Routing cables in a server rack

[Maxxarcade]

I have a bit of a problem with cable management in my rack. The switch has the ports on the front, but several of the ethernet cables come from the rear of the rack. The switch is currently mounted at the very top of the rack, and I can't decide how to run the cables. Either way I'll lose a rack space, and I don't know if I should just zip-tie the cables to the metal frame, either. Any advice on what to do? I really want to clean up the appearance as much as possible. I was thinking about a 1U patch bay, but I don't know if I can foot the cost right now.

Is there a web page anywhere that talks about how to use a rack properly, such as routing cables, and setting everything up so that servers can be pulled out on the sliding rails without ripping wires off the back or tangling?

[Maxxarcade]

Re: Routing cables in a server rack

Here's another problem...

Originally I had a 3 outlet extension cord going to the UPS's in the rack, but the plugs would arc intermittently and cause the UPS's to beep So I lopped the end off a nice new 12 Guage extension cord, and ran it to a dual outlet box. No more bad connections, but is it code to make extension cords like that?

I really need rackmount UPS's, but cost is the issue here. I got these for the cost of the batteries. The other cables will get tied up after I finish building the rack.

There are also two power strips visible on the other side of the rack. These will likely be gone after I get my new secuirty cameras and power them directly from the DVR server instead of 4 separate ac adaptors.

[willawake]

Re: Routing cables in a server rack

i would recommend to drop the switch down one rack unit and route the cables over it. You could loosely zip tie them together into one umbilical.

Then get some zip ties and periodically make loops vertically down the holes at the side of the vertical rack rails. Then you can pass your cables down the loops.

You can also run cables along the bottom sides of the cabinet or again put loops around those horizontal side frame pieces.

For servers on rails what i do is space out the servers with a 1u spacer and then make sure each server has a long enough "umbilical" which is the power, kvm, lan all zip tied together and then curled on top of the server below it.

I think it is important also to have the cables going into the UPS systems to be free and properly labelled. not so necessary in a home setup but at a company when you hear shrieks from down the corridor when you unplugged the wrong thing you will wish you labelled it.

There are many cable management companies which supply anything and everything for that. But most of it is not really necessary. I do think a patch panel is useful though.

you can read a bit about the panduit modular patch panel on my not very updated site http://www.techmati.com/articles/lan/index.htm

[Maxxarcade]

Re: Routing cables in a server rack

I think I'll lower the switch one space and use zip ties then. Only issue is when it comes time to add more cables, I don't want too many zip ties on the rack.

Don't they make a type of conduit that mounts on the rack rails and has a cover that snaps shut? I thought about just doing it right and getting some special stuff for rack cable management.

Laying the cables on top of the server below might not work so good for me, since if I pull out the one that has cables laying on it, I'll probably forget to move them before I shove the server back in

[willawake]

Re: Routing cables in a server rack

well you can use velcro cable ties then.

for cable management look to panduit or chatsworth . can find some stuff on ebay

[WNG]

Re: Routing cables in a server rack

The outlet box looks 'code', as long as you used a Romex anchor to secure the 12GA extension cord through the steel box.

[pentium]

Re: Routing cables in a server rack

The outlet box looks 'code', as long as you used a Romex anchor to secure the 12GA extension cord through the steel box.

I still feel weary about him using an extension cord. If the server is to stay in that spot I recommend you run a line of BX or romex from the current outlet and make an outlet closer to the rack. Then use a heavy grade cable between the new outlet and the rack. A twist-lock plug works great here.

Then again, I don't think you would want to do that much and I know the hell of drilling holes in concrete and making anchors stay in them.

Speaking of extension cords, in the first picture I can see an extension cord plugged in and leading off to something on the right.
That connection don't look code.

[Maxxarcade]

Re: Routing cables in a server rack

There is an anchor in the box.

As far as the cord going off to the right, that's not plugged into anything. It's the cord to the shop-vac that is being stored under the steps.

I had thought about a permanent romex wire install, but I do move the rack sometimes, and I don't really want to drill any more holes in my 100 year old poured foundation Which is why I went with a heavy 12 guage cord for just 3 or 4 servers. Also most of the wiring in my house is 12 guage romex. The scary part is the amount of junction boxes needed throughout the house because of the small 100 amp Wadsworth breaker box.

Even worse- in the first pic, look at the back wall of the basement, below where the breaker box is. You can see the 00 guage wires that go out to the garage, which used to be on the only 220 breaker in the box. We needed that breaker for the central air, so I temporarily plugged the garage into an outlet using a 16 guage extension cord At least it just runs a few flourescent lights. I'm hoping to install a new 200 amp Square D box this Summer.

[pentium]

Re: Routing cables in a server rack

I know how older homes have some odd wiring but you are nuts.
Also, how humid is that basement?

[Maxxarcade]

Re: Routing cables in a server rack

Humidity is kept at 50%. You can see the top of the 70 pint dehumidifier in the first pic. I recently bought a new one because the last one was old, and I couldn't get it to stay running very long. Cost me almost $300, but it's nice to have the digital controls and auto defrost.