Short version of question:
Is there any reason a UPS (or any other device) should be at a particular level in a rack.
Long version (with explanation):
I have a full height rack with two servers, two Dell rail mount UPS units, a direct attached storage device, a tape drive, and some other items.
I want to reorder the items vertically. Is there any reason a UPS (or any other item for that matter) has to or should be at a certain position? The UPS is currently at the bottom, but I'm assuming this is just accidental.
The motivation for the re-ordering is that there's a mess of wires back there, but more importantly the two bottom items (UPS and Powervault) are much less deep then the items on top of them. As a result the cables that attach to the back of these items are almost impossible to reach.
I suspect the fact that I have this problem at all suggests that I'm doing something wrong.
I'd appreciate any info about:
- Whether there's any reason to have a UPS or any other device at a particular vertical level within a rack.
- Good tips and tricks for managing the mess of wires behind the rack. Some devices I have have cable arms but those seem to do more harm than good (wires "catch" when arm is being extended for some reason).
Thanks!
Best Answer
It is probably not place at the bottom accidentally. Typically the UPS is the heaviest thing in the rack. Meaning it is easiest to install it at the bottom where you don't have to lift it up.
One might argue, that putting the heaviest things at the bottom should also make it more stable. If it was top-heavy, and not bolted down, then there is the remote possibility a strong earthquake would tip your rack.
Lots of cable management
IMHO the cable arms that come with the 1U servers mostly cause more harm then good. Disconnecting, and completely removing the 1U boxes usually seems easier to me. But I really like them on the 6U SAN. The drives must be replaced from the top, completely removing that would be a PITA.