Ask Rackmount Ranger: Have old rackmount cabinet, need new vertical mounting rails for it. Can I purchase set of WRK or ERK rails?
I have an old rackmount cabinet, and I need to get new vertical mounting rails for it. Can I purchase as set of WRK or ERK rails for this application?
We frequently get questions like this, with clients inheriting or purchasing a used cabinet, and then being confronted with the problem of making it work. The short answer is that vertical mounting rails are specific to their particular cabinets. For example ERK rails only work in an ERK cabinet. Even though the WRK cabinet is made by the same manufacturer (Middle Atlantic), the rails are not universal. The difference is the various widths of the different cabinets.
In order to have the correct lateral spacing for a 19� rackmount the vertical mounting rails must be a specific width, and fit into a specific cabinet. This is the only way to ensure a correct fit.
Having said that, if the “mystery� cabinet can be measured to determine the interior width at the point the vertical rack rails are to be mounted, then we can compare that dimension with that of our “control� cabinets. If the dimensions are very close, then rails from the “control� might work in the unknown cabinet. Some washers might have to be used to “shim� the rails in order to get the 19� racking width correct.
In summary, the best solution is to get the manufacturer’s product to retrofit one of their cabinets. If all else fails, compatible rails might be available
