Installing support rails for 2U expansion enclosures

Before you install 2U expansion enclosures, you must first install support rails.

Procedure

To install the support rails, complete the following steps.

  1. Locate the expansion enclosure rails (Figure 1).
    The rail assembly consists of two rails that must be installed in the rack cabinet.
    Figure 1. Expansion enclosure support rails
    Image of expansion enclosure support rails
  2. Locate the hardware that is used to install the rails, including two rail springs, two sets of eight bracket pins, and two M5 screws.
    Set the hardware aside for use later in the installation process.
  3. Install a spring on each rail.
    1. Extend the rail to its full length.
    2. Push one looped end of a spring over one stud on the inside of the rail.
    3. Stretch the spring slightly and push the other looped end of the spring onto the other stud on the inside of the rail.
  4. Working at the front of the rack cabinet, identify the two standard rack units (2U) of space in the rack into which you want to install the support rails.
    Figure 2 shows two rack units with the front mounting holes identified.
    Figure 2. Hole locations in the front of the rack
    This figure shows the hole locations in the front of the rack when installing the rails.
    •  1  Upper rail mounting bracket pin
    •  2  Lower rail mounting bracket pin
    •  3  Rack mounting screw hole
  5. Ensure that the appropriate bracket pins are installed in the front and rear bracket of each rail.
    Each rail comes with four medium pins preinstalled (two in the front bracket and two in the rear bracket). Large and small pins are provided separately. Use the pins that are appropriate for the mounting holes in your rack. See Table 1.
    Table 1. Selecting bracket pins for your rack
    Mounting holes Bracket pins
    Round, unthreaded Use the preinstalled medium pins.
    Round, threaded Unscrew the medium pins and replace with the smaller pins that are supplied with the rails.
    Square Unscrew the medium pins and replace with the large pins that are supplied with the rails.
  6. At each end of the rail, grasp the tab  1  and pull firmly to open the hinge bracket (see Figure 3).
    Figure 3. Opening the hinge brackets
    Image showing how to open hinge brackets
  7. Align the holes in the rail bracket with the holes on the front and rear rack cabinet flanges.
    Ensure that the rails are aligned on the inside of the rack cabinet.
  8. On the rear of the rail, press the two bracket pins into the holes in the rack flanges.
  9. Close the rear hinge bracket to secure the rail to the rack cabinet flange.
    (See Figure 4.)
    Figure 4. Closing the hinge brackets
    Image showing how to close hinge brackets
  10. On the front of the rail, press the two bracket pins into the holes in the rack flanges.
  11. Close the front hinge bracket to secure the rail to the rack cabinet flange.
    See Figure 4.
  12. Secure the rear of the rail to the rear rack flange with an M5 screw that is provided with the rack kit.
  13. Repeat the steps to secure the opposite rail to the rack cabinet.
  14. Repeat the procedure to install rails for each additional expansion enclosure.