How-To Install A Server Rack

If you've purchased a server rack for your workplace or home office, you are likely wondering how to install it.  Installing server rack solutions is not as difficult as it might seem at the outset of the project. Follow these directions for a quick and easy server rack installation. 

Begin by disassembling the bolt-on slide rails. In order to take the mounting brackets off of the bolt-on slide rail assemblies, you will need to take the slide rails out and find the lock toward the front.

Squeeze the tabs at the top and bottom of this lock while pulling the mounting bracket out from the slide rail until it reaches its stopping point. Then press the mounting release button toward the mounting bracket front. As you do this, you should take the mounting bracket off of the slide rail assembly. Repeat these steps for the other slide rail assembly. 

Installing The Mounting Brackets 

The next step is to install the mounting brackets on each side of the server. Place the mounting bracket next to the chassis. Make sure that the slide rail's lock is situated at the front of the server. The openings along the mounting bracket should be aligned with the chassis' locating pins. Let these pins protrude through the openings. Then pull the mounting bracket in the direction of the chassis' front until it locks in. Repeat this step with the other mounting bracket on the opposite side of the server. 

Attach The Rail Assemblies To The Rack 

Now you'll connect the slide rail assemblies and the rack. Place the slide rail assembly in the rack so that the brackets of the assembly are on the outer part of the front and back rack posts. Connect the slide rail assembly and the rack posts but take care to not tighten the screws all the way. Racks without threaded mounting holes will require caged nuts to the secure screws that are placed through the slide rail brackets and rack posts. You will not need caged nuts to secure racks without threaded mounting holes.  Repeat this step for the other slide rail assembly.  Then set the rail width with the spacer from the front. Tighten each bracket's screws and remove the spacer once the rails are connected to the rack. Repeat these steps for the side rail assembly at the back of the rack. If your rack has an anti-tip bar, extend it now. 

Connecting The Server And Side Rails 

It is now time to install the server into the side rails. Push the rails into the rail assemblies as far as they will go. Then raise the server in order for the mounting bracket rear ends to align with the side rail assemblies that are on top of the rack. Now insert the mounting brackets into the rails and push the rack so that the mounting brackets touch the rail stops. Push and hold the rail release buttons on both mounting brackets as you push the server right into the rack. You will know that you have pushed far enough when the slide rail locks connect with the rail assemblies. 

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