How tall can a server rack be?

Server racks come in many different sizes. Some are as short as a 4U Desktop Rack and might only be 9″ tall. Others found in data centers may be as tall as 8 or 9 feet and allow for as much as 55U of equipment space. In many data center environments, rack space becomes important, as the need to rack more equipment such as servers, storage devices, network switches and PDUs is part of the daily challenge. In many instances, limited square footage can present a problem. So what do you do when you run out of floor space for additional server racks? You could go vertical. Why not consider replacing traditional size, server racks with taller server racks that accommodate more equipment without the need for additional floor space? The most common rack heights found in data centers are typically around the 42U to 44U range. By the way, one “U” or “RU” space is 1.75″ tall. So, by replacing a 42U with a 55U, you gain 13U (22.75″), or 30% more rack space. In cases where hundreds of racks or more are in use, that translates into lots of extra equipment space.
50U Open Frame Racks may be bayed together with two, 55U Racks, for example. All four server racks may be equipped with top Air dams, and the rack on each end also may have a side Air Dam installed. Air Dams act like an eave on top of the rack, sticking out 5″ – 10″. The side dams also protrude out 5″ – 10″.  Air Dams are used in tandem with floor grates to improve air containment. These racks may also have optional, side panels for enclosing the two ends of the bay of racks.

On the flip side
The front of a server rack loaded with equipment looks cool, but the back of the rack is where things can get a little hairy, and organization is key to keeping your sanity. That’s why it’s important that a rack have vertical cable bar options, a place to mount vertical PDUs and in some cases, LAN and Power assemblies for network switch ports, etc.
See Open Frame, 55U Racks for sale.