Industrial / Manufacturing Plant Challenges
Unlike a standard environment for networking equipment, manufacturing plants and warehouses face the unique challenge of dirt, dust, and debris particles.
Services
Oil & Gas
When these particles enter servers or networking equipment they can cause a great deal of damage. If the networking equipment produces additional heat it can be an even greater challenge to provide protection against foreign elements while still properly cooling the equipment.
Utilities
Particles are not the only threat, this equipment is typically located in an open area making security an additional concern. Keeping the networking gear in an open area also requires a consideration for safety as a steel cabinet in a heavy foot traffic could be a hazard.
NEMA Enclosures
The best way to prevent unwanted debris from collecting in your rack or equipment is by mounting the gear in a NEMA Wall Mount or Free Standing Enclosure. While there are various types of NEMA enclosures, the most common solution required is the NEMA Type 12 Enclosures which are sealed at all edges to provide a higher level of protection against dust, dirt, non-corrosive liquids, and rust, most of which can be found in a warehouse or manufacturing plant.
These enclosures are available in sizes ranging from as small as a 7u to as big as a 45u. Need smaller of larger? We have relationships to meet any standard you need. For hot running equipment a Self-Contained Air-Conditioned Server Rack (Built to NEMA Standards) will produce sufficient cooling while still protecting against hazardous particles. These custom racks should be tailored exactly to your equipment heat load for efficient cooling. We’ve designed these for 100s of customers and can help walk you through the process.
Solutions
Adding additional fans to your wall mount enclosure may be necessary for cooling, but it’s best to utilize Fan Filters in combination with your fan panels to prevent pulling in particles.
HotLok Rack Grommets
HotLok Rack Grommets at your cable entry points will also restrict dust from entering the cabinet. These grommets utilize a hybrid brush technology along with a membrane support structure for an industry best sealing capacity. HotLok Grommets will also last significantly longer than the competition as the membrane support prevents sagging bristles.
LED Lighting
Lighting in warehouses and manufacturing plants is typically not adequate for viewing equipment. Adding the Rackmount LED RM Light provides two adjustable goose-neck lights to brighten specific areas around and inside the rack.
