Rack accessories are the parts that fill, organise and connect a 19-inch rack: shelves, patch panels, cable management, power distribution and mounting hardware, alongside cables and connectors. They suit home lab owners, small offices and IT installers. Leading brands in our range include Rittal, Goobay, EFB and Digitus.
How to choose rack accessories
Width and height in U. Most rack equipment follows the 19-inch standard, and height is counted in rack units (1U is 44.45 mm). Add up the U of everything you plan to mount, then leave a few spare units for later additions.
Depth and load. Check the usable depth of your rack before buying shelves or rails, because deep servers and switches can collide with cables at the back. A shelf for a heavy UPS or a tower server needs a clearly stated load rating, so compare that figure rather than the look of the shelf.
Mounting system. Many racks use square holes with cage nuts, while others use threaded holes. Make sure the screws, nuts and rails you choose match your rack, and note whether an accessory mounts at the front only or on both front and rear posts.
Cabling and ports. A patch panel should match your cable category and port count, and cables should suit the connector type on your equipment. Tidy cable routing with brushes, rings or cable arms also keeps air moving and makes later changes quicker.
Power and airflow. Rack power strips differ in socket count, socket type and whether they are switched or have surge protection. If the rack is in a closed cabinet or a warm room, plan for fans or ventilated panels so equipment does not overheat.
Brands we carry in rack accessories
- Rittal: a German enclosure manufacturer, widely known for server racks, cabinets and the accessories made to fit them.
- Goobay: a cable and connector brand, offering a large number of leads and adapters for connecting equipment inside and outside the rack.
- EFB: a German supplier of structured cabling, with patch cables, panels and installation components.
- Digitus: known for network cabling and 19-inch rack components, from patch panels to shelves.
- Intellinet and Equip: network-focused brands covering racks, cabling and connectivity products for small and medium installations.
- Inter-Tech: known for PC cases and 19-inch rackmount server chassis.
- One For All: a brand better known for TV wall mounts and universal remote controls.
- Samsung and LG Electronics: major makers of displays and TVs, so check the product title to see exactly what each item is.
Also in our range: Rackmount and Good Connections.
Rack accessories FAQ
What does 1U mean in a server rack?
1U is one rack unit, a standard height of 44.45 mm. Rack equipment and accessories are measured in whole units, so a 2U shelf takes twice the vertical space of a 1U patch panel. Counting the total U you need is the first step when planning a rack.
Will rack accessories from different brands fit together?
Usually yes, provided they follow the 19-inch standard and suit your rack's mounting holes. The usual problems are not width but depth, hole type (square or threaded) and the screws supplied. Check these three points before mixing brands.
What is a patch panel used for?
A patch panel is a row of network ports that sits in the rack and connects permanent cable runs to your switch through short patch cables. It keeps cabling organised and lets you change connections without touching the fixed wiring. Choose one with the right port count and cable category for your network.
Do I need cable management in a small rack?
Yes, even a small rack benefits from it. Tidy cables are easier to trace, put less strain on connectors and leave room for air to pass around equipment. Simple cable rings or a brush panel are often enough for a home or small office setup.
