Shelves and drawers for server racks: fixed rack shelves, adjustable shelves and drawer units, plus a few wall-mounted racks and top cases. They suit IT installers, small server rooms and office comms cabinets that need to hold switches, routers, NAS boxes or tools. Over 140 models are in our range, from brands including ALLNET, StarTech.com, Equip and Lanview.
How to choose a rack shelf or drawer
Height in rack units. A shelf takes up space in the rack, so check how many units are free. In our range most shelves are 1U or 2U, with some at 4U and 8U, and a half-unit option for very tight cabinets. A 1U shelf is enough for a router or small switch, while a 2U shelf gives room for taller devices.
Weight capacity. Compare the rated load with the heaviest device you plan to place on the shelf. The range covers around 20 kg and 25 kg for light network equipment, 34 kg and 50 kg for heavier devices, and up to 91 kg for the strongest models. A UPS or a tower server needs a much higher rating than a patch panel or a modem.
Depth and mounting. Most rack shelves bolt to the front posts, and deeper models also attach to the rear posts for extra support. Measure the usable depth between the posts and the depth of your equipment before ordering. Adjustable shelves help when the cabinet depth varies or when you want to fine-tune the fit.
Shelf or drawer. A plain shelf holds devices that stay in place. A drawer unit keeps cables, tools and spare parts inside the rack and out of sight, which suits cabinets that technicians open regularly.
Material and finish. Steel is the usual material, and many listings specify SPCC, a cold-rolled steel that is strong and takes a painted finish well. Black is the standard colour in our range and matches most racks, with a few white models for lighter cabinets. If the equipment runs warm, look for a perforated or vented design so air can still move through the rack.
Brands we carry
- ALLNET: a German networking supplier and our largest group in this category, covering shelves and drawers for network cabinets.
- StarTech.com: a Canadian maker of IT connectivity and rack accessories, with shelves in several heights and load ratings.
- Digitus and Intellinet: sister brands of German group ASSMANN Electronic, known for network cabling and cabinet accessories.
- Lanberg and Extralink: Polish networking brands that supply rack hardware for structured cabling installations.
- EFB Elektronik: a German cabling specialist that also makes accessories for network cabinets.
Also in our range: Equip, Lanview, LogiLink and Value.
Frequently asked questions about rack shelves and drawers
What is a rack shelf used for?
A rack shelf holds equipment that has no rack ears, such as a router, modem, NAS or small switch. It fixes to the rack posts and creates a flat, stable surface inside the cabinet. This keeps the device off the floor of the rack and lets you use the space properly.
How much weight can a rack shelf hold?
It depends on the model, so check the rated capacity on the product page. Shelves in our range are rated from about 20 kg up to 91 kg. Choose a rating clearly above the weight of your heaviest device, and use shelves fixed at both front and rear posts for heavy loads.
What size rack shelf do I need?
Choose a height of 1U for flat devices and 2U for taller ones, then check the depth against your cabinet. Most shelves are made for 19-inch racks, so also confirm the rack width. Measure both the device and the free space between the posts before you buy.
Can I use a rack shelf in any server rack?
Not always. Most shelves fit standard 19-inch racks, but the usable depth and the mounting hole type vary between cabinets. Check the depth of your rack and the shelf's mounting method. A wall-mounted rack or a cabinet with shallow depth may need a shallower or adjustable model.
