Shelves

Designed for your equipment

Our wide range of shelves represents the variety of specialized rack deployments that exist in the IT industry.

We have as many shelf options as there are use cases. Whether you need a bunch of computers in a single shelf, or just a place to keep a keyboard in your rack, you will find variants that are perfect for your deployment.

In case you were wondering

What is a server rack shelf?

Designed to hold and store IT equipment, a rack shelf is mounted directly inside a 19” server rack among all of the other rack mounted equipment. These rack shelves can be mounted into server racks, AV racks, or network racks. Rack shelves are used to store servers, desktop PCs, monitors, tools, switches, and other tools or equipment that is not usually rack mountable. A server rack shelf not only provides additional storage for equipment, but it also keeps your rack space organized, making servicing equipment much easier.

Which rack shelf is best for you?

Whether you are managing a data center or network closet, it’s important to select the correct rack shelf based on your current and future needs. Rack shelves come in different sizes and configurations to serve a wide variety of needs. The major factors that need to be considered are the dimensions, weight capacity, and compatibility. Determining how many servers and shelves you are installing and how often the equipment will need to be serviced can help you decide whether a fixed or sliding shelf is ideal for your setup.

What are the weight requirements?

Before selecting a rack shelf, you need to consider the weight of the equipment that will be stored in your server rack. Rack shelves are designed with a maximum weight limit, so you need to select a shelf that is capable of supporting all your equipment. If you select a shelf that does not meet the weight requirements of your equipment, this can result in equipment damage. To avoid any accidental damages, you need to obtain the accurate weight capacity of each piece of equipment that will be placed onto a shelf.

What is a cantilever shelf?

What are fixed shelves used for?

What are sliding shelves used for?

Sliding shelves are used to service your equipment by sliding your shelf in and out of a rack. It will be easier to run new cables, troubleshoot issues, and prevent dust from accumulating. For companies that need to regularly work with their servers on a weekly or monthly basis, these sliding shelves provide easier access for individuals that need to examine, modify, or fix the hardware. However, sliding shelves are more expensive compared to fixed shelves. Based on how many servers and shelves that you plan on installing, the difference in cost could be substantial.

About RackSolutions

At RackSolutions, we want our passion for creative engineering and build quality to come across every time you work with our products. For 20 years, we’ve been building data center infrastructure for some of the largest tech companies in the world and bringing those products straight to consumers.

+ What U height should my shelf be?

Our shelves are listed by how much U space is needed to mount them. For instance, a 2U shelf would require 2 rack units to be free.

This doesn’t take into account the size of the equipment: a 5U server isn’t going to fit in 2U of space. Additionally, when you’re looking through product specifications, make sure to consider weight capacity as well.

+ What’s the difference between mounting depth and equipment depth?

Mounting depth refers to what sized rack the rail will fit inside. For example, a Light Duty Server Rack Shelf with a mounting depth range of 3” - 29.75” will fit inside of racks with 3” - 29.75” of space between the connection points on the uprights.

Equipment depth, on the other hand, describes what length equipment must be to fit on the rail. The same Light Duty Shelf can mount equipment up to 24” long.

+ Where can I find the weight capacity?

All of our shelves have static load capacity ratings on their product pages. You should always purchase a shelf with a weight capacity that meets or exceeds your needs.

The listed weight capacity takes into account when shelves are extended away from the rack in the worst case scenario.

+ Do I need a cable management arm?

Cable management arms are recommended on most sliding shelves because it helps manage cable slack when pulling the shelf in and out.

The arm allows users to route cables so that there is adequate slack for the shelf, no matter how far it extends.

+ What’s the easiest way to install cage nuts?

Before installing your server rails, we recommend picking up our Cage Nut Tool. Cage nuts are able to be installed without tools, but after putting in more than a few, it can be uncomfortable and potentially cut your hand.

+ Is all of the hardware I need included?

Most of our rails work with square, round and threaded hole racks. Because of this, we include hardware that is needed to mount the rails in any type of rack. Unless you are using our tool-less rails, all you will need is a phillips head screwdriver.