Cross-Connect Blog

Benefits of Open Frame Server Racks

November 24, 2015

When it comes to organizing and setting up equipment in a computer room or data center, it is important to make the best use of the space available. 

For this reason, open frame server racks are a great solution to help stay organized in a cost-effective manner. in computer rooms and data centers that do not require the benefits of an enclosure. 

There are many advantages to open mounting solutions, such as unrestricted airflow and easy access to cables for moves, adds and changes (MACs). 

Open racks provide flexible structural support solutions for a wide variety of applications, industries, and business needs. When properly deployed with other products, such as cable managers and cable runway, a company can enjoy years of uninterrupted service and room for growth.

There are two main types of open racks:
  1. Two-post racks: provide the most cost-effective and efficient use of floor space
  2. Four-post racks: are superior when supporting larger equipment such as modular network switches.

Here are five benefits of open frame server racks and why you should consider them for you equipment storage needs:

  1. Cost
    Open frame server racks are a cost-effective way to manage equipment, compared to enclosed racks. The cost of producing and shipping are less than those of closed cabinet or server racks.
     
  2. Quick installation
    Not having to worry about installing doors or side panels makes the installation of open server racks a much easier task.
     
  3. Airflow
    Enclosed racks can create an environment for heat to build up. Open frame server racks, on the other hand, allow for unrestricted airflow, preventing heat build-up.
     
  4. Easy access
    The open design allows for easy access to equipment and cabling.
     
  5. Better cable management
    It can be a challenge trying to manage cords and cables with an enclosed server rack, but with an open frame rack, cable management is much easier as you can run the cables without any obstacles from doors or panels.

Open Rack Solutions:

Two-Post Racks Solutions from CPI:

Universal Rack 

  • Heavy-duty two-post rack with a 3”D (76 mm) mounting channel

  • Heavy-duty two-post rack with a 3”D (76 mm) mounting channel

  • 19” and 23” EIA rack-mount widths

  • 3’ to 9’H (0.9 m to 2.7 m)

  • 1500 lb (680.4 kg) static load rating

  • Integrated grounding and bonding system

  • UL Listed 

 


 

Standard Rack 

  • 3”D (80 mm) or 6”D (150 mm) mounting channel

  • 19” EIA rack-mount width

  • 7’, 8’ and 9’H (2.1 m, 2.4 m and 2.7 m)

  • 1000 lb (453.6 kg) static load rating

  • Integrated grounding and bonding system

  • UL Listed 

 


Seismic Frame® Two-Post Rack

  • 3”D (80 mm) or 6”D (150 mm) mounting channel

  • Threaded or square-punched mounting holes

  • 19” or 23” EIA rack-mount width

  • 7’H (2.1 m)

  • 1000 lb (453.6 kg) static load rating

  • Integrated grounding and bonding system

  • UL Listed

  • Meets GR-63-CORE NEBS Zone 4 requirements 

 

Four-Post Racks Solutions from CPI

QuadraRack® 4-Post Frame 

The QuadraRack® 4-Post Frame provides a sturdy, cost-effective solution for supporting large rack-mount communications equipment, such as routers and voice or network switches, in telecommunications and equipment rooms and other network facilities. 

The QuadraRack offers the strength and stability of an enclosure in an open mounting system that provides easy access to equipment and cabling. 

Fixed 29”D (740 mm)

  • Threaded mounting holes 

  • 19” EIA rack-mount width

  • 7’, 8’ and 9’H (2.1 m, 2.4 m and 2.7 m)

  • 2000 lb (907.2 kg) static load rating

 


QuadraRack Server Frame

  • Fixed 29”D (740 mm) 

  • Square-punched mounting holes 

  • 19” EIA rack-mount width 

  • 7’H (2.1 m)

  • 1000 lb (453.6 kg) static load rating

 


Adjustable ServerRack

  • Adjustable depth ranging from 15.75” to 42.32” (400 mm to 1075 mm)

  • Threaded mounting holes (QuadraRack) 

  • Square-punched mounting holes (ServerRack)

  • 19”EIA rack-mount width

  • 6’, 7’, 8’ and 9’H (1.8 m, 2.1 m, 2.4 m and 2.7 m)

  • 2000 lb (907.2 kg) static load rating

  • UL Listed

 


Adjustable Rail  ServerRack

  • Fixed 23.6”D (600 mm) and 35.4”D (900 mm) frame

  • Adjustable depth rear equipment mounting rails for maximum rail depth of 41.33” (1050)

  • Square-punched mounting holes (ServerRack)

  • 19”EIA rack-mount width

  • 6’, 7’ and 8’H (1.8 m, 2.1 m and 2.4 m)

  • 2200 lb (1000 kg) static load rating

  • Integrated grounding and bonding system

  • UL Listed

 

For more information, be sure to check out our CPI Online Catalog.

Search CPI in the News
Get Blog Updates
Stay up to date on latest news and solutions.