Server Rack Setup: How To Install?

Living in a digital era means entrusting routine duties to automated algorithms. Nowadays, data centers are common facilities for data storage and processing. Server racks come as the foundation for a reliable and efficient IT infrastructure. This is not just specialized furniture for equipment mounting. Installing racks can affect the performance of server equipment in some way. For instance, if the rack is installed in an environment with excessive dust or poor ventilation, the equipment inside may overheat or malfunction, leading to potential hardware failure.

This is why it’s necessary to know how and where to install server furniture to ensure the secure and durable functioning of network hardware. In this guide, you’ll find the basic steps and tips for installing a server rack. In this article we will explain all the subtleties of infrastructure arrangement and mention the best practices for server rack setup.

Note: more concrete instructions (assembling manual and video) can be found on each product card within Instructions & Downloads tab:

Preparation for Server Rack Installation

Before getting to rack installation, you should pass a series of measures. First of all, it’s necessary to select an appropriate location. When looking through potential sites, make sure to evaluate the following parameters:

• ventilation;
• access to power;
• enough space for maintenance.

When comparing potential locations, these criteria play a significant role. A proper ventilation system ensures that extra heat produced by functioning equipment is removed effectively, which prevents overheating and hardware breakdown. The power supply is an essential parameter to feed all the operating devices with the required energy and ensure their smooth functioning. Finally, it’s necessary to leave extra space for the maintenance staff to feel comfortable and prevent accidental damage.

Furthermore, pay attention to the floor’s strength, as the equipment’s weight can range greatly and achieve significant numbers. You should be sure that the floor is strong enough to support heavy hardware over a durable period.

At this stage, it’s also important to pre-plan the network and electrical cable connections. Network rack cable management is another essential issue of network rack setup since wires come as veins that stretch through the system and guarantee powering and communication between units.

Installing the Server Rack

Once you’re done selecting a suitable location, you can proceed to choose an appropriate server rack. Note that modern manufacturers offer a vast diversity of rack models. These include:

• open frame racks;
• solid enclosures.

According to the type of mounting and place of installation, server furniture falls into wall-mounted, floor-standing, and desktop. Depending on this feature, they differ in size greatly. Desktop and under-table racks are small and compact, while floor-standing models are huge. Moreover, most models are portable due to the attachment of handles and casters.

Compact desktop racks are perfect for small systems and are widely used in home labs. Mid-sized wall-mounted enclosures are perfect for installation in public places and offices with limited space. Their attachment to the wall allows for saving space in small premises and arranging interiors more ergonomically. Floor-standing models are usually big and bulky. They are designed for huge systems.

Thus, you should pick a server rack depending on the system size. Assess the number of devices to find the best model that is spacious enough to accommodate all devices. When you’re done with the choice, you can start the data rack installation. Fasten it using special accessories and check its reliability.

Mounting Servers and Equipment

When the rack is mounted, it’s time to install servers and network equipment. When designing a rack layout, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s installation recommendations and consider each device’s ventilation requirements. Generally, when designing server rack layouts, it’s necessary to keep in mind the following points:

1. Leave space between devices to prevent heat exchange.
2. Foresee powerful cooling to remove heat and prevent overheating.
3. Use shelving to increase the efficiency of in-rack space use.
4. Leave space for cable routing.
5. Leave space for further system expansion.

If you want to learn more about the correct way of equipment installation, you’ll find a network rack installation guide in this article.

Server Rack Installation Best Practices

To ensure that your system works smoothly and durably, it’s necessary to do everything correctly at all stages of the data center arrangement. So, let’s discuss server rack installation best practices:

1. Weight distribution. Place the heaviest equipment at the bottom to ensure stability, reducing the risk of tipping, especially in seismic zones.
2. UPS usage. Install Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) to protect equipment from power outages and prevent sudden shutdowns.
3. Cable management. Use organizers to avoid tangled cables and prevent strain that could cause damage. Label cables for easier maintenance. More about server rack cable management you can read in the article.
4. Regular checks. Inspect racks periodically for loose mounts, equipment issues, or cable damage to prevent breakdowns.
5. Proper ventilation. Ensure vents are not blocked, and cooling systems are functioning well. Consider extra cooling devices to prevent overheating.
6. Safety compliance. Ensure compliance with local fire and electrical safety standards. Proper grounding reduces the risk of short circuits and equipment damage.

Datacenter organization is a responsible task that requires time and attention. It’s necessary to take into account numerous parameters. This guide will help you avoid common mistakes and arrange your network system properly. Since you know how to set up a server rack, you’ll tackle the task easily.