Black Box ACU5000A ServSwitch Wizard Extender Rackmount Chassis Rack Cabinet

The Black Box ACU5000A ServSwitch Wizard Extender Rackmount Chassis is a high‑density 2U, 19" rack shelf designed to consolidate and organize KVM hardware in professional data centers, server rooms, and network closets. Built for scalability, it accommodates a wide range of KVM expansion assets—from multiple ACU5xxxA Series KVM Extenders to ACR IP Gateways—while delivering clean cable management, efficient airflow, and secure mounting. Engineered to simplify deployments that require centralized control across racks, this rackmount chassis is the backbone of a reliable, flexible KVM infrastructure that grows as your needs evolve. With its durable construction and thoughtful compatibility, the ACU5000A minimizes downtime and maximizes uptime by keeping extenders neatly arranged and readily accessible for maintenance, upgrades, and routine servicing.

• Optimized 2‑RU, 19" rack shelf capacity that supports up to 16 single‑head KVM extenders or 8 dual‑head extenders, providing scalable storage with a compact footprint. This design makes it ideal for medium to large server rooms, data centers, or enterprise IT closets where space efficiency and organization matter most. The 2U form factor ensures enough vertical space for cabling and ventilation while keeping the extenders within easy reach for technicians and operators.
• Broad compatibility with Black Box ecosystem: supports the ACU5xxxA Series KVM Extenders and acknowledges integration with ACR101A, ACR201A, and ACR101A‑DVI IP Gateways. This ensures unified management across multiple remote access technologies, allowing administrators to consolidate control over local and remote servers through a single, familiar interface. The extender shelf delivers reliable performance that minimizes latency and preserves image quality during remote KVM sessions.
• Flexible airflow and clean aesthetics with optional blanking plates: ACU5003 enables 1‑slot blanking, while other blanking options allow 4‑slot configurations to maintain proper cooling, reduce dust intrusion, and present a professional, uniform rack appearance. By preventing unoccupied slots from disruptively affecting airflow, the chassis helps sustain equipment performance and longevity in densely populated rack environments.
• Rugged, purpose‑built construction: made from sturdy steel with integrated mounting flanges and standard 19" rails, the chassis is designed to endure the rigors of busy data centers and field deployments. The solid build provides reliable support for numerous extenders and gateways while making installation straightforward for technicians familiar with rack‑mount practices.
• Easy installation and maintenance workflow: the shelf is engineered for straightforward mounting in a standard 19" rack, with accessible cable routing and convenient reach to connected extenders. Its modular nature means future reconfigurations—such as adding more extenders or upgrading gateways—are simple and quick, minimizing downtime during transitions or upgrades.

Technical Details of Black Box ACU5000A ServSwitch Wizard Extender Rackmount Chassis Rack Cabinet

• Form factor: 2U rackmount shelf, 19" rack width (standard EIA)
• Maximum extender capacity: up to 16 single‑head KVM extenders or 8 dual‑head KVM extenders
• Compatibility: ACU5xxxA Series KVM Extenders; ACR101A; ACR201A; ACR101A‑DVI IP Gateways
• Construction: rugged steel chassis with front rails and mounting provisions for secure installation
• Mounting: front‑mounted 19" rack shelf with standardized ears for easy integration into existing racks
• Blanking options: ACU5003 1‑slot blanking plate; additional 4‑slot blanking configurations available to optimize airflow
• Cabling and airflow: designed to support organized cabling and effective ventilation in dense rack environments
• Brand compatibility: specifically engineered to work within Black Box ServSwitch Wizard Extender ecosystems for centralized management

How to install Black Box ACU5000A ServSwitch Wizard Extender Rackmount Chassis Rack Cabinet

• Power down and prepare your rack: Ensure the rack is clean, stable, and capable of supporting the combined weight of the shelf and connected extenders. Verify that mounting rails are in place and compatible with your rack’s dimensions.
• Mount the 2U shelf: Align the ACU5000A rack shelf with the 19" rack rails and secure it using the included mounting screws or hardware. Confirm the chassis is firmly fastened and level to prevent misalignment of extenders or gateways.
• Plan extender layout: Before attaching extenders, plan the arrangement to optimize cable routing, minimize crossforces on connectors, and ensure accessibility for maintenance. Label ports and cables for future reference.
• Install extenders and gateways: Mount up to 16 single‑head or 8 dual‑head KVM extenders onto the shelf according to your configuration. Attach any ACR IP Gateways (ACR101A, ACR201A, ACR101A‑DVI) as required, following the manufacturer’s cabling guidelines to ensure clean signal paths and reliable operation.
• Configure airflow with blanking plates: If you are not filling all slots, install the appropriate blanking plates (ACU5003 for 1‑slot, and other blanking options for larger configurations) to maintain proper airflow, reduce dust ingress, and keep the rack looking tidy.
• Connect power and test: Attach power to the extenders and gateways as per your network and management requirements. Power up the rack, verify connectivity, and run a baseline test to confirm that all extenders are recognized and accessible from the central ServSwitch Wizard interface.
• Documentation and maintenance: Create a quick reference diagram of the installed extenders and gateway devices with their IP addresses, and keep this information readily available for routine maintenance or troubleshooting. Regularly inspect cabling for wear and reseat connections as needed.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: How many KVM extenders can I mount on the ACU5000A shelf? A: The shelf supports up to 16 single‑head extenders or 8 dual‑head extenders in a 2U, 19" rack installation.
• Q: Which devices are compatible with the ACU5000A? A: The shelf is compatible with Black Box ACU5xxxA Series KVM Extenders and with ACR101A, ACR201A, and ACR101A‑DVI IP Gateways, ensuring cohesive operation within the ServSwitch Wizard ecosystem.
• Q: Can I use blanking plates on this shelf? A: Yes. Optional blanking plates, such as ACU5003 for 1‑slot, help maintain airflow and a clean rack appearance; other blanking configurations may be available for larger slot counts.
• Q: Is the ACU5000A suitable for dense data center environments? A: Yes. The 2U, 19" rackmount design, combined with robust steel construction and airflow‑friendly features, makes it well suited for dense deployments where space efficiency and reliability are critical.
• Q: Does installation require special tools or procedures? A: Basic rack mounting tools and standard cabling practices are typically sufficient. Follow the included installation guidance to secure rails, mount extenders, and configure airflow plates for optimal operation.