Correct Forum? - Network Rack Suggestions

[iamwiz82]

So network racks could fit in a few different forums, so I choose you, pikachu!

Anyways, the problem is that we have 3 network racks that all have many years worth of cable that have been routed through the holes built into the top. Well we really want/need to upgrade the cabinets now and we want to find a cab that doesn't have a solid top. Maybe something slotted so we slide the bundle of wires into it. I really don't want to have to get cable guys to reterminate 700-800 drops :/

So what I am looking for would look like this from the top:
_______
|__......|
.__|.....|
|._____|

Where the slot on the side is the back.

Am I suffering from wishful thinking?

 

[kevnich2]

Check out the Dell racks, they have four holes that you can pop out on the very top for routing cables into it. Very nice. We picked up a few of these on one of my last jobs, very sturdy and has quite a few options for things.

 

[iamwiz82]

Hmm... The PowerEdge 4220 does include a removable tail bar. This may work. A little pricey, though

 

[imagoon]

What we do as a tech company... break out the 4-6 inch hole saw, punch a hole through it and install a gasket. Makes it look like it is supposed to be there when done.

Also can look at Chadsworth products. Most of their racks are like erector sets so you can buy the frame / doors / top and base you want and get it shipped built.

 

[iamwiz82]

Oh the hole isn't the problem, it's moving the cables and the panel in one unit, rather than pulling everything off and reterminating. I'd like a cabinet that let me slide the entire panel in with all the cables attached, so the back of the top would be notched for the bundle, rather than removing all the cables and reterminating.

 

[cmetz]

I think that Chatsworth makes a kit that lets you make a cabinet out of a rack, take a look at that.

 

[kevnich2]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
Oh the hole isn't the problem, it's moving the cables and the panel in one unit, rather than pulling everything off and reterminating. I'd like a cabinet that let me slide the entire panel in with all the cables attached, so the back of the top would be notched for the bundle, rather than removing all the cables and reterminating.

Why not just go with a telco rack (non-enclosed with only 2 posts on the side) for the patch panels and then use patch cables from the telco rack to the switching rack? I know what your getting at though but I don't think there are any enclosed racks that will suit that other than telco racks, which were actually designed just to house patch panels and the like. It'd definitely work for 700-800 drops.

 

[netsysadmin]

Most of the Dell racks I have worked with have a top panel that comes off. It would take much to pop the top panel and cut a slot to one of the cable holes. That would allow you to drop in your patch panel and then bolt the top panel back down.

John

 

[kevnich2]

Originally posted by: netsysadmin
Most of the Dell racks I have worked with have a top panel that comes off. It would take much to pop the top panel and cut a slot to one of the cable holes. That would allow you to drop in your patch panel and then bolt the top panel back down.

John

I didn't know the dell rack tops actually came off, then yeah that would work for what the OP wants, just cut out a small area for the cables to slide into and presto

 

[iamwiz82]

The Poweredge 4220 actuall has exactly what I want. The rear rail removes on the top so you can put a bundle through. My Dell rep just sent me the pics. Woohoo

 

[kevnich2]

I know our company account got us like 50% off what Dell had on their public website for those racks, wasn't too expensive at all I thought