Eaton Tripp Lite SmartRack 45U Open Frame Rack – Premium 4-Post, Standard-Depth

Discover scalable data-center readiness with the SR45UBEXPND, a 45U SmartRack standard‑depth open frame enclosure designed for high-density deployments. This premium 4-post rack brings together rugged construction, open access, and baying versatility to support rapid growth in server rooms, labs, and data centers. The EXP version is engineered for expansion, featuring integrated baying tabs that simplify linking multiple cabinets in neat rows. With no doors or side panels, this open frame is optimized for maximum airflow, quick equipment access, and efficient cable management, making it ideal for organizations prioritizing cooling efficiency and simplified maintenance. Built to accommodate a wide range of 19" equipment, this rack delivers the stability and compatibility modern IT environments demand while providing the flexibility to add doors, panels, or accessories later as your infrastructure evolves.

• Open-frame design with no doors or side panels to maximize airflow, reduce bottlenecks, and enable rapid equipment installation and service access.
• 45U capacity in a standard-depth frame, compatible with a broad spectrum of 19" IT equipment such as servers, switches, patch panels, and network storage devices.
• Expansion-ready model (the EXP variant) featuring integrated baying tabs to align and lock multiple enclosures in rows for scalable data center layouts.
• 4-post premium open frame provides robust support and precise mounting for heavy or dense equipment while maintaining easy front-to-back accessibility for cable routing and maintenance.
• Versatile accessories and adaptability—the open frame design accommodates future upgrades, including doors, side panels, cable management accessories, and vertical cable channels, while preserving core structure and alignment.

Technical Details of Eaton Tripp Lite SmartRack 45U Standard-Depth 4-Post Premium Open Frame Rack

• U height: 45U capacity
• Depth: Standard-depth configuration suited for mid‑range equipment
• Frame: 4-post open frame design for maximum accessibility and airflow
• Doors/Side panels: None included (open frame)
• Baying: Integrated baying tabs for aligning multiple enclosures in rows
• Expansion model: SR45UBEXPND (EXP version for bayed configurations)
• Material/Finish: Powder-coated steel for durability and corrosion resistance
• Mounting compatibility: Standard 19-inch equipment compatible with most rack-mount gear

How to install Eaton Tripp Lite SmartRack 45U Standard-Depth 4-Post Premium Open Frame Rack

• Plan your layout: Determine the number of racks needed and whether you will bay multiple SR45UBEXPND units in a row. Assess aisle width, cooling airflow, electrical access, and cable pathways to ensure optimal placement.
• Prepare the space: Clear the installation area, verify floor integrity, and confirm level, reinforced support for the open frame rack. Ensure there is adequate clearance for equipment front and rear access, as well as for cable management and service work.
• Unpack and inspect: Remove all packaging and inspect the rack for shipping damage. Confirm that all mounting rails, baying hardware, and accessories (if included) are present and undamaged before beginning assembly.
• Position and level the rack: Place the SR45UBEXPND in position. Use a spirit level to ensure the frame is perfectly vertical and plumb. Install leveling feet or casters if your configuration requires mobility or precise leveling on uneven floors.
• Install mounting rails: Attach the 19-inch mounting rails to the four posts at the desired height. Ensure rails are securely fastened and that the mounting holes are aligned to accommodate your equipment’s cage nuts and screws. Leave room for ventilation and cable routing at the front and rear of the rack.
• Mount equipment: Begin with heavier, bottom-loaded gear to maintain stability. Use the included or compatible cage nuts and screws to secure servers, switches, patch panels, and storage devices to the rails. Verify a balanced load distribution to prevent tipping and to optimize airflow.
• Utilize baying tabs for multiple enclosures: If you are creating a row with additional SR45UBEXPND units, align the frames using the integrated baying tabs and bolt the enclosures together according to the manufacturer’s hardware. This creates a continuous rack profile that simplifies cable management and improves airflow consistency across the row.
• Configure cable management: Route power and data cables through designated openings, use vertical cable managers, and bundle cables neatly to avoid overcrowding. Maintain a clear path for air to circulate from front to back and minimize cable-induced heat buildup.
• Final checks and test: Double-check all screws and cage nuts, ensure doors or panels (if added later) align properly, and confirm that all equipment powers on without obstruction. Perform a quick airflow check to ensure there are no blockages and that cooling strategies remain effective after installation.

Frequently asked questions

• Does this open frame rack come with doors or side panels?
  No. The SR45UBEXPND is designed as an open-frame enclosure to maximize airflow and ease of access. Doors or side panels can be added later as needed through compatible accessories.
• Can multiple SR45UBEXPND units be bayed together?
  Yes. The EXP version includes integrated baying tabs to align and secure several enclosures in a row, enabling scalable data center configurations with consistent front-to-back alignment.
• What equipment is compatible with this rack?
  This rack is designed for standard 19-inch equipment. It accommodates servers, switches, patch panels, and storage devices that fit within 45U of vertical space and the rack’s depth limitations. Always verify mounting rails, cage nut spacing, and depth compatibility with your specific gear.
• Is there a recommended way to improve airflow in an open-frame rack?
  Yes. Use appropriate cable management to avoid blocking front-to-back airflow, maintain clear space behind the rack for intake air, and consider adding active or passive cooling solutions or blanking panels if you later install doors or side panels.
• Where can I find exact technical specifications for ordering or integration?
  Detailed specifications are provided by the distributor or manufacturer through technical data sheets. For precise measurements, mounting options, and accessory compatibility, consult your reseller’s product sheet or contact Eaton/Tripp Lite support.