Rack Mount Dimensions Explained

A rack unit abbreviated u or ru is a unit of measure defined as 1 3 4 inches 44 45 mm.

Rack mount dimensions explained. A 19 inch rack is a standardized frame or enclosure for mounting multiple electronic equipment modules. The u in this case refers to rack units which is a standardized method of tracking mountable height in a server rack. Since the width of the rack s mounting rails and the rack equipment itself is standardized that part is simple just make sure your equipment and your rack both follow the eia 310 e standard. Another option is a 2post server rack which works well for large data center installations with a variety of 2 post and 4 post rack equipment.

All of these form factors adhere to the eia 310 e standard for rack mounting of electronics ensuring that the mounting posts for installing components are configured for 19 inch equipment while the exterior of the rack is set to the specified dimensions. Each module has a front panel that is 19 inches 482 6 mm wide. Equipment designed to be placed in a rack is typically described as rack mount rack mount instrument a rack mounted system a rack mount chassis subrack rack mountable or occasionally simply shelf. When in the market for server racks the most common differentiation between racks of the same ilk is how many u s they have.

But you also need to consider the external width of the rack. For small spaces the portable rack that fits under a desk is an ideal out of the way solution. These racks come in size ranges from up to 58u and they are quick and easy to assemble. Stacking servers and other it equipment in a rack helps keep thing organized and makes it easier to control airflow.

You ll also want to check is the number of rack units explained earlier in this article the rack you re going to purchase has. Unlike height server rack depth is commonly measured in inches and has is much less variation in sizes. Server racks can range from 0 to 50 inches in depth but are commonly seen at 24 and 48 inch depths. A 4u rack is going to supply you with very little space for all your gear than a much larger 20u shelf for example.

Server rack depth illustration of rack depth. It is most frequently used as a measurement of the overall height of 19 inch and 23 inch rack frames as well as the height of equipment that mounts in these frames whereby the height of the frame or equipment is expressed as multiples of rack units for example a typical full size rack cage is 42u. Server rack cabinet enclosures on the other hand can be a non standard 18u or 37u. Rack rail hole spacing explained.

The quality of rack you purchase should go up as the quality of your gear goes up. Many operations require more than one piece of hardware to perform their necessary functions. One rack unit is equal to 1 75 inches or three threaded square or circle holes.