Emerson Network Power has published a white paper discussing rack enclosure trends and best practices. As rack densities have increased along with overall facility power requirements, taller, wider and deeper racks are required to effectively accommodate these changes.

The white paper, titled, “Data Center Rack Systems Key to Business-Critical Continuity,” takes a close look at the need for data center planners to be flexible and adaptable in rack selection. 

“Taking a best practices approach when specifying racks — planning and investing to meet today’s needs with the thought of expansion tomorrow — helps to ensure that data center needs won’t readily outgrow capabilities,” said Ron Bednar, director, solutions technologies, Emerson Network Power. “Flexibility allows a data center to respond quickly to changing business needs. And while the racks themselves need to adapt to the room in which they are housed, the data center must be able to adapt to individual rack environments and zones.”

The Emerson Network Power white paper notes that racks are now available that improve equipment installation speed via tool-less, “slide in, slide out” procedures. Taller racks take advantage of the data center’s headroom, while rack depth has increased to accommodate equipment. Side breathing needs have increased rack width to meet new manufacturers’ specifications and to enhance equipment performance and life through hot-aisle/cold-aisle arrangements.

Also discussed are:

  • Increased weight capacities up to 3,000 lbs.
  • 19-inch rails for easier equipment installation and adjustment
  • Door configurations that increase airflow and are reversible to ease maintenance
  • Split-locking side panels to simplify installation
  • Cable-ready rooftops and cable ingress/egress
  • Rack grounding
  • Rack stability and security
  • Rack accessories, including cable and airflow management and IT equipment support

For more information on data center rack systems, or other Liebert technologies and services from Emerson Network Power, or to download the white paper, visit www.Liebert.com.