Rittal Corporation Optimizes Server Enclosure Line

URBANA, Ohio, Dec. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- "We've reviewed the most important features required of enclosures in today's high-density IT environments and begun incorporating them into our standard product line for 2012 and beyond," explains Tony Cooper, Senior Product Manager for IT Strategic Marketing at Rittal Corporation. "We're optimizing our enclosures to make the most dominant sizes and features available as the standard configuration. We're staying ahead of the curve by providing today what the market tells us it needs in the years ahead."

As the demand for higher density in IT environments continues to climb, maintaining unobstructed airflow will become an even more critical concern, according to Cooper. With higher density comes more heat and, in most cases, more cables. Being able to provide efficient cable management and heat dissipation will continue to be significant considerations in years to come, he concludes.

Incorporating new elements

While the lineup pulls together high-demand features, it also brings to light a selection of Rittal innovations.

• Split Rear Door Design — Rittal's standard enclosures come with split rear doors. Split doors provide a greater level of security as well as a cleaner look. "With split doors, a customer can use the same latch system and same key as they install in the front," points out Cooper, "which gives them a variety of handle options including a popular selection with a built-in combination lock."

Added security and strength is also provided by a new two-point contact system on both the top and bottom of the doors.

• L-shaped Hinge System — An ergonomically-designed L-shaped hinge system replaces the more "industrial look" hinges of previous models, making installation and maintenance virtually a tool-less process. The new hinges are installed on both front and back doors.
• High-density Roof — A unique roof design has been created to accommodate the latest in high-density IT component demands. Now, 600-wide enclosures feature twice as many access holes for cable routing — eight in the new roof — while 700- and 800-wide enclosures have eight holes and rectangular openings on both outer edges for easier cable management. "The openings on the edges are particularly important in large networking applications," explains Cooper, "and there are brush strips at these openings to maintain the integrity of the enclosure when it comes to the loss of heat into the room.

"Working in Zero U space allows managing cables at the side of the components with fewer bends in the cables," Cooper adds. "And, everything works with Rittal's standard overhead cable management system."

Accessories to complete the picture

While the next generation of enclosures adds standard features, there are additional accessories available to further enhance data center efficiency.

• Split Sidewall Design — A two-piece sidewall design, top and bottom, makes installation and maintenance easier and more efficient. Units can be locked in place for added security – using the same key as the enclosure's front and rear door latches.
• Casters — Standard casters include individual wheels on each corner. These new casters are mounted to a plate so there's one for the front and one for the rear of the unit – mounting two casters on each plate. One features fixed wheels while the other features swivel casters. The units are interchangeable so a user can decide if the swivel wheels are mounted on front or back. The plate also helps to baffle airflow at the base of the cabinet.
• Metal Baffles — Special metal baffles are available for these enclosures to allow enhanced airflow management between the frame and rails. Air that passes between frame and rails does nothing to cool the equipment; baffles force air into the equipment area for more efficient cooling.
• Cable Management — A variety of cable management accessories from a cable trough to a specially-designed wall in the back – with preformed holes and PDU brackets installed – are available for additional accessory deployment.

Deliverable stock of the 600-wide enclosures is expected to be ready by November 1, 2011 with stock of the 700- and 800-wide units available just a bit later. As inventory of the new models builds, stock of current models will be replaced — after January 1, 2012, the current models will only be available by special order.

A detailed review of the new cabinets can be found at www.rittal-corp.com along with a new Enclosures Guide.

About Rittal Corporation

The Rittal Corporation, Urbana, Ohio, is the U.S. subsidiary of Rittal GmbH & Co. KG and manufactures the world's leading industrial and IT enclosures, racks and accessories, including climate control and power management systems for industrial, data center, outdoor and hybrid applications. Rittal's off-the-shelf standard, modified standard and custom-engineered products are recognized throughout the world as innovative, high quality solutions for practically any industrial or IT infrastructure application — from single enclosures to comprehensive, mission critical systems.

SOURCE Rittal Corporation