There are weight and heat output issues to consider when rack mounting a UPS system and the best position is in the base or lower middle section of the server rack. At height in an otherwise empty server rack there is an issue of the rack becoming top-heavy. Heat also rises and the UPS system will output some heat internal to the server rack. It is also important to ensure the batteries are within a 20-25˚C ambient to prevent them being damaged by excessive heat; this will degrade their working life.
Rackmount UPS Systems
Rackmount uninterruptible power supplies include single-phase server rack UPS systems from 500VA upwards and supplied ready for installation into a server rack or 19inch cabinet. The batteries may be internal or supplied in a rackmount battery tray. Long battery runtimes may require additional trays or floor standing battery cabinets. Other options available from Server Room Environments include: automatic transfer switches, rack mount maintenance bypass switches, remote monitoring connectivity and power distribution units. (PDUs)
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Find Out More About our Rack Mount UPS Systems
Server Room Environments supplies server racks and cabinets along with a complete range of accessories for rack-mountable UPS systems. These include:
- Rackmount battery extension trays to provide longer battery runtimes
- Rackmount UPS maintenance bypass switches
- Automatic transfer switches
- UPS SNMP cards for network monitoring
- A wide range of server rack cabinets and single and three-phase PDUs
Custom Rack Mount Server UPS Systems
If you are looking for a ruggedized or custom solution, please contact us. Our project management team provides a complete bespoke design and build service. We can provide high IP-rated cabinets, industrialized and ruggedized rackmount systems, as well as cabinets manufactured to specific drawings and with special paint finishes.
Rack Mount UPS Sizing
Rackmount systems have three important form factor dimensions to consider when sizing for a rack cabinet: width, depth, and height.
Server Rack Cabinet Widths
The standard width for a rack cabinet is 19 or 23 inches. If the system to be installed is less than this width, it may be necessary to either:
- Install the system on a pre-fitted shelf
- Attach a front plate to the system (if available) that allows it to be bolted to the vertical struts
Most rack mount systems are supplied with sliding rails. These rails are attached to both the rackmount system and the server rack cabinet, allowing the system to be pulled out of the rack for easy maintenance and inspection. Ensure the slide-out rails are strong enough to support the system’s weight. If not, a shelf should be used.
When installing any system into a rack cabinet, follow manual handling procedures and health & safety guidelines. Cabinets should have the heaviest items in their lower sections to prevent toppling, and lifting tables may be required to position larger rackmount UPS and battery trays.
Rack Depth
Each server cabinet has an internal depth (measured front to back). When selecting a rack mount UPS system, ensure the UPS depth fits inside the server rack, including any rear-connected plug-in sockets or cable termination blocks.
Rack UPS Height
Server rack cabinet height is measured in U (where 1U = 44.45mm). Each rackmount UPS or other system has a U height defined by its dimensions. The U-height dimension allows system designers to specify the right-sized rackmount cabinet for the systems to be installed and to identify the positions for blanking plates, which can help with air conditioning airflow and improve energy efficiency.
Rackmount UPS Battery Packs
With a rack mount UPS, the batteries will either be internal to the UPS or supplied in a separate battery pack. The battery pack connects to the rack UPS using a DC-DC cable and will be either 19-inch rack mount or floor standing, depending on its size. Each battery pack will also use up U-height when installed within the rack. For some rack mount UPS, the internal batteries are user replaceable. The UPS may have an internal power bypass for maintenance; if not, a rack mount UPS maintenance bypass is recommended. This allows the rack UPS to be isolated for maintenance without disrupting the connected servers and IT loads.
Rackmount Power Distribution
Rack UPS up to 3kVA will have output sockets on the rear to connect IT loads directly or power distribution units (PDUs). Larger UPS from 4kVA upwards will be hardwired (input and outputs) but may also include rear panel IEC320 C13 and C19 outlets for local loads. Load connection is typically via a hardwired PDU.
Rack UPS Brands
Server Room Environments supplies a wide range of UPS and can source other leading brands through its supply chain. Our range includes APC by Schneider, CertaUPS, Eaton, Riello, Tecnoware, Tripp Lite and Vertiv. For more information on our rackmount UPS or to discuss a site survey or on-site power installation, please contact our projects team.
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