Rack Solution Worksheet

When the time comes to choose a rack or enclosure, be prepared to get more technical. Keep this information handy for any vendor discussions so your ideal rack or enclosure solution can be configured to your specific requirements.

To get a better understanding of what Eaton offers, check out our Enclosures, Racks and Cages pages.

Features Requirements
Size: The most important attribute is how much rackmount space is required. The most common size is 42U (each U is 1.75" and equipment is generally in multiples of U). Next is the width and the most common are 24" (or 600 mm) and 30" (800 mm). The depth is generally 34" and deeper with 42" being the most common. Height (U):

Width (24"/30"):

Depth (in.):
Weight loading: An estimate of the anticipated weight loading is key and loading can vary widely depending on the application. A networking application is generally under 2,000 lb. A high-end switch configuration is between 1,500 and 3,000 lb. Weight loading (lb.):
Casters/levellers/anchorage: Are casters required? Generally, all enclosures come with levelers regardless of whether there are casters or not. Will the enclosure be anchored to the floor? Is an anti-tip feature required? Casters: Yes / No
Anchor brackets: Yes / No
Anti-tip: Yes / No
End-of-row or bayed: Is the cabinet standalone (i.e., requires side covers), end of row (side cover on one end), or bayed with adjacent cabinets (no side covers)? If bayed, do you need a divider panel between adjacent enclosures for airflow management and/or security? In a typical installation, you may have some of each of these configurations. End of row: Yes / No Qty:
Bayed: Yes / No Qty:
If bayed, dividers? Yes / No Qty:
Standalone: Yes / No
Seismic: Does this enclosure require a NEBS GR-63-Core seismic test certification? (Note: This is different from seismic anchorage. The weight loading in these applications is generally between 800 and 1,300 lb.) Seismic: Yes / No
Front doors and locks: Do you need solid or perforated front doors? Full or split front doors? Full is most common on front doors. Solid or perforated?
Full or split?
Lock type (key / combo / HFID):
Rear doors and locks: Do you need solid or perforated rear doors? Full or split front doors. Split is most common on rear doors. Solid or perforated?
Full or split?
Lock type (key / combo / HFID):
Top covers: Any special features required on top cover? Brushes to ensure hot air is contained in the enclosure? Networking cable cutouts for large quantities of cables? Troughs on top to manage cabling on the top of the enclosure? Top cover requirements?
Cable egress / brushes / networking cable cutouts / troughs
Rails: Rails are generally available in two configurations: square holes for use with cage nuts or tapped holes for direct mounting. Square holes are the most common. If a 30" wide enclosure is selected, please specify if 19" or 23" mounting is needed. Square holes or tapped?
For 30” wide: 19” or 23” mounting?

To access the entire worksheet (including airflow management, cable management, power and other considerations), view the Rack and Enclosures Fundamentals Handbook.