Rack fans and cooling covers fan units and ventilation accessories for server and network racks, and suits anyone running switches, servers or patch panels in a cabinet. Our range of more than ten products includes models from ALLNET, LANVIEW, LANBERG and StarTech.com, plus several other makers.
Fans in this category move warm air out of the cabinet so equipment stays within its safe operating temperature.
How to choose rack fans and cooling
Rack compatibility. Check that the unit matches your cabinet type. Most rack cooling products are designed for 19-inch racks, and rack-mounted units take up a set number of height units (U), so make sure you have free space. Roof-mounted fan modules need a suitable cut-out or mounting plate instead.
Number of fans. More fans generally mean more airflow and some redundancy if one stops. Our range includes units with 2 fans and with 4 fans. Two fans are usually enough for a small network cabinet, while a rack of servers gives off far more heat and benefits from four or more.
Airflow direction and placement. Hot air rises, so fans normally sit at the top of the rack to extract it, with cool air drawn in through vents lower down. If your cabinet has a glass door or solid panels, make sure there is an intake path, otherwise the fans only stir hot air around.
Noise and control. A thermostat or speed control keeps fans quieter when the cabinet is cool. This matters if the rack sits in an office or a home workspace rather than a dedicated server room.
Power and finish. Confirm the plug type and whether the unit connects to a mains socket or a rack power strip. Colour is a minor factor, but black and silver finishes are available in our range if you want to match an existing cabinet.
Rack cooling brands we carry
- ALLNET: a German supplier of network and IT infrastructure products, and the brand with the most items in this category.
- LANBERG: a Polish brand known for network cabling, cabinets and rack accessories.
- StarTech.com: a Canadian maker of connectivity and rack hardware used in server rooms and offices.
- DIGITUS: a brand of ASSMANN Electronic covering structured cabling, network cabinets and rack accessories.
- EFB-Elektronik: a German company focused on cabling and connectivity, including products for data cabinets.
- Inter-Tech: a German manufacturer best known for PC components and rack-mount server cases.
Also in our range: LANVIEW, Good Connections and Extralink.
Rack fans and cooling FAQ
Does a server rack need fans?
Most racks holding active equipment benefit from fans. Servers, switches and power supplies produce heat, and in a closed cabinet it builds up quickly. A small rack with only a few low-power devices may cope with passive ventilation, but a full cabinet usually needs forced airflow.
Where should fans go in a rack?
Fans work best at the top of the rack, where the warmest air collects, pulling it out of the cabinet. Cool air should enter through vents or a perforated door near the bottom or front. Fitting fans without an intake path reduces their effect.
How many fans do I need for a network cabinet?
A small network cabinet with a switch and patch panel is normally fine with a 2-fan unit. A rack with several servers or heavy loads suits a 4-fan unit or more. Check the total heat output of your equipment and allow some spare capacity.
Are rack fans noisy?
Noise depends on fan size, speed and build quality. Units with thermostat or speed control run slower and quieter when the cabinet is cool. If the rack sits near people, check the stated noise level before buying.
