Rack rails and heavy components?

Archived from groups: rec.audio.high-end (More info?)

Stu Alden wrote:
> I have a pair of Middle Atlantic rack rails mounted in a wall between
> two studs, with full access (in a closet) behind. Some items that I'm
> mounting in the rack will be fine with just the front attachment points,
> but other items (heavy things, or items needing more stability) will
> probably need a rear attachment.
>
> I don't see anything manufactured to handle this, nor does the issue
> appear to be discussed in any of the product literature I've seen. I'm
> guessing I need to rig up some braces (maybe out of wood), probably on
> both sides of the components.
>
> Does anyone have any experience with this situation and any
> recommendations for me (e.g., how far back and how far apart these wood
> braces should be)? Thanks.

It sounds like you're going to have to custom fabricate your own
solution. You can get all the parts you need at www.partsexpress.com.
Click on "Pro Sound" in the left hand column. At that page, you'll
see on the right all kinds of stuff for rack mounting.

What you'll probably want are some short rack rails, and rack ears.
Attach the rack ears to the rear of your heavy item, and then attach
it to the rack rails, which in turn will likely be attached to the
added wood studs you'll have built into your closet.

Essentially what you're creating is a four point rack mount. I hope you
don't expect to be pulling this equipment out very often.

Good luck,

Russ

Archived from groups: rec.audio.high-end (More info?)

On 2004-12-28, Stu Alden <rahe@stu.aldenmail.com> wrote:
> I have a pair of Middle Atlantic rack rails mounted in a wall between
> two studs, with full access (in a closet) behind. Some items that I'm
> mounting in the rack will be fine with just the front attachment points,
> but other items (heavy things, or items needing more stability) will
> probably need a rear attachment.
>
> I don't see anything manufactured to handle this, nor does the issue
> appear to be discussed in any of the product literature I've seen. I'm
> guessing I need to rig up some braces (maybe out of wood), probably on
> both sides of the components.
>
> Does anyone have any experience with this situation and any
> recommendations for me (e.g., how far back and how far apart these wood
> braces should be)? Thanks.

The audio professional's 19" rack derives from the standards used in the
telephony business, and later adopted by the data business. The
front-rails-only design is actually a degenerate case; most equipment
racks have four rails, two on each side, so that you can mount:

- shelves
- sliding horizontal rails for equipment
- heavy equipment bolted to all four rails

If this is a long term installation, you should get another pair of
rails, mount them behind, and attach standard shelves for heavy
equipment that isn't ready for four-way attachment. A quick Google on
"19 inch rack specs" ought to help. I'm sure Middle Atlantic would
be happy to sell you more rails, as well.

-dsr-

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