Installation Guide for Standard 19-Inch Racks in Digital Conference Systems
Planning and Preparation Before Installation
Space and Environmental Assessment
Before installing a 19-inch rack for a digital conference system, it is crucial to assess the installation space thoroughly. Measure the length, width, and height of the designated area to ensure that the rack can be placed with sufficient clearance. For optimal airflow and maintenance access, leave at least 800mm of space at the front and 500mm at the sides of the rack. If a cold-aisle and hot-aisle design is adopted, align the rack's orientation to ensure that cold air enters from the front and hot air exits from the back, preventing airflow short-circuits between devices.
Temperature and humidity control are also vital factors. The ideal operating temperature range for digital conference equipment is typically between 18°C and 25°C, with a relative humidity of 40% to 60%. In humid environments, consider installing dehumidifiers to prevent moisture-related issues. For areas with high dust levels, incorporate new air filtration systems to maintain clean air quality. In high-temperature settings, deploy air conditioning units with a cooling capacity calculated based on 1.2 times the total power consumption of the equipment.
Power and Grounding Requirements
Check the power supply capacity of the installation location to ensure it can meet the demands of the digital conference system. Reserve at least 30% redundancy in the power circuit capacity to accommodate future expansions or unexpected power surges. The grounding resistance should be less than 4Ω, and the grounding cable cross-sectional area should be at least 6mm². Each rack must have a dedicated grounding connection to avoid interference caused by shared grounding with other devices.
Rack Installation Process
Rack Positioning and Fixing
When moving the rack to its designated position, use appropriate equipment such as forklifts or hydraulic trolleys, depending on the rack's weight. Ensure that the rack is moved slowly and steadily to prevent tipping or damage. Once in place, adjust the rack's levelness using a spirit level placed on the top surface of the rack in two perpendicular directions. Use the adjustable feet at the bottom of the rack to level it, ensuring that the feet are in full contact with the ground for stability. After leveling, tighten the locking nuts on the adjustable feet to secure the rack in place.
If the rack needs to be fixed to the ground, mark the drilling points on the floor according to the mounting holes at the bottom of the rack. Use an impact drill to create holes, insert expansion tubes, and then secure the rack to the ground using expansion bolts. For raised floors, install a fixed base under the rack or penetrate the floor to connect to the ground. When multiple racks are installed side by side, use the connecting holes on the sides of the racks and special connecting plates or screws to firmly connect adjacent racks, enhancing overall stability.
Internal Structure Installation
Based on the equipment installation requirements and rack configuration, install the internal structural components. First, confirm the installation positions of the square hole strips or mounting posts. Some square hole strips have adjustable heights, so adjust them to the planned height and fix them in place. Then, install the horizontal mounting beams or equipment trays according to the depth of the equipment and the installation method. Ensure that these components are installed securely and level to provide a stable support for the equipment.
Next, install the Power Distribution Unit (PDU). Fix the PDU in a suitable position inside the rack, usually at the top, bottom, or side posts. Ensure that the plug and socket directions of the PDU are convenient for equipment connection and do not interfere with the installation and operation of other equipment. The PDU should be installed firmly, and its input cable should have an appropriate length and be properly organized.
Equipment Installation and Cable Management
Equipment Placement Planning
Before installing the equipment in the rack, plan the installation positions of each device based on factors such as the equipment's height (in U units), weight, heat generation, and ease of operation and maintenance. Follow the principles of "heavy at the bottom, light at the top" and, depending on the air supply method of the air conditioning system (downward supply for underfloor air distribution or upward supply for overhead air distribution), arrange the equipment accordingly to optimize heat dissipation. Also, consider Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) isolation requirements to prevent interference between devices. Draw a detailed equipment installation distribution diagram to guide the actual installation process.
Equipment Installation Steps
For equipment that requires slide rails, first fix the slide rails to the square hole strips in the rack according to the equipment's depth and installation position requirements. Ensure that the slide rails are installed firmly, level, and can slide smoothly. For equipment installed on trays, place the equipment steadily on the tray and secure it appropriately.
When installing the equipment, it is advisable to have two or more people collaborate. Lift the equipment steadily, align it with the slide rails or trays, and slowly push it into the rack. Then, use screws (usually rack screws or those provided with the equipment) to firmly connect the equipment to the square hole strips in the rack or the slide rails. Ensure that the screws are tightened to prevent the equipment from loosening. During the installation process, protect the equipment panels and interfaces to avoid scratches or damage.
Cable Pre-connection and Organization
After the equipment is installed in the rack, perform preliminary connections of power cables and signal cables. Pay attention to the routing of the cables to avoid cross. Use cable management tools such as cable trays and cable ties to organize the cables initially, keeping the interior of the rack tidy. When connecting the cables, ensure that the power cables and signal cables are separated by a distance of at least 30mm to reduce electromagnetic interference. If possible, use separate cable channels for optical fibers and copper cables. Label each cable clearly at both ends, indicating the equipment name, port, and purpose (e.g., "Switch A - GE1/0/1 - Server B") to facilitate future maintenance and troubleshooting.