Rack mounting hardware includes the tools and components used in mounting 19-inch racks, server racks, and subracks. This comprehensive category includes a wide range of specialised hardware and rack accessories, designed to facilitate precise installation and support for electronic equipment. Whether building a new setup or expanding an existing system, ensure you have the correct rack mounting hardware, which can be supplied as a complete hardware pack, a mounting pack, or as individual components tailored to your specific rack unit.
Why Use Rack Mounting Hardware?
Rack mounting hardware is essential for optimising your electronic equipment setup, offering several key benefits:
- Secure & Stable Mounting: Firmly attaches components within a 19-inch rack, preventing movement and protecting sensitive electronics.
- Effective Space Optimisation: Stacks equipment vertically using server rack mounting hardware, maximising floor space in data centres and industrial control cabinets.
- Improved Organisation: Neatly manages cables and components within the rack structure, simplifying maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Protection of Valuable Electronics: Encloses equipment, safeguarding against dust, impact, and unauthorised access, extending component lifespan.
Types of Rack Mounting Hardware
There is a wide range of rack mounting hardware and hardware accessories, each serving distinct purposes within a 19-inch rack system. These components are vital for secure installation, efficient organisation, and operational flexibility.
- Rack Screws: These essential fasteners secure equipment within a rack. Rack screws are crucial for mounting devices like servers, network servers, power distribution units (PDUs), routers, and switches, including fixing rack cable management solutions.
- Rack Brackets: Rack brackets provide robust support and a structural frame for mounting rack cases or server cabinets. These 19-inch rack brackets and server rack mount brackets ensure equipment remains securely in place, preventing movement and safeguarding valuable electronics.
- Flanges: Flanges often integrate into a rack's design, offering a foundational lip that allows components to slot securely into place. They contribute to structural integrity and ease of mounting for various rack units.
- Rack Assembly Kits & Accessories: Comprehensive rack assembly kits streamline the setup process, bundling necessary components for building or expanding a rack. These kits often include essential rack hardware like rack mounting angles and blocks. Beyond assembly, accessories such as cable management rings and cabling frames effectively organise cables, while rack floor mount kits provide secure base installations.
- Feet and Casters: For effective rack management, feet and casters are indispensable. Feet elevate the rack off the floor, promoting airflow and simplifying cleaning. Many offer adjustable height management for level installation. Casters, or wheels, enable effortless movement and transport of loaded racks, a key advantage for maintenance, reconfigurations, or relocation.
Rack Mounting Hardware Installation
Correctly installing and mounting equipment into 19-inch racks using the appropriate rack mounting hardware is vital for ensuring system stability, longevity, and ease of maintenance. Here's how to approach the installation:
- Plan Your Layout: Begin by carefully planning your rack layout. Consider factors like airflow, power distribution, and cable routing to optimise space and accessibility.
- Use Correct Fasteners: When attaching equipment, always use the right rack screws for each rack unit. These screws for server rack ensure a secure fit, preventing movement and safeguarding valuable electronics from vibration.
- Secure the Rack: For attaching the rack itself to walls or the floor, utilise rack brackets or a dedicated rack floor mount kit. These elements provide essential structural support, ensuring the entire setup remains stable.
- Ensure Alignment: Pay close attention to levelling and alignment. Proper alignment facilitates smooth installation of all subsequent rack hardware.
- Manage Cables Effectively: Implement effective cable management by using cable management rings and dedicated cabling frames. This not only improves aesthetics but also enhances airflow and simplifies future troubleshooting or upgrades.
- Verify Security: Once all components are mounted, perform a thorough inspection. Verify that all connections are secure and that the equipment is stable within the 19-inch rack mounting hardware.
How to Choose the Right Rack Mounting Hardware
Selecting the appropriate rack mounting hardware is critical for building a functional, secure, and efficient rack system. Consider these key factors when making your selection:
- Rack Type: Determine the type of rack you are installing. Is it a wall-mount rack for space-saving, or a floor-standing server rack for larger installations? This dictates the primary mounting components needed.
- Equipment Weight: Assess the total weight of the equipment you plan to mount. This will guide your choice towards standard or heavy-duty rack hardware, ensuring the system can safely support the load without risk of collapse.
- Required Functionality: Identify the specific functions your rack needs to perform. Do you require rack mount shelving for non-rack-mountable devices, dedicated rack mount handles for easy access, or extensive cable management solutions to keep wiring tidy?
- Specific Components Needed: Pinpoint the exact hardware components you require. This could range from individual rack screws and rack brackets for simple installations to a complete rack mount kit for comprehensive assembly.
- Industry Standards & Compatibility: Ensure all chosen 19-inch rack hardware components comply with relevant industry standards (e.g., EIA-310-D for 19-inch racks) to guarantee interoperability and proper fit.
Rack Mounting Hardware Manufacturer, Supplier & Distributor in Australia
RS Australia is your trusted manufacturer, supplier, and distributor of high-quality rack mounting hardware. Our extensive selection provides exceptional value, with competitive pricing that fulfils all your requirements. From rack screws to rack brackets, we offer reliable components from leading brands like Rittal, StarTech.com, and RS PRO, ensuring seamless integration for every server and network.
Buy Rack Mounting Hardware Online from RS
Explore our comprehensive range of rack mounting hardware online, including various 19-inch rack accessories and other specialised server rack hardwares to ensure versatile and reliable installation for your electronic equipment. To provide a complete solution for your connectivity and infrastructure needs, we also carry other essential components, such as power distribution blocks and enclosure cooling units.
For more information on our delivery options and fees, please refer to our Delivery Page.