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All products we offer are sourced exclusively from Authorised Australian Distributors, ensuring they are specifically designated for the Australian market. We firmly stand against the sale of grey imports. As such, every item you purchase from us is fully covered by the manufacturer’s warranty applicable within Australia, guaranteeing authenticity and local support for your peace of mind. This policy ensures that our customers receive only genuine products that adhere to the specifications set for the Australian market, backed by manufacturer support.
The weight capacity of a data cabinet can range significantly, from around 50kg for a small 4RU cabinet to over 1000kg for a robust 45RU model. To calculate what you need, sum up the weight of all equipment, including any shelves or drawers you plan to add. It’s critical to choose a cabinet that not only supports the total weight of your current equipment but also has extra capacity for any future additions.
Standard depths for data cabinets typically range from 300mm to 600mm for freestanding data cabinets., and from 600mm to 1200mm for freestanding data cabinets. To choose the right depth, consider the deepest piece of equipment you will install, including any necessary clearance for cable management, airflow, and access to the equipment’s ports and connectors. A common practice is to select a cabinet depth that exceeds the depth of your deepest equipment by at least 100mm to 200mm.
RU stands for Rack Unit, a standard measurement used to denote the height of equipment in rack-mounted systems. One RU is equivalent to 44.45mm. The right RU size for your needs depends on the total height of the equipment you plan to install in the cabinet. Sum up the height of each piece of equipment, ensuring you include extra space for ventilation, future expansion, and ease of access. For example, if your equipment totals 20RU, you might consider a 24RU or 27RU cabinet to allow for these additional factors.
Selecting the correct size data cabinet is a critical decision that affects the organization, efficiency, and scalability of your network infrastructure. Data cabinets, also known as server racks or network cabinets, come in various sizes to accommodate different amounts of IT equipment. The size of a data cabinet is typically defined by its height in Rack Units (RU or U), where 1U equals 44.45mm, and its depth in millimeters (mm). Heights can range from a compact 4U to a full-size 45U or more, with depths extending up to 1200mm to accommodate various types of equipment. Here’s how to choose the correct size data cabinet for your requirements:
1. Assess Your Equipment Size and Quantity
Begin by listing all the equipment you need to house within your data cabinet, including servers, switches, patch panels, UPS systems, and any other network devices. Start by listing all the equipment you need to house in the cabinet or rack. Include servers, network switches, UPS systems, cooling units, and any other relevant hardware. Note down the dimensions (height, width, and depth) and rack unit (U) size of each piece of equipment. The rack unit, or “U”, is a standard measurement for server height;
2. Plan for Future Expansion
Anticipate future growth to avoid the cost and hassle of replacing your cabinet when new equipment is added. It’s advisable to have at least 20-30% additional space for future needs. This extra space can accommodate additional devices, upgrades to existing equipment, or increased cable management solutions.
3. Height Consideration
Data cabinets are available in various heights, most commonly ranging from 4U to 45U. Here’s a rough guide:
- 4U to 12U: Suitable for small offices, classrooms, or home networks where only a few devices are needed.
- 18U to 22U: Good for medium-sized networks, providing enough space for several pieces of equipment and some expansion. Also used in more specialised domestic applications.
- 27U to 32U: Offers ample space for a growing network, suitable for businesses with considerable IT infrastructure.
- 42U to 45U: Standard size for most enterprise data centers, accommodating a large number of devices and future expansions.
4. Depth Requirements
Depth is equally important, especially as some modern servers and network equipment can be quite deep. Standard depths include:
- 300 to 600mm: Suitable for patch panels, smaller network switches, and other shallow equipment.
- 800mm: Offers additional room for cable management and airflow, ideal for medium-sized servers and most network equipment.
- 1000mm to 1200mm: Designed for large servers, high-density cable management, and installations requiring significant airflow. These are preferred in data centers and for hosting high-performance computing hardware.
5. Width Standards
While the standard width for equipment mounting is 19 inches (482.6mm), the overall width of the cabinet might be wider due to side panels and additional space for cable management. Ensure the chosen cabinet’s width will fit in the allocated space, including clearance for doors to open and adequate airflow.
6. Consider Ventilation and Cooling
Assess the ventilation and cooling needs of your equipment. If your gear generates a lot of heat, consider a cabinet with built-in cooling solutions, perforated doors, or space for adding external cooling systems. Ensure there is enough space around the installed equipment for air to circulate.
7. Mobility and Stability
Decide if you need a cabinet that can be easily moved (e.g., models with casters) or if a stationary cabinet meets your needs. Make sure the cabinet can support the weight of your current and anticipated equipment. Larger cabinets should have stabilization features to prevent tipping when doors are open or when partially loaded.
8. Access and Security
Think about the need for access (side panels, rear doors) and security (locks, restricted access panels). These features are crucial for maintaining and securing your equipment.
Conclusion
Choosing the right data cabinet involves understanding your current and future equipment needs, space availability, and environmental requirements. By carefully considering the size, expansion capabilities, ventilation needs, and mobility, you can select a cabinet that not only suits your immediate requirements but also accommodates future growth and changes in your IT infrastructure.
Click below to view data racks by size.
We hope you find these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) helpful.  Whilst we take care to keep them updated, invariably new technology can supersede some of the tips given here.  For the very latest product, technical  specifications, and support information you should reference the manufacturer’s website, or alternatively, pick up the phone and give is a call.  You should note that the information contained in these FAQ’s is of a general nature only and does not take into account your environment, nor your specific needs.   If you want to discuss your requirements, we are always happy to assist you with any questions you may have.  Call us…..  We’re here to help.