Description
Middle Atlantic Fan Top for WR, WRK, MRK, VRK, VMRK, and DRK Series Racks - 380 CFM, 4in Fans
Designed by Middle Atlantic to protect critical equipment in professional AV and IT installations, the MW-4FT-380CFM Fan Top is a dependable cooling solution for four-post racks. This top-of-rack accessory sits securely on WR, WRK, MRK, VRK, VMRK, and DRK series enclosures, turning any cabinet into an actively cooled environment. With four 4-inch fans delivering up to 380 cubic feet per minute of airflow, it creates an efficient front-to-back air path that sweeps hot exhaust away from densely populated shelves and power supplies. The result is lower device temperatures, reduced throttling, and improved reliability for servers, audio processors, network gear, and multimedia equipment. The fans are AC-powered and feature proportional speed control, allowing you to tailor cooling to the workload and ambient conditions. This means you can ramp up airflow when the gear is pushing more heat and dial it back during quieter periods, achieving energy savings without compromising protection. Constructed for rugged use in demanding environments, the MW-4FT-380CFM combines a sturdy steel chassis with a compact profile that fits standard rack tops while leaving room for cabling, power distribution, and cable management. It is designed for straightforward installation and maintenance, so you can deploy a robust cooling solution quickly and keep your rack operating within safe thermal margins. If you manage dense racks in broadcast studios, data closets, or professional AV environments, this fan top offers a scalable, reliable cooling upgrade that protects your investment.
- Maximum airflow for dense rack environments: The MW-4FT-380CFM delivers 380 CFM through four balanced 4-inch fans, creating an efficient front-to-back cooling path. This level of airflow is designed to reduce hotspots across multiple devices—power supplies, heat-generating servers, AV processing units, and network switches—so your equipment maintains safe operating temperatures even under heavier workloads. By promoting consistent temperatures, you minimize thermal throttling and protect performance during peak usage, improving uptime and extending hardware longevity. The result is a more resilient rack environment where temperature-related failures are minimized and equipment runs cooler and more reliably over time.
- Four 4-inch fans for reliable coverage: Each fan is sized to fit standard 4-inch openings in rack tops, providing distributed airflow across the top surface to avoid channeling and hotspots. The four‑fan layout reduces resistance and supports a uniform cooling profile, ensuring heat is moved away from hot zones in the back of the rack while maintaining airflow across front modules. The modular design also simplifies serviceability, making it easier to replace individual fans if needed without a full rack pull, reducing downtime and keeping critical systems online.
- Proportional speed control for adaptive cooling: Proportional (variable) speed control lets you scale airflow in response to real-time thermal load. When equipment is running hot, the system can automatically boost cooling; during lighter workloads, airflow can be dialed back to minimize noise and energy consumption. This dynamic adjustment helps maintain stable temperatures, safeguards sensitive electronics, and supports quieter operation in environments where noise levels matter, such as control rooms, studios, and editing bays. It also provides a flexible solution for mixed-use racks where heat generation varies throughout the day.
- Rugged, rack-ready construction and compatibility: Built for professional environments, the MW-4FT-380CFM features a durable steel chassis and a compact, top-mount design that integrates cleanly with Middle Atlantic WR, WRK, MRK, VRK, VMRK, and DRK series racks. The fan top is engineered to withstand the rigors of daily use, resist vibration from adjacent equipment, and provide a secure, stable mounting interface. Its compatibility with common rack accessories ensures a seamless installation, enabling you to maintain a professional look while delivering dependable cooling performance across your entire enclosure ecosystem.
- Easy installation, maintenance, and serviceability: The fan top is designed for straightforward installation with pre-drilled mounting points that align with standard rack dimensions. Once secured, it connects to standard AC power and is ready to operate, with speed control accessible for quick adjustments. Routine maintenance involves occasional inspection of blades, wiring, and housing to ensure proper airflow and prevent debris buildup. If a fan element requires replacement, the modular design supports faster service without extensive disassembly, minimizing downtime and keeping your critical systems protected.
Technical Details of Middle Atlantic MW-4FT-380CFM Fan Top
- Model: MW-4FT-380CFM
- Airflow: 380 CFM
- Fans: Four 4-inch axial fans
- Power: AC powered; proportional speed control
- Compatibility: Designed for Middle Atlantic WR, WRK, MRK, VRK, VMRK, and DRK series racks
- Construction: Steel chassis with top-mount flange for secure installation
- Mounting: Top-mounted, designed to fit standard rack openings
How to install Middle Atlantic Fan Top MW-4FT-380CFM
Step 1: Prepare the rack and power power down all equipment and unplug devices from the rack. Verify that the rack is a compatible WR, WRK, MRK, VRK, VMRK, or DRK series model and that there is clear access to the top mounting surface. Clear any cabling that could obstruct installation and ensure space around the top for proper airflow.
Step 2: Remove any existing top plate or obstructing hardware if applicable. This creates an unobstructed surface where the MW-4FT-380CFM can mount securely. Retain mounting hardware if it is reusable, and have the appropriate screwdriver or tool ready to fasten the new top.
Step 3: Align the fan top with the rack opening and align the pre-drilled mounting holes with the rack’s top flange. Begin by loosely threading screws to ensure alignment before full tightening, which helps preserve rack integrity and prevent misalignment that could affect airflow.
Step 4: Secure and connect power once alignment is confirmed. Tighten all mounting screws evenly to ensure a stable installation. Connect the MW-4FT-380CFM to a standard AC power source using the appropriate power cord or inlet. If your rack includes a power distribution unit or centralized power management, route the power connection with care to avoid interference with other equipment.
Step 5: Configure speed and test using the proportional speed control to set the desired airflow. Power up the rack and monitor temperature readings across common heat points to verify even cooling. Listen for unusually high noise that could indicate a loose panel or misaligned fan. Make minor speed adjustments as needed to balance cooling efficiency with acceptable noise levels.
Step 6: Final checks confirm that cabling clearance is sufficient for hot-air exhaust and that there is no obstruction to intake or exhaust vents. Ensure there is adequate clearance above and around the top for optimal airflow. Document the installation for future maintenance and provide any necessary notes for technicians or facilities staff.
Frequently asked questions
- Q: What racks is the MW-4FT-380CFM compatible with? A: It is designed for Middle Atlantic WR, WRK, MRK, VRK, VMRK, and DRK series racks. Check the specific model’s dimensions and top opening to confirm fit with your enclosure.
- Q: How does the proportional speed control benefit cooling? A: Proportional speed control adjusts airflow based on real-time thermal load. This helps maintain stable temperatures, reduces energy use, and lowers noise output when cooling demand is low, while increasing airflow during peak heat generation to protect sensitive equipment.
- Q: Is this fan top noisy? A: The MW-4FT-380CFM is designed for professional environments with a focus on balanced cooling and acceptable noise levels. Noise will vary with speed settings and the surrounding environment; configuring speed to match quiet operation during low heat periods is possible with proportional control.
- Q: How difficult is installation? A: Installation is straightforward for technicians familiar with standard rack hardware. It uses pre-drilled mounting points and standard AC power. Following the steps above, most installations are completed quickly without specialized tools.
- Q: What maintenance is required? A: Routine checks include inspecting fan blades for debris, ensuring wiring is intact, and confirming there are no obstructions to airflow. If a fan requires replacement, the design supports modular servicing to minimize downtime.
- Q: Is there a warranty? A: Warranty details vary by region and reseller. Refer to Middle Atlantic’s warranty policy or your authorized distributor for coverage specifics on the MW-4FT-380CFM fan top.
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