VERTIV VRA Rail Conversion Kit (VRA6) — 23" EIA to 45U Rail Conversion for 800 mm Racks

The Vertiv VRA Rail Conversion Kit is a purpose-built solution designed to optimize and modernize your IT rack infrastructure. Built to complement 800 mm wide racks, this kit enables a seamless transition from standard 23" EIA rails to a robust 45U rail mounting system. The VRA6 kit empowers data centers and server rooms to refresh their rack configurations without the need for complete hardware replacement, delivering a cleaner, more flexible mounting solution that supports longer equipment lifecycles. By simplifying the upgrade path, this rail conversion kit helps organizations maximize space utilization, improve airflow, and maintain orderly cable management while reducing wear on critical equipment.

• Seamless compatibility and upgrade pathway — The VRA6 Rail Conversion Kit is engineered to work with 800 mm wide racks, providing a straightforward path to migrate from 23" EIA rails to a stable 45U mounting arrangement. This compatibility enables organizations to adapt their infrastructure to growing equipment footprints and evolving deployment needs without discarding existing racks or interior components. The kit delivers a streamlined upgrade process that minimizes downtime and supports scalable growth for data footprints of varying sizes.

• Precise alignment and durable construction — Crafted from rugged materials designed for long-term service, the VRA6 ensures precise alignment of rails and components to preserve rack integrity. The rail conversion interface is engineered to maintain straight, plumb rails across the full 45U height, reducing installation errors and ensuring smooth sliding of servers, storage, and network devices. This precision translates to smoother maintenance, less wear on mounting hardware, and fewer adjustments over time, contributing to steadier performance under load.

• Enhanced equipment longevity and sustainability — By enabling a longer usable life for existing racks and components, the VRA6 helps reduce waste and supports sustainability goals. The kit minimizes the need for full rack replacement, lowers material consumption, and contributes to a smaller carbon footprint for IT deployments. In addition, a stable 45U mounting arrangement reduces vibration and movement that can stress connectors, bus bars, and hot-swappable components, promoting reliability and uptime for critical systems.

• Easy integration with existing rack infrastructure — Designed to fit within common data center configurations, the VRA6 integrates with standard 23" rail ecosystems and converts them to a 45U setup without requiring specialized tools or extensive downtime. The kit leverages familiar mounting hardware and reference points, allowing technicians to implement the conversion quickly and confidently. This plug-and-play style compatibility helps facilities maintain consistency across racks while upgrading the mounting system for higher density deployments.

• Manufacturer-backed reliability and support — Developed by Vertiv, a trusted name in rack infrastructure, the VRA Rail Conversion Kit reflects rigorous engineering standards and end-to-end product support. Expect reliable performance, documented installation guidance, and compatibility assurances that align with broader Vertiv solutions. By choosing a Vertiv Rail Conversion Kit, organizations benefit from a cohesive ecosystem designed to support smooth interoperability with other Vertiv hardware and software offerings.

Technical Details of VRA6

• Compatibility: 800 mm wide racks
• Function: Rail conversion from 23" EIA rails to 45U mounting
• U height supported: 45U
• Manufacturer: Vertiv
• Model/SKU: VRA6
• Product type: Rail conversion kit for IT racks
• Material and build intent: Durable rail interface components designed for repeated installations

How to Install VRA Rail Conversion Kit

• Prepare the rack and workspace — Ensure the 800 mm wide rack is accessible and cleared of equipment located in the area where the rails will be converted. Verify that the existing 23" EIA rails are in a condition suitable for removal or repurposing, and gather the necessary mounting hardware included with the VRA6 kit. Have appropriate personal protective equipment on hand and follow all safety guidelines for handling heavy rack components.

• Detach or decommission existing rails — If required, carefully remove the current 23" EIA rails from the rack frame in the area designated for conversion. Preserve any hardware that may be reusable if recommended by the kit’s documentation, and inspect the rack posts for any signs of damage that may need attention before proceeding with the conversion.

• Attach the VRA6 conversion interface — Align the VRA6 conversion interface with the rack frame, ensuring that mounting points line up with the existing structural members. Use the supplied hardware to secure the conversion interface firmly, maintaining proper plumb and level along the rack’s vertical axis. Tighten fasteners to the recommended torque values, ensuring no play that could compromise rail alignment during equipment insertion and removal.

• Configure rails for 45U mounting — With the interface securely fastened, install the converted rail assembly to establish the 45U mounting plane. Verify that rails run parallel and maintain consistent separation in accordance with the 45U spec. Make any micro-adjustments necessary to ensure smooth operation, including checking for binding, misalignment, or uneven gaps between rail sections.

• End-user setup and verification — Slide representative equipment into the newly configured rails to confirm compatibility and range of motion. Secure equipment with appropriate cage nuts and fasteners, reconnect power and data interfaces, and perform a basic load test to ensure stable operation. Document the installation for future maintenance and ensure cable management paths remain clear to support airflow and cooling efficiency.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the VRA Rail Conversion Kit and what problem does it solve? — The VRA Rail Conversion Kit is a module that converts 23" EIA rail mounting to a 45U rail system within 800 mm wide racks. It provides a scalable upgrade path, enables higher-density configurations, and helps extend the life of existing rack infrastructure by avoiding complete rack replacement when upgrading to taller equipment footprints.

• Which rack sizes and mounting standards does it support? — It is designed to complement 800 mm wide racks and align with 23" EIA rail centers during the conversion process, enabling a seamless transition to 45U mounting within the same physical footprint.

• What are the primary benefits of using the VRA6? — Benefits include improved space efficiency with 45U mounting, reduced wear on IT equipment due to stabilized rails, enhanced system longevity, better airflow and cable management, and a more sustainable approach to upgrading rack infrastructure without wholesale rack replacement.

• Is professional installation recommended? — Given the critical nature of rack infrastructure and the importance of precise alignment, installation is best performed by qualified IT technicians or data center professionals who are familiar with rack mounting standards and safety practices.

• Where can I find more details and support? — Refer to Vertiv’s official documentation and support resources, along with supplier specifications from the ec.synnex.com catalog for the VRA6 SKU. This provides installation guidance, compatibility notes, and warranty information associated with the rail conversion kit.