Eaton SmartRack 42U Standard-Depth Extra-Wide Rack Enclosure Cabinet with Doors and Side Panels

Upgrade your IT infrastructure with a purpose-built solution that blends capacity, accessibility, and security in a single enclosure. The Eaton SmartRack 42U Standard-Depth Extra-Wide Rack Enclosure Cabinet with Doors and Side Panels is designed to meet the demands of demanding environments — from data centers and wiring closets to classrooms and retail back rooms. With a broad 42U capacity, an extra-wide 800 mm (31.5 in) footprint, and thoughtful cable-management features, this enclosure delivers scalable space for dense server, storage, and networking deployments while maintaining clean aesthetics and reliable protection for your equipment. Engineered for easy serviceability, enhanced airflow, and secure access, it helps you streamline installation, maintenance, and future growth without compromising on performance or security. Whether you’re consolidating IT assets, expanding a growing network, or reorganizing a cluttered rack room, this SmartRack enclosure provides the sturdy foundation you need to keep technology running smoothly.

• Maximum capacity with room to grow. The 42U configuration provides ample vertical space to house a broad mix of 19-inch rack-mount devices, including servers, switches, storage arrays, patch panels, and converged or hyper-converged appliances. The extra-wide footprint expands the interior width, making it easier to route cables, accommodate wider equipment, and keep critical components accessible for maintenance. By giving IT teams generous headroom, this enclosure reduces the need for frequent rearrangements and supports a cleaner, more organized data path. The result is improved airflow, simplified servicing, and greater flexibility to adapt to evolving workloads without sacrificing rack density or performance.
• Durable, secure enclosure with doors and side panels. This SmartRack enclosure ships with front and rear doors plus removable side panels, all designed to protect sensitive equipment from dust, theft, and incidental contact. The doors are typically lockable, providing an added layer of security for sensitive gear in shared environments. The removable side panels simplify installation and maintenance while enabling quick access to cabling channels and equipment inside the cabinet. The rugged steel construction and powder-coated finish are built to withstand daily use in busy network closets, classrooms, or retail settings, ensuring long-term reliability even in environments with foot traffic or frequent door cycling.
• Comprehensive cable management for cleaner deployments. The enclosure emphasizes side cable management and integrated routing paths to help you keep fiber, Ethernet, power, and management cables neatly organized. With dedicated channels and ample space behind the front and rear rails, technicians can route cables with ease, minimize cable stress, and improve overall cooling efficiency. A tidy cabling hierarchy reduces signal interference and makes it easier to identify and troubleshoot connections, which translates into faster maintenance windows and less downtime during upgrades or reconfigurations.
• User-friendly installation and secure serviceability. Built for practical, scalable deployments, the enclosure features adjustable 19-inch mounting rails compatible with a wide range of rack-mount equipment. The standard-depth design balances depth and accessibility, allowing deeper servers and storage devices to pair with robust cabling management without intruding into the working space. The doors and panels detach or remove quickly for fast access to rear ports, cooling fans, and power distribution units, while integrated leveling or mounting options help ensure a stable installation on varied floor surfaces. In environments that require routine upgrades, this design minimizes disruption by enabling straightforward component swaps and reconfigurations while preserving existing cable layouts.
• Engineered for airflow, protection, and professional aesthetics. Perforated or vented door configurations and solid side panels are tailored to support effective cooling and air movement around dense equipment. The enclosure’s finish and structure are chosen to resist corrosion and wear, preserving a professional look in high-visibility spaces such as classrooms or retail environments. The combination of a wide interior, secure access, and clean cable management promotes better thermal performance and reduces hot spots, helping critical components maintain peak efficiency and longevity even during sustained heavy-use periods.

Technical Details of Eaton SmartRack 42U Standard-Depth Extra-Wide Rack Enclosure Cabinet with Doors and Side Panels

• Capacity: 42U
• Exterior width: 800 mm (31.5 inches)
• Depth: Standard-Depth enclosure (design optimized for a balance of space and accessibility)
• Construction: Steel frame with powder-coated finish for durability and corrosion resistance
• Doors: Front and rear doors, designed for secure access; lockable hardware commonly included
• Panels: Removable side panels to simplify installation and access to cabling channels
• Rails: Adjustable 19-inch mounting rails compatible with a wide range of rack-mount equipment
• Cable management: Integrated side channels and routing paths to organize cables and improve airflow
• Applications: Ideal for network wiring closets, data centers, classrooms, retail back rooms, and back offices
• Standards: Built to accommodate standard 19-inch rack equipment within a 42U capacity

how to install Eaton SmartRack 42U Standard-Depth Extra-Wide Rack Enclosure Cabinet with Doors and Side Panels

• Step 1 — Plan the space and prepare the site. Begin by selecting a level, stable location with adequate clearance for front, rear, and side access. Ensure room for cooling airflow and service work, and verify that the floor load capacity supports the combined weight of an empty enclosure plus fully populated equipment. Confirm electrical outlets and any required mounting hardware or anchoring devices are on hand before starting. A well-prepared site reduces installation time and minimizes the need for mid-project adjustments.
• Step 2 — Unpack, inspect, and verify components. Open the packaging and confirm that all enclosure components are present: front and rear doors, side panels, mounting rails, hardware for rails and doors, and any included cable management accessories. Inspect for any damage during transit and report discrepancies immediately. Having the correct parts ready helps you avoid delays and ensures the enclosure aligns with your planned rack layout.
• Step 3 — Install mounting rails and accessories. Attach adjustable 19-inch rails inside the cabinet per the manufacturer’s guidelines, ensuring rails are level and properly aligned for front and rear mounting. Secure rails firmly to the enclosure to support the weight of installed equipment and to prevent flex during maintenance or cable movement. If your environment requires rear access or additional cable management accessories, install these components before equipment mounting to streamline cable routing later in the process.
• Step 4 — Position the enclosure and secure it in place. Move the empty enclosure into its designated location and position it so that it aligns with floor anchors or leveling feet. If securing to the floor or wall is recommended for your space, install anchors per local building codes and the enclosure’s instruction manual. Use a level to ensure the cabinet stands vertically; a non-level installation can complicate equipment alignment and cause cable strain over time. Once secured, double-check that doors open freely and that there is unobstructed access to both front and rear panels.
• Step 5 — Load equipment and manage cables. Begin with critical devices (for example, core servers and network core switches) near the center to optimize weight distribution. Attach equipment to the 19-inch rails, then connect power, data, and management cables. Route cables through the side channels or door-mounted organizers to maintain a tidy, accessible cabling path. Label cables where appropriate to simplify future diagnostics and maintenance. As you populate the rack, monitor airflow around exhausts and ensure fans or cooling paths have adequate clearance to reduce heat buildup and maintain performance.
• Step 6 — Install doors, panels, and perform a final check. Reinstall the front and rear doors and attach removable side panels, ensuring locks engage properly if you have secured enclosures. Perform a system-wide check to verify that all devices power on, cables are seated correctly, and there is no undue strain on connectors. Confirm door alignment and clearance, then perform a basic heat check to verify airflow is moving as expected. Maintain a habit of periodic inspections to ensure the enclosure remains in peak condition as your IT environment evolves.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the capacity of this enclosure? A: It supports up to 42U of rack-mount equipment, making it suitable for a wide range of servers, storage devices, switches, and patch panels.
• Q: What components are included? A: The enclosure typically includes front and rear doors, removable side panels, and adjustable 19-inch mounting rails. Depending on the model, locking hardware and cable-management accessories may also be included or offered as add-ons.
• Q: Is it compatible with standard 19-inch equipment? A: Yes. The enclosure is designed for standard 19-inch IEC/Rack equipment and supports common mounting configurations used in data centers, labs, classrooms, and retail back rooms.
• Q: Can I use this enclosure in a network closet or classroom? A: Absolutely. Its versatile design, secure access, and cable-management features make it well-suited for network closets, classrooms, back offices, and retail environments where organized rack deployments are important.
• Q: Does it offer front and rear access for maintenance? A: Yes. The enclosure is designed for front and rear access, which simplifies updates, cabling changes, and troubleshooting without disturbing other equipment.