noise reduction (especially with mesh or ventilated panels where airflow is required).
Adding fans at the top can help manage internal temperature.
Ideal for environments needing access control, noise control or additional protection.
6. UPS integration considerations
Space & weight: Rackmount UPSs are heavy; ensure the rack supports them. Bottom-mounting is preferred for stability.
Battery type: Lithium-ion UPS options reduce weight and extend lifespan — especially important in distributed IT environments.
Maintenance & access: Ensure enough clearance for replacing batteries or servicing UPS units inside the rack.
7. Rack PDU integration considerations
Mounting options: Vertical (0U) PDUs save rack space; horizontal PDUs work in shallow racks or wall-mounts.
If you are deploying vertical PDUs at the rear of your rack(s), verify that there’s space to mount them correctly and easily access them for as you update and replace equipment.
8. Remember cooling and airflow
Open racks rely on room cooling, while enclosed racks may need integrated fans or active cooling.
Fans and airflow accessories help manage hot spots in dense deployments.
Environmental sensors: Many Eaton PDUs support add-ons for temperature, humidity and door monitoring.
Today’s rapid technology refresh rates result in ever-increasing changes within racks and enclosures. This can lead to open U-space that allows re-circulation of hot exhaust air to the equipment inlet, particularly in an environment where enclosures are being used. Blanking panels provide a quick, easy and cost-effective solution to optimize air circulation within an enclosure while also maintaining a clean, uniform look within a row of enclosures.
9. Prioritize security
Consider lockable doors, side panels and remote monitoring sensors.
For distributed IT applications, physical security is as important as cyber security.
Eaton as the benchmark
Eaton’s portfolio, including Tripp Lite series rack enclosures, offers a high-quality, versatile platform for Intermediate Distribution Frames (IDFs), Main Distribution Frames (MDFs), edge deployments and data centers.
They’re available in deep, wide and tall configurations to align perfectly with modern space, cabling and cooling requirements make them an ideal standard to design around.
We know you have many brands to choose from. On the surface, they may all seem alike. It's what you don't see that makes the difference. With Eaton, you get solid engineering, proven reliability and exceptional customer service. All our products undergo rigorous quality control before they are offered for sale, and independent testing agencies verify our products meet or exceed the latest safety and performance standards. Our commitment to quality allows us to back our products with industry-leading warranties and responsive customer service. It's the Eaton difference.
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