Rack accessories are the add-ons that fill and organise a 19-inch rack: shelves, patch panels, cable management, power strips and similar fittings. This category suits server rooms, network cupboards and small offices. Our range includes LANBERG, NETRACK, APC and Synology.
How to choose rack accessories
Rack size and height. Most network and server racks use the 19-inch standard, and the height of every item is given in rack units (U). Add up the units your accessories need and check that the rack has enough free space, including room for equipment you plan to add later.
Depth and load rating. Shelves and rails must be long enough for the device sitting on them and strong enough for its weight. Check the stated maximum load, and check that the rack depth leaves space behind the device for cables and airflow.
Cable management and patching. Patch panels, cable organisers and brush panels keep cabling tidy and make faults easier to trace. Match the panel to the cable type you use, such as copper Ethernet, and choose a port count that leaves spare capacity.
Power distribution. A rack power strip or PDU needs enough sockets for every device and a total rating above the combined load. Check the socket type and the length of the supply cable, and note whether it fits alongside a UPS in the same rack.
Mounting compatibility. Most racks take cage nuts or threaded rails, so confirm which your rack uses before ordering screws and fittings. Fixed shelves and rails are usually universal, but brand-specific rail kits are designed for particular devices.
Brands in our rack accessories range
- LANBERG: a European maker of network infrastructure, known for patch panels, cabling and rack hardware, and the largest brand in this category.
- APC: part of Schneider Electric and best known for UPS systems, which makes its rack accessories a natural match for power protection in the same cabinet.
- Synology: known for NAS storage systems, and its rack hardware is intended for use alongside those systems.
Also in our range: NETRACK.
Rack accessories FAQ
What are rack accessories?
Rack accessories are the parts that go into or onto a server or network rack without being the main equipment. They include shelves, patch panels, cable management bars, blanking panels, power distribution units and mounting hardware. They help you use rack space well and keep cabling and airflow under control.
What does 1U mean in a rack?
1U is one rack unit, a standard height of 44.45 mm in a 19-inch rack. A device or accessory that is 2U high takes up twice that space. Count the units before buying so everything fits in the cabinet.
Will accessories from one brand fit another brand's rack?
In most cases yes, because 19-inch racks follow a common standard for mounting width and hole spacing. Differences appear in rack depth, rail type and whether the holes are square or round. Check these details and the load rating before you buy.
Do I need blanking panels in a rack?
Blanking panels are recommended wherever there are empty rack units at the front. They stop warm exhaust air from circulating back to the equipment intakes and give the rack a tidier finish. They matter most in racks with active servers or switches that produce a lot of heat.
