Eaton Tripp Lite Series SmartRack 18U Low-Profile Switch-Depth Wall-Mount Rack Enclosure Cabinet, Hinged Back

Designed for tight spaces without compromising performance, the Eaton Tripp Lite Series SmartRack 18U Low-Profile Switch-Depth Wall-Mount Rack Enclosure Cabinet with Hinged Back is the premium choice for secure, organized, and scalable network infrastructure. This compact wall-mount enclosure delivers a full 18U of mounting space in a sleek, low-profile footprint, making it ideal for network wiring closets, classrooms, retail environments, and small server rooms where floor space is at a premium. Its switch-depth design accommodates deeper chassis and enhanced cable management, while the hinged back door provides effortless rear access for installation, maintenance, and future upgrades. Built for reliability and security, this cabinet blends rugged construction with smart features to keep your equipment safe, ventilated, and easy to service.

• Space-saving wall-mount design: 18U of mounting capacity packed into a compact, low-profile enclosure that fits narrow closets, hallways, or behind service desks, maximizing usable floor space without sacrificing rack height.
• Switch-depth rear access: A thoughtfully engineered hinged back door enables quick installation and maintenance of deeper switch chassis, patch panels, and back-plane components without removing the cabinet from the wall.
• Lockable security for public spaces: Locking front door and rear access door deliver reliable protection against tampering and unauthorized access in schools, retail points of sale, and office environments.
• Durable steel construction with airflow optimization: Heavy-duty steel with a durable powder-coated finish provides long-lasting protection while perimeter vents and vented components support efficient airflow to keep equipment cool.
• Flexible cabling and mounting rails: 19-inch EIA-compatible mounting rails, adjustable rail positions, and rear knockouts plus cable management features help you organize cables neatly and route them with ease.

Technical Details of Eaton Tripp Lite Series SmartRack 18U Low-Profile Wall-Mount Enclosure Cabinet, Hinged Back

• Enclosure height (U): 18U of mounting space to accommodate a broad range of switching gear, patch panels, and UPS interfaces.
• Rack width: 19-inch standard front-to-back width compatible with most IT equipment housings, patch panels, and rack-mount accessories.
• Depth and switch-depth design: Low-profile, switch-depth configuration optimized for deeper equipment while preserving wall clearance and accessibility.
• Construction: Rugged steel construction with a corrosion-resistant powder-coated finish built for daily use in busy environments.
• Doors and security: Front door and hinged back door are lockable to prevent tampering and unauthorized access.
• Ventilation and airflow: Perimeter venting and cage features promote passive airflow, helping maintain thermals for mounted equipment.
• Rails and mounting: Integrated adjustable 19" rack rails with standard mounting holes and depth adjustment to fit diverse equipment footprints.
• Cable management: Rear knockouts, cable channels, and thoughtfully designed openings support clean, organized cabling and easy management.
• Finish and aesthetics: Clean, professional powder-coated exterior that blends with standard data-center aesthetics and retail environments.

How to install Eaton Tripp Lite Series SmartRack 18U Low-Profile Wall-Mount Enclosure

Installing this SmartRack enclosure is straightforward and designed to minimize time on site while maximizing safety and reliability. Begin by planning the installation location carefully: choose a sturdy wall that can support the combined weight of the empty cabinet plus fully equipped gear, and verify that there are access points for rear cable management and serviceability. Gather the included mounting hardware, anchors appropriate for your wall type, and any optional accessories such as cable managers or vertical cable channels. Before handling any equipment, ensure power is off to avoid accidental shocks or equipment damage.

Step-by-step guidance:

• Prepare the wall and hardware: Locate wall studs or use heavy-duty wall anchors rated for sustained weight. Mark the mounting points corresponding to the cabinet’s mounting footprint. If your kit includes wall brackets or anchors, ensure compatibility with your wall type (concrete, wood, or drywall with studs).
• Install the mounting rails: With the cabinet open, install the 19" mounting rails at the desired height. Use the provided screws and spacers to secure the rails firmly to the wall frame, ensuring rails are perfectly level to prevent equipment misalignment.
• Attach the enclosure to the wall: Lift the cabinet into place and align it with the prepared mounting points. Secure the cabinet to the wall using the supplied fasteners, alternating bolts to maintain levelness and rigidity. Double-check alignment before proceeding.
• Configure rails and depth: If your equipment requires a specific mounting depth, adjust the rails accordingly. Verify that the depth setting accommodates your deepest chassis while keeping the hinged back door free to operate without obstruction.
• Route cables and install equipment: Before installing gear, plan a clean path for power and data cables through rear knockouts and cable channels. Install vertical and horizontal cable managers as needed. Slide and attach 19" rack-mount rails and mount switches, patch panels, and other equipment securely with the provided screws. Leave enough slack for maintenance and future upgrades.
• Close, lock, and verify: Close both doors, engage the locks, and perform a functional check of door operation. Verify that equipment powers on as expected, airflow pathways are unobstructed, and cables are neatly organized with no strain on connectors.
• Documentation and maintenance: Record the installation details, including rail positions, equipment inventory, and weight distribution. Periodically inspect locks, ventilation, and cable management to maintain performance and security over time.

Pro tip: If you anticipate frequent changes to equipment, consider adding removable side panels or modular cable channels to simplify future upgrades without disassembling the entire enclosure. The hinged back feature is designed precisely for expedient reconfigurations in busy IT spaces, classrooms, or retail back rooms where downtime must be minimized.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the unit height in U? A: The enclosure provides 18U of mounting space, suitable for many common network devices, switches, patch panels, and related equipment.
• Q: Is this cabinet suitable for wall mounting? A: Yes. It is specifically designed as a low-profile wall-mount enclosure with a hinged back for convenient rear access.
• Q: Are the doors lockable? A: Yes. Both the front door and the rear hinged door are equipped with locking mechanisms to secure gear in public or semi-public spaces.
• Q: Can deeper switches be installed? A: The switch-depth design accommodates deeper chassis, enabling more versatile equipment layouts while preserving wall clearance and serviceability.
• Q: Does it support standard 19" rack-mount equipment? A: Absolutely. The cabinet uses standard 19" EIA rails, with adjustable mounting positions to fit a wide range of devices and accessories.
• Q: How does airflow work in this enclosure? A: Perimeter ventilation and vented panels help promote passive cooling, reducing hotspots and supporting healthy thermal conditions for mounted gear.