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Security Technology Executive
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Rack/Enclosure Purchasing Guide
Mark Tracy, the director of marketing for Middle Atlantic Products, a provider of rack and enclosure systems, recently sat down with Security Technology & Design magazine to discuss what end-users should be looking for in the typical rack/enclosure system. Here is what he had to say:The Latest from SIW
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ST&D: What options/features should an end-user be looking for in a rack system, and how does that differ from what an integrator/installer looks for?
Tracy : From an end-user's perspective, the rack systems' primary function is to house and protect the electronic components of the system. The end-user is always concerned about reliability, and is often interested in aesthetics, depending on the location of the system.
In order to ensure reliability and satisfy the client, the integrator must take many factors into account when designing and installing the enclosure system. Obviously, the rack must be tall enough and deep enough to accommodate the electronics, but a complete rack system must provide four essentials:
* Structural and aesthetic considerations: Is seismic or other certification required? The rack must be agency compliant where required (seismic, UL, etc.), and must provide the proper structural support for the equipment (weight capacity, rear support provisions, etc). It must also integrate aesthetically into the environment in which it is installed, whether that's a lobby or an equipment room. And do not forget to leave room for expansion.
* Thermal management: Does the rack provide adequate ventilation for the installed equipment? Today's NVRs and DVRs generate more heat than ever, and designing proper cooling into the enclosure is critical. Many integrators will additionally provide total waste heat information in BTU's to the HVAC contractor for system balancing – to ensure the ambient temperature of the room is adequate.
* Cable management: How will signal and power cables enter the rack, and how will the installer keep it organized inside? Sophisticated security systems include many different types of wire and interconnect cables, each of which has different cable management requirements. The rack system must include multiple options for cable entry: top, bottom or rear, depending on the building wiring. Proper internal management of cables is critical to system performance, and essential for effective troubleshooting and for changes or additions.
* Power distribution: How many circuits and what type of power is required? Electrical power distribution and control is best provided by the rack manufacturer, and integrated into the rack design. Although most components may not draw large amounts of current, many units have redundant power supplies that require multiple circuits, require remote switching and notification, or simply require strategically placed outlets to minimize power cable management. In all cases, power distribution must be as space-efficient as possible.
