Do you know the difference between a server rack and a wall mount rack? Choosing the right 19 Inch Rack to install can be daunting when you do not know what racking is right for your home or office.
With so many choices from a wide range of data cabinets and rack enclosures offering stability, security, and flexibility, we first need to ask what a 19 Inch Rack is.
What is a 19 Inch Rack?
Some may use terms such as server rack, data cabinet, or AV rack interchangeably, but the principles of 19 Inch remain the same.
A 19 Inch Rack is a metal frame or cabinet that allows equipment to be secured and organised, with a consistent horizontal 19 inch frame. Equipment is usually installed by mounting gear, either by using cage nuts or directly threading screws/fasteners into the rack.
19 Inch Racks can easily host a diverse range of gear made specifically for ‘rack mounting’ including servers, switches, routers, hubs, power distribution units (PDUs), cooling fans, cabling and more!
You can learn more from our dedicated article, What is a 19 Inch Rack?
What are server racks specifically?
Server Racks are free-standing racks that were created to host critical IT infrastructure. While also a 19 Inch Rack, they are their own category, originally made to be used in server rooms across the globe.
Due to their traditionally housed aesthetic and form, 19-inch server racks have been generally favoured by installers, neatly enclosing equipment and have incredible durability.
Server racks can be a smart choice for your office, but we recommend you continue reading about the different types of 19 Inch Racks, as they may be more suited to your needs.
The different types of racks available
Whether you are updating your AV system or doing a major refurbishment, there are many racks to choose from!
Open Frame Racks
Open Frame Racks are simple frames built to maximise airflow and are easy to maintain. Many in the range are delivered as flat packs, making them easy to install in enclosed, small, or tough places.
With no doors or side panels, they can also be more affordable, and their design allows for great accessibility and visual monitoring.
Open Frame Racks are ideal for: Easy and flexible access, great ventilation, high-density cable management, lighter weight, setting up in enclosed or hard to reach spaces.
Stand Alone Server Rack
Sturdily constructed, High End Stand Alone Server Racks are the classic choice for installers. Unlike Open Frame Racks, pre-built server racks are expertly designed to tidily enclose all crucial equipment, offering users incredible stability and protection.
They can host adjustable threaded rails, integral cable management trays, and multiple mounting options for castors and feet, while maintaining a sleek finish with hidden assembly screws.
Stand Alone Server Racks are ideal for: Classic enclosed design, remarkable stability and durability, can be adapted with beneficial extras including security doors, dust and physical protection
Flat Pack Racks
Similar in design to the Stand Alone Server Racks, the Flat Pack Rack is perfect for those who need an easy self-assembly (or disassembly) option adaptable to their floor plan and saving on cost. Flat pack racks are useful for spaces where access is an issue that prevents large pre-built models from being installed, such as loft spaces or narrow stairways.
Lighter in weight and easier to transport locally, Flat Pack Racks can be upgraded with beneficial extras such as casters and doors.
Flat Pack Racks are ideal for: Quick and easy set-up or pack down in enclosed floor plans, lighter weight, easy to transport, adaptable with beneficial extras, dust and physical protection.
Wall Mount Racks
Low on floor space? Wall Mounted Racks are the perfect solution for those who are seeking something smaller, easy to use, and of course, be installed onto a wall.
Wall Mount Racks are great for direct access to cabling and hosting patch panels. They also work for smaller, compact installations.
If you’d like to know more about wall-mounted racks, we have a dedicated article all about how to mount a wall-mounted rack and their benefits.
Wall Mount Racks are ideal for: Saving floor space, compact and easy install, protection from day-to-day contact, enhanced cable management, easy accessibility, reduced cost.
Wood Racks
Wood Racks offer something a bit different. Available as a rack sleeve for wall mounting or a full free-standing credenza, they have a more natural aesthetic, offering different material finishes and door options.
Wood Racks make it easy to install rack-mount equipment in recording studios, public spaces, offices and even at home.
Wood Racks are ideal for: Design aesthetic, lightweight.
Slide and Rotate Racks
Give yourself instant 360-degree access to a compact, accessible enclosure. With a rotating base unit, Slide and Rotate Racks allow you to effortlessly slide a fully loaded rack out, and lock it in 60+-degree increments.
With the same versatility as the open server rack, you can maximise rack access and airflow, with an additional cable management tray pre-installed to protect your connections.
The turning and slide mechanism can also be protected with a removable security plate.
Slide and rotate racks are ideal for: 360-degree access, airflow, installing into smaller compact spaces with accessibility issues, cable management, structurally fortified.
Are There Other Racks Categories?
This article only covers some of what is available in the world of 19 Inch. If you are looking for something specific or bespoke, please get in touch with our team. We have extensive manufacturing and design facilities worldwide, offering customization and personalization to suit your needs.
Now that you know what racks are available, let us look at how to choose the right racking...
How to choose the right 19 Inch Rack?
When choosing a 19 Inch rack, there are a few things you need to think about:
Your specific rack requirements
Consider these questions:
- What and how are you storing your gear in a rack?
- What height, depth and weight rack are most suitable?
- How are you accessing your equipment?
- Will you be using M6 Cage Nuts or 16/32 Threaded screws?
- What additional extras may you need?
Note: Do not overload your rack with equipment. It can affect the integrity of your racking and the entire cabinet. If you have any questions about overloading and weight, do not hesitate to get in touch with our team.
Your home, office, and server room space constraints
Evaluate the space you are hosting your 19 Inch Data Cabinet.
For larger spaces, consider your floor plan, and whether your equipment is safe from interference and near an adequate power supply.
For a small office or home office, something like the slide and rotate racks or wall mount racks would be a suitable option, as it will be easier to embed in your space. Remember, if you cannot install a preassembled server rack in your office due to the size of doorways, transport accessibility or a heavily restricted space, consider smaller-sized cabinets or a Flat Pack Rack.
If you need to keep your 19 Inch Rack cool and well-ventilated
Some 19 Inch Rack Cabinets are better at managing airflow and temperature than others, helping to stop equipment from overheating.
Depending on your set-up, getting perforated panels or rack shelves may be all you need, but many 19 Inch Racks can have cooling systems or fans installed.
Your security needs
Racks can store and hold sensitive information and equipment, so you should not neglect security. Many racks come with lockable doors, and security features on side panels to stop tampering and theft.
Conclusion
Now that you know the differences between an open tower rack, a server rack, and a wall mount rack, you can feel more confident in your knowledge of 19 Inch rack enclosures and cabinets.
Offering your equipment a solid platform for rack mounting, the right 19 Inch Racking can give you confidence, and match your work objectives.
Penn Elcom has everything you need to create the perfect 19 Inch system, with the latest rack hardware and rack accessories.
If you need help choosing your 19 Inch cabinet, do not hesitate to contact our team.
