Enclosure & Rack Glossary

19-Inch Rack
The global standard for mounting IT and telecommunications equipment. Equipment width is designed to fit between vertical mounting rails spaced 19 inches apart.

316 Stainless Steel
A high-grade stainless steel offering superior corrosion resistance, particularly in coastal, chemical, and food-grade environments.

Cabinet
A fully enclosed structure designed to house and protect equipment. Cabinets may be floor-mounted or wall-mounted and can include doors, panels, locks, and environmental protection.

Cable Gland
A sealing device used where cables enter an enclosure. Cable glands provide strain relief and protect against dust, moisture, and environmental ingress.

Cable Zone
An additional bolt-on space, typically at the rear or side of a cabinet, used to manage cabling and improve airflow by reducing congestion.

Covert Attack
An attempt to access a cabinet or enclosure without visible damage. Covert-attack resistance focuses on tamper evidence, ensuring any unauthorised access is clearly detectable.

Electrical Enclosure
An enclosure specifically designed to house electrical components. Electrical enclosures are selected based on material, IP rating, and environmental conditions.

Electronic Locking
A locking system using electronic credentials such as swipe cards or keypads. Electronic locking improves access control, traceability, and security management in data centre environments.

Enclosure
A general term for a protective housing used for electrical, electronic, or process equipment. Enclosures are typically rated for environmental protection using IP ratings.

Escutcheon
A secondary mounting panel located in front of the mounting plate. Escutcheons are used for installing controls, displays, or accessories and may be fixed or hinged for easy access.

Gland Plate
A removable panel, typically located at the top or bottom of an enclosure, used for installing cable glands while maintaining the enclosure’s IP rating.

IK Rating
An international standard that defines resistance to mechanical impact. Higher IK ratings indicate greater resistance to vandalism or accidental impact.

IP Rating (Ingress Protection)
An international standard that defines how well an enclosure protects against dust and water ingress. Example: IP66 means dust-tight and protected against powerful water jets.

Mounting Plate (Mounting Pan / Gear Tray)
A removable internal plate used to mount electrical or electronic components inside an enclosure. Also commonly referred to as a mounting pan or gear tray.

Network Rack
A rack designed for network equipment such as switches and patch panels. Network racks typically support equipment widths up to 450 mm.

Physical Attack
An overt attempt to gain access using force or tools. Resistance to physical attack relies on material thickness, construction, locks, and enclosure design.

Plinth
A base or mounting frame used to elevate floor-mounted enclosures. Plinths improve cable entry, airflow, and protection from water or debris at floor level.

Polycarbonate / Non-Metallic Enclosure
An enclosure manufactured from durable plastic materials. Non-metallic enclosures offer corrosion resistance, electrical insulation, and are well suited to harsh or chemically aggressive environments.

Rack
A frame or cabinet used to mount equipment vertically, one unit above another. Most racks are designed for 19-inch equipment, though 21-inch racks are also used in some applications.

Rack Unit (RU or U)
A standard unit of measurement for rack-mounted equipment. 1 RU = 44.45 mm high. Equipment height is specified in RU to ensure correct rack sizing.

Server Rack
A rack designed for heavier server equipment. Server racks usually support equipment widths up to 470 mm and may include anti-tip mechanisms to prevent instability when servers are extended.

Three-Point Locking
A locking system that secures the door at the top, middle, and bottom. Commonly used for larger cabinets, external enclosures, and applications requiring higher security or IP ratings.

Wall-Mounted Cabinet
A compact cabinet designed to be fixed to a wall, commonly used for network and communications equipment where floor space is limited.

Zinc-Coated Steel
Steel protected with a zinc layer to improve corrosion resistance. Commonly used for indoor and outdoor enclosures when combined with appropriate surface treatments and coatings.