A beginner’s guide to choosing Server Rack Shelves

Flat shelves, standard fixed shelves, adjustable shelves… how do you choose the right server rack shelf? Here is a guide.

But first, why are shelves important? They help to organize data center equipment, such as network switches and servers, and make effective use of space. The increasing adoption of data-intensive applications coupled with cloud computing has heightened the need for rack systems that can mount a wide range of equipment, support cable management, manage airflow, and accommodate more servers per unit area to maximize productivity and performance. In fact, the Data Center Rack & Enclosure Market is expected to grow at over 9% by 2027.

To compute the optimal shelf depth the general rule of thumb is to measure six inches shorter than the depth of the cabinet for all 4-post cabinets. Remember, rails are usually set at a distance less than the actual depth of the internal dimension.

Server Rack Shelves: Measurement Guide

Note: All the shelves mentioned attach to all four mounting rails of a 4-post server rack unless otherwise mentioned

Types of shelves

This stationary shelf occupies less than 1U of rack space. It can usually hold a weight of 150 pounds.

• Fixed Flat Shelf

Here, the rear mounting ears are adjustable by 4″ less than the shelf depth and 4″ more than the shelf depth. This means a 20″ shelf can mount on posts ranging from 16″to 24″ deep. Here too the load limit is 150 pounds.

• Adjustable shelf

These are built to accommodate particular mounting needs and can support up to 300 pounds.

• Heavy-Duty Shelf

This accommodates rack-optimized keyboards. It can hold much less weight, only around 75 pounds. Similar to this is a rotating keyboard shelf that rotates as the unit extends beyond the cabinet to make it easy to type on a standard keyboard.

• Sliding keyboard shelf

The ventilation slots provide additional air circulation between rack units and can hold 150 pounds.

• Vented Flat shelf

These are usually used to position non-rack mountable equipment in a server rack. Weight limit: 150 pounds.

• Sliding Pull-Out shelf

Choose your shelves based on:

How to choose your rack shelves

Capability: What is the weight the shelf needs to bear?

Space-saving efficiency: Where are the shelves going to be attached, outside of cabinets

Scalability: Can your shelves be expanded?

Airflow: Is airflow maintenance required because there is likely to be too much heat building up? If yes, consider the vented racks.

Making the right decision on racks, shelves, panels, and other accessories at your data center is crucial to maintaining productivity and performance. Our experts can guide you in the right direction. Contact us today.