Whenever possible, these cabinets are placed in technical rooms or clean, secure spaces dedicated to managing company communications networks, accessible only to authorized service personnel. However, during renovations or modifications, these types of enclosures, which improve operating and safety conditions, are often unavailable. In these cases, the rack is installed in the work environment itself, which can cause some inconvenience and problems.
The first problem is security, as it allows easy access to communication devices and equipment for anyone. This can be easily resolved with various types of locks: key locks, combination locks, electronic fingerprint locks, etc.
Another, more difficult problem to solve is the noise generated by the equipment. On the one hand, the servers, UPS systems, and communications equipment inside the building generate noise at varying levels and frequencies, depending on the model and manufacturer. These levels can easily reach between 60 and 75 dB at 1 meter, making it very uncomfortable to work in this noisy environment. It is uncommon for the technicians who choose the equipment or servers to consider the noise level they generate. This is a crucial parameter that is rarely taken into account.
When considering soundproofing, a holistic approach is essential, taking into account not only the reduction of transmitted noise but also the need to maintain the appropriate temperature for proper equipment operation. Servers and electronic equipment housed in racks dissipate heat and require devices to extract this heat generated inside the cabinet. It is important to know the thermal load that needs to be dissipated.
The most common way to remove this heat is to equip 19” rack cabinets with exhaust fans, usually thermostat-controlled, installed at the top of the rack, where heat is concentrated by convection. Naturally, these fans, which refresh the internal air and prevent heat buildup at the hot spots of the CPUs and power supplies, also generate a noise level that sometimes exceeds 50 dB and can be bothersome to personnel working near the equipment.
Using low-noise exhaust fans, below 30 dB, reduces the discomfort caused by hot air extraction, although it doesn't eliminate it entirely. To extract and renew the internal air, sufficient openings for air intake are required at the bottom of the rack (usually cooler). These openings also transmit internal noise to the outside of the rack.
In many cases, the heat generated cannot be evacuated simply using extractors and the use of Peltier air conditioning equipment is required, generally available for powers up to 500 W or specific air conditioning equipment that can offer cooling powers from 300 to 5,000 W.
Unfortunately, these units have a very high noise level, generally between 55 and 68 dB, making them unsuitable for office work environments. In these cases, it is necessary to dissipate the heat from the rack using 19” split air conditioners with external compressors or water chillers.
Naturally, the noise level of a group of people working takes on different values depending on the type of conditioning, the sound insulation of the premises, and the activity of the staff, varying between 50 and 65 dB and potentially affecting performance and occupational health if it exceeds 60 dB.
Advantages and applications
Naturally, when trying to eliminate these negative effects, it is impossible to reduce to zero the acoustic level generated by the equipment contained in the rack; but what is possible is to obtain a reduction of its effects to a minimum by using soundproof racks.
These 19” rack cabinets are specifically designed to reduce the transmission of noise generated inside to the outside, using specific construction techniques, absorbent materials and acoustic insulators.
Their aesthetics, finishes and design allow them to integrate easily into modern offices, appearing as just another piece of office furniture.
Using these techniques, reductions in the acoustic level transmitted to the outside of up to 18-20 dB at 1 meter can be achieved, depending on the main acoustic frequencies of the noisy equipment.
19” soundproof rack cabinets are especially suitable for medical offices, courts, bank branches, meeting rooms, management offices, etc. and administrative premises in general with low noise levels.
With years of experience, OPENETICS manufactures and markets 19” soundproof rack cabinets that are easily integrated into office environments, allowing for improved equipment installation in the work environment while facilitating network management and improving workplace health.
