Choosing the right rack enclosure is about more than just finding a box that fits; it’s about managing G-force, thermal load, and workflow efficiency. This guide breaks down the technical specs of our professional rack systems.
1. Understanding the "U" Standard
The "U" (Rack Unit) is the universal measurement for vertical space in a 19-inch rack.
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1U = 44.45mm (1.75 inches) in height.
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Width: All our racks follow the EIA-310 standard, providing a 19" (482.6mm) mounting width.
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Depth: We offer three standard depths:
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Shallow (300-400mm): Ideal for networking switches and audio interfaces.
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Standard (450-550mm): The "sweet spot" for most broadcast and medical gear.
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Deep (600mm+): Required for high-performance servers and PPU power units.
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2. Which Protection Level Do You Need?
| Feature | Standard Rack | Foam-Sleeved | Shock-Mount Rack |
| Mounting | Rigidly fixed to the outer case. | Inner sleeve encased in high-density foam. | Inner steel/alloy frame on elastomeric mounts. |
| Best For | Non-fragile gear (cables, patch panels). | Semi-sensitive gear (amplifiers, medical monitors). | High-value electronics (servers, 4K mixers). |
| Vibration | Direct transfer. | Moderate dampening. | Full isolation (multi-axis protection). |
| Cooling | Standard. | Restricted (needs vents). | Maximum (360° "Sway Space" airflow). |
3. Thermal Management & "Sway Space"
Heat is the #1 killer of electronics in the field. Our Shock-Mount cases provide a 25mm to 50mm "Sway Space" between the inner frame and the outer shell.
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Passive Cooling: This gap allows hot air to rise and circulate out of the case even with the doors closed.
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Active Cooling: For high-density PPU builds, we integrate 1U Fan Trays (Axial or Centrifugal) to force air across the hottest components.
4. Payload Calibration
Not all shock mounts are equal. We calibrate the Durometer (hardness) of our elastomeric mounts based on your rack's total weight:
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Standard Payload: 18kg – 68kg (Typical for broadcast kits).
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Heavy-Duty Payload: 70kg – 135kg+ (Required for UPS systems and large server arrays).
Pro Tip: Never under-load a shock rack. If the gear is too light for the mounts, it won't "float" properly and could actually bounce more.
5. What Defines a "PPU" (Portable Production Unit)?
A PPU is more than a rack—it is a mobile workstation. Our PPU builds include:
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Integrated Monitor Mounts: Gas-strut or folding VESA mounts built into the lids.
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Patch Panels: Pre-punched rear rails for XLR, BNC, and Fiber terminations.
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Power Distribution: Integrated PDU strips with surge protection.
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Technician Drawers: Heavy-duty runners for keyboards, controllers, and toolkits.
Not sure which rack you need? Talk to a Technical Engineer 01858464878
