Eaton Tripp Lite Series 42U Standard-Depth 4-Post Premium Open Frame Rack - No Doors, Side Panels or Top Panel

The Eaton Tripp Lite Series SR42UBEXPNDNR3 open frame rack is engineered for demanding data centers, network closets, and server rooms where flexibility, scalability, and robust weight handling matter most. With a full 42U of standard 19-inch mounting space, this premium open frame rack provides ample vertical real estate to house a wide range of equipment—from rackmount servers and switches to tall storage enclosures and UPS modules. It’s specifically designed as an expansion model, delivering a clean, efficient mounting solution without the constraints of doors, side panels, or a roof, so you can tailor your setup to meet evolving IT requirements while maximizing airflow and accessibility. The SR42UBEXPNDNR3 embodies a balance of rugged construction, straightforward installation, and adaptable rail systems that make it a favorite for professionals who demand reliability and ease of maintenance in dense rack deployments.

• Open-frame versatility for scalable deployments — This premium open frame rack embraces the openness needed in busy data centers and network rooms. Its lack of doors, side panels, and top panel translates into exceptional access for quick equipment swaps, cable management, and hot-swapping operations. The open design also promotes enterprise-grade airflow, reducing cooling bottlenecks in crowded rack rows. The SR42UBEXPNDNR3 is ideal for installations that require a high-density footprint with fast, tool-free access to every inch of your rack equipment, enabling technicians to install, service, and reconfigure components with minimal downtime and maximum efficiency.
• Generous 42U capacity and 3000 lb weight rating — The 42U height accommodates a wide range of 19-inch equipment, including multi-node servers, blade chassis, storage arrays, and patch panels, while the expansive payload capacity supports substantial loads. Whether you’re consolidating gear in a compact data center or provisioning a growing lab environment, this rack delivers dependable support for heavy, mission-critical equipment. The combination of height, strength, and a straightforward, open layout translates into fewer constraints during rack planning and smoother maintenance workflows.
• Standard-depth frame with precisely adjustable rails — The SR42UBEXPNDNR3 features front and rear pairs of vertical rails whose mounting holes are square and adjustable in quarter-inch increments from 4 to 37 inches. This precise depth adjustment gives you the flexibility to optimize server and equipment alignment, cable routing, and airflow, while maintaining clean side clearances for cooling fans and patch cables. The quick-adjust capability reduces downtime during upgrades and reconfigurations, ensuring your IT infrastructure can respond rapidly to changing performance needs.
• 19-inch mounting compatibility and universal accessibility — Designed to house standard 19-inch rack equipment, this open frame rack ensures compatibility with a broad ecosystem of servers, switches, storage devices, PDUs, and other rack-mount hardware. With easy entry points and accessible rear rails, technicians can install and service equipment from both ends of the rack, which improves efficiency in busy data centers and minimizes the time required for cabling and maintenance tasks. The robust, square-mounting-hole system delivers secure, vibration-resistant mounting essential for reliable operation in demanding environments.
• Expansion-ready framework for future upgrades — Although shipped without doors, side panels, or a top panel, this expansion model is designed to integrate seamlessly into larger enclosure strategies if/when your infrastructure evolves. The SR42UBEXPNDNR3 supports scalable configurations, enabling you to add enclosure components or accessories later to align with security, containment, and hardware requirements while preserving the core strength and simplicity of the open frame design. This adaptability is especially valuable for growing organizations that value modularity and long-term planning in their data center assets.

Technical Details of Eaton Tripp Lite Series 42U Standard-Depth 4-Post Premium Open Frame Rack

• Model: SR42UBEXPNDNR3 (Expansion model)
• Height: 42U
• Load capacity: Up to 3000 lb (1,360 kg) for standard 19-inch equipment
• Depth: Standard-depth frame; front and rear rails adjustable from 4" to 37" in 1/4" increments
• Rails: Front and rear pairs with square mounting holes suitable for secure 19-inch equipment mounting
• Construction: Premium open frame design; no doors, side panels, or top panel included
• Mounting compatibility: Designed for standard 19-inch rack equipment and a wide array of rack-mounted devices

How to install Eaton Tripp Lite Series 42U Standard-Depth 4-Post Premium Open Frame Rack

Installing the SR42UBEXPNDNR3 is a straightforward process that prioritizes safety, accessibility, and future-proofing. Begin by selecting a level, solid floor space with adequate clearance for service and airflow in front and behind the rack. Unpack the frame and verify that all components are present, including the four vertical posts, rail pairs, and mounting hardware. To achieve the full 42U capacity, position the frame in its intended location and level the four corner feet or leveling pads to ensure stability. Once the frame is steady, attach the front and rear rails to the vertical posts, using the square mounting holes in quarter-inch increments to set the desired depth between 4 and 37 inches. Tighten hardware securely to eliminate wobble while avoiding overtightening that could strip threads or distort the frame. With rails attached, you can begin mounting your 19-inch equipment. Slide devices into the front or rear rails, aligning their mounting ears with the square holes, and secure them with the appropriate screws. Distribute weight evenly across the rack to maintain structural balance and ensure proper ventilation around heat-generating equipment. As you install, plan cable routing to minimize interference with airflow and serviceability, and consider using cable managers, organizers, and labels for streamlined management. Finally, verify that all equipment is firmly mated and that doors, panels, or covers are not required in this open frame configuration. If you later decide to enclose portions of the rack, you can coordinate accessories designed for modular expansion without compromising the openness that defines this model. This methodical approach helps achieve a clean, scalable, and reliable rack deployment that supports long-term IT needs while simplifying future upgrades and maintenance tasks.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What does “open frame” mean for this rack? A: An open frame rack, like the SR42UBEXPNDNR3, provides unobstructed access to mounted equipment, improving airflow and enabling fast hardware swaps. It ships without doors, side panels, or a top cover, making it ideal for environments that prioritize accessibility and cooling efficiency. You can add enclosure pieces later if your setup requires containment, but the default configuration emphasizes ease of access and flexibility.
• Q: How much weight can the rack safely hold? A: The SR42UBEXPNDNR3 is rated to support up to 3000 lb of standard 19-inch equipment. For best results, distribute weight evenly across the rack to avoid concentrated loads that could compromise stability or airflow. When planning, consider future growth and heat dissipation to ensure ongoing reliability.
• Q: How adjustable are the rails? A: The front and rear rails feature square mounting holes with depth adjustments from 4" to 37" in 1/4" increments. This allows precise positioning of equipment within the 42U frame, facilitates cable management, and optimizes airflow. Quick adjustment minimizes downtime during reconfiguration and ensures a snug, secure fit for diverse hardware footprints.
• Q: What equipment is compatible with this rack? A: This open frame rack is designed for standard 19-inch equipment, including servers, switches, patch panels, storage devices, and related components. Its flexible rail system and generous interior space accommodate a wide range of configurations while maintaining easy access for maintenance and upgrades.
• Q: Can I add doors or side panels later? A: While this model ships without doors, side panels, or a top panel, you can typically pursue enclosure accessories separately if your installation later requires containment or additional security. The expansion-ready design supports evolving infrastructure needs without requiring a complete rack replacement.