Assembling a
rack system
is so much more than just slapping some parts
together! Whether you're building one for your
office or home theater, CableOrganizer.com
would like to let you in on some helpful steps
to take before you start. A little planning
can go a long way, so be sure to cover all the
bases … if you do, your
rack
installation project is sure to go off without
a hitch!
STEP 1
Before you start, take an inventory of your
equipment.
Don't focus only on the equipment that you're
rack mounting
right now. Take into consideration any
components that you may decide to add in the
future, and make space allowances for them.
STEP 2
Be well supplied.
Save as much installation time as possible by
being over-prepared with small-but-essential
supplies like rack screws, washers, and cage
nuts. Thinking of little things like this
beforehand will keep you from having to bring
your project to a halt until you can restock.
STEP 3
Map things out in advance.
Drawing a diagram of your
rack system
and the components to be mounted in it will
help you decide on the best configuration for
your network or home theater equipment within
the rack space.
STEP 4
Don't be afraid to consult a professional.
If you're inexperienced at installing
electronics into custom
enclosures,
get advice from a carpenter, a contractor,
or an electrician. Asking questions now can
prevent you from making expensive mistakes in
the future!
STEP 5
Make sure that you have the right tools on
hand.
Your project will be much easier to complete
if you collect all the tools that you'll need
ahead of time. While there is a chance that
you'll discover that your particular
application calls for additional supplies, a
good base of tools to start with should
include a tape measure, a pencil, a hammer, a
flashlight, both
Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, and a level.
STEP 6
Measure first.
Please, for the love of rack mounting, use the
tape measure we suggested earlier and make
sure that you're allowing enough room for your
equipment … before you bolt in all of
the
shelves!
Take this precaution, and the hair that you
won't have to rip out in frustration will
thank you for it.
STEP 7
Get a friend involved in the project.
Having another person around to help you with
heavy lifting and other tricky tasks is always
a good idea. Not only will you be in good
company, you'll also be preventing that
valuable rack-mounted equipment -- and
yourself -- from being damaged!
STEP 8
Get a grip …
on your electronic equipment, that is. To keep
your network or home theater components in
place once they're housed in a rack, think
about securing them to the
shelves
with some
Velcro® acrylic-based adhesive hook and loop tape.
This way, they can be moved … but
only when you say so.
STEP 9
Keep your cool.
Thermal management is not something to be
taken lightly, especially if your equipment
will be running in a tight space. Networking
and home theater components can generate a lot
of heat, and it's important for your equipment
to continuously be kept be kept cool by
rack-mount fans,
vented enclosure panels
or ventilation units. Check out our full line
of
thermal management
solutions at CableOrganizer.com.
STEP 10
Give yourself some space, of the storage variety. If you find yourself
with extra rack space on your hands, consider
installing a
rack-mount drawer, like the ones available from Middle Atlantic.
Drawers
can be a perfect close-at-hand storage solution
for CDs, DVDs and spare hardware.