What is the function of an open rack?

Open Rack is critical infrastructure in scenarios such as data centers and industrial control systems. Its design eschews the closed structure of traditional cabinets and instead facilitates equipment deployment through an open framework.

1. Functions of Open Rack

Efficient Heat Dissipation

With no side panels or doors blocking the airflow, it creates a natural airflow path, ideal for cooling high-power equipment (such as servers and switches), reducing temperatures by 5-10°C compared to closed cabinets.

It supports vertical and horizontal airflow management and can be used with hot and cold aisle isolation solutions.

Fast Deployment and Maintenance

The fully open front and rear panels allow for the installation or replacement of equipment (such as GPU servers and industrial control modules) without disassembling the structure, reducing maintenance time by over 30%.

It supports "blind plug-in" operation, making it ideal for scenarios requiring frequent hardware adjustments.

Space and Cost Optimization

Eliminating the metal casing reduces weight by 40%-60%, reducing shipping and installation costs.

It allows for the installation of non-standard equipment (such as extra-long industrial control boards), offering superior compatibility compared to closed cabinets.

Visual Monitoring

Device status and cable layout are clearly displayed, allowing for quick location of faults (such as LED warning lights and overheating components).

Infrared thermal imaging cameras are supported for direct scanning, eliminating the need to open cabinet doors.

2. Precautions for using open racks

Physical Environment Management

Space Layout

Maintain at least 1.2 meters of clearance in front and behind to ensure unimpeded airflow (hot aisles must be equipped with exhaust systems).

Do not stack items on top of racks (this may affect heat dissipation and cause equipment damage).

Temperature and Humidity Control

Recommended ambient temperature: 18-27°C, humidity: 40-60%.

Deploy temperature and humidity sensors in each rack (threshold alarms trigger air conditioning).

Dust Control Measures

Clean equipment surfaces monthly (using an anti-static vacuum cleaner).

In high-dust environments, install dust screens (which require regular cleaning to prevent air duct blockage).

Equipment Installation Specifications

Load Distribution

Place heavy equipment (such as storage arrays) on the lower level, and light equipment (such as switches) on the upper level. Load capacity per U rack should not exceed 15 kg (GPU servers, for example, require support rails).

Cable Management

Route power and data cables on separate sides (power on the left, communications on the right). Use removable cable management arms. Cable bend radius > 5 times the cable diameter.

Safety Spacing

Retain 1U of cooling space between equipment (2U between high-heat-generating equipment).

High-voltage equipment (such as 480V PDU) with transparent insulating baffle.

3. Key Operation and Maintenance Points

Daily Inspections

Weekly visually inspect loose components (focus on bolts and quick-release fasteners)

Scan equipment surfaces with an infrared thermometer (inspect if temperature difference >10°C)

Fault Emergency Response

Equipment smoke/sparks: Immediately disconnect the PDU power supply and use a CO₂ fire extinguisher.

Network device downtime: Prioritize checking the cooling fan status (fan failure rates are higher in open environments).

Upgrades and Expansions

Wear an anti-static wrist strap (ESD protection level ≥1kV) when working with power lines.

Measure the rack's residual current before adding equipment (no more than 80% of the PDU's rated current).