Installing the support rails

Before installing an enclosure, you must first install support rails.

To install the support rails, complete the following steps.

  1. Locate the rack mounting rails and screws (Rack mounting rails and screws).
    The rail assembly consists of two rails that must be installed in the rack cabinet.
    Figure 1. Rack mounting rails and screws
    Image of rack mounting rails and screws

  2. Remove the springs that are taped to one of the rails.
  3. Attach a spring to the outside of each rail.
    1. Attach the circle end of the spring around the stud on the rail.
    2. Pulling on the spring, attach the hook end of the spring to the tab on the rail.
      Figure 2. Installing the rail spring
      Image of rail spring

  4. Working at the front of the rack cabinet, identify the two standard rack units (2U) of space in the rack into which you want to install the support rails.
    Hole locations in the front of the rack shows two rack units with the front mounting holes identified.
    Figure 3. Hole locations in the front of the rack
    This figure shows the hole locations in the front of the rack when installing the rails.

    • 1 Upper rail mounting bracket pin
    • 2 Lower rail mounting bracket pin
    • 3 Rack mounting screw hole
  5. Ensure that the appropriate bracket pins are installed in the front and rear bracket of each rail.
    Each rail comes with four medium pins preinstalled (two in the front bracket and two in the rear bracket). Large and small pins are provided separately. Use the pins that are appropriate for the mounting holes in your rack (see Selecting bracket pins for your rack).
    Table 1. Selecting bracket pins for your rack.

    Mounting holes Bracket pins
    Round, unthreaded Use the preinstalled medium pins.
    Round, threaded Unscrew the medium pins and replace with the smaller pins supplied with the rails.
    Square Unscrew the medium pins and replace with the large pins supplied with the rails.
  6. At each end of the rail, grasp the tab 1 and pull firmly to open the hinge bracket (see Opening the hinge brackets).
    Figure 4. Opening the hinge brackets
    Image showing how to open hinge brackets

  7. Align the holes in the rail bracket with the holes on the front and rear rack cabinet flanges.
    Ensure that the rails are aligned on the inside of the rack cabinet.
  8. On the rear of the rail, press the two bracket pins into the holes in the rack flanges.
  9. Close the rear hinge bracket to secure the rail to the rack cabinet flange.
    (See Closing hinge brackets and installing rear screw.)
    Figure 5. Closing hinge brackets and installing rear screw
    Image showing how to close hinge brackets and install rear screw

  10. On the front of the rail, press the two bracket pins into the holes in the rack flanges.
  11. Close the front hinge bracket to secure the rail to the rack cabinet flange.
  12. Secure the rear of the rail to the rear rack flange with an M5 screw.
  13. Repeat the steps to secure the opposite rail to the rack cabinet.