FAQs - Data Cabinets
A selecton of commonly asked questions covering data cabinets, how to select, size and position them.
To find out the size of cabinet you need, add the rack-height (in U) of all the equipment to be housed in the cabinet including patch panels, switches, UPS systems, PDUs and cable management. Rememmber to leave spare capacity for future expansion. It is also important to check the usuable depth of the cabinet as well as the overall rack height. The usable depth will be shorter than the overall depth, and should leave sufficient space for cable bends, patch lead connection and airflow.
It can hold a suitably sized UPS if both the cabinet and wall structure are rated for the fully installed weight. Sometimes it can mean adding an l-shaped support to the cabinet. The point is that UPS batteries (typically lead acid) are heavy, and so it is important to check the cabinet and wall loading limits. It is also important to check the depth and the wall type as you may need to use a suitable shelf or mounting kit, the wall may be plaster board or masonry.
Most professional IT and network devices including routers, patch panels, horizontal pdus and rack mount UPS are designed to install into a 19-inch rack using mounting rails. A 19-inch rack cabinet is usually used for office, retail, school, comms rooms and warehouse installations. It is important to make sure you select the right height and depth of cabinet for the equipment.
Vertical and horizontal cable management bars and rings are typically used to provide tidy routing for network and power cables with brush strips and panels for good airflow management. Clear labelling is also important for good management and to assit with the removal or upgrade of connecitons. Power and data cabling is normally kept separate and it is important to avoid tight bends for any cables, and overloaded cable bars and cable rings.
Most data cabinets are supplied with a clear perspex door and offer the option (normally with no pice upgrade) for a solid steel door. Both types of door come with locks for securiy.
A data cabinet is an enclosed unit designed to house network switches, patch panels, routers, power distribution and related hardware. A server rack is designed to house deeper and heavier equipment such as a server. A server rack may be enclosed with side panels or doors or be supplied as a frame only. The choice comes down to the type of equipment to be housed, its weight, access, security, power and cooling requirements.
Wall cabinets are the right choise for compact network installations where floor space is limited or the cabinet needs to be raised to reduce tampering or opening. Typical examples include offices, shop floors, comms cupboards and warehouses. Wall cabinets should only be used with walls whose construction is suitable for a fully loaded cabinet. Space should also be left around the cabinet for door opeing, cable entry, equipment servicing and air flow.