Weight considerations: 5U expansion enclosure

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Before you install, move, or perform service on a 5U SAS expansion enclosure, you must be prepared to handle the weight of the enclosure and its parts.

Safety notices and considerations

Important: Always read and follow the safety notices and instructions before you install, move, or service the expansion enclosure and its parts. See Safety notices and considerations for information.
  • Do not exceed the specified maximum load of the rack where the enclosure is to be installed.
  • Do not exceed any load limit of the building and flooring where the enclosure is to be installed.
  • Always use a suitably rated mechanical lift or four persons when you are performing any of the following tasks:
    • Removing the expansion enclosure from its packing material
    • Lifting and installing the expansion enclosure in the rack for the first time
    • Reinstalling the expansion enclosure after you complete a service task (for example, replacing the enclosure FRU).
  • At least three persons are required to move the enclosure while it is in the rack (if you are moving the enclosure off the rails). Even after the drives, power supply units, secondary expander modules, canisters, fans, and top cover are removed, the enclosure weighs approximately 43 kg (95 lbs).
  • To maximize rack stability, always install the expansion enclosure in the lowest possible position in the rack.

Weight of expansion enclosure parts

Table 1 summarizes the weight and quantity of the parts (FRUs) that are shipped with the 5U expansion enclosure.
Table 1. Weight of expansion enclosure parts
FRU description Weight per unit Quantity shipped Total weight
kg lbs kg lb
Enclosure FRU 42.5 93.696 1 42.500 93.696
Rail kit 9.231 20.351 1 9.231 20.351
Front fascia (4U front cover) 0.303 0.668 1 0.303 0.668
Display panel assembly 0.020 0.044 1 0.020 0.044
PSU fascia (1U cover) 0.010 0.022 1 0.010 0.022
Power supply unit (PSU) 3.335 7.352 2 6.670 14.705
Secondary expansion module 0.826 1.821 2 1.652 3.642
Fan module 0.890 1.962 4 3.560 7.848
Expansion canister 1.588 3.501 2 3.176 7.002
Cable management arm (lower and upper arms) 1.373 3.027 1 1.373 3.027
Top cover 3.720 8.201 1 3.720 8.201
Fan interface board 0.118 0.260 1 0.236 0.260

Weight of expansion enclosure SAS drives

The SAS drives are shipped in a separate package from the 5U expansion enclosure. The enclosure can support up to 92 SAS drives; however, the quantity varies depending on the number of drives ordered.

Weight increases as FRUs are installed

The 5U expansion enclosure supports up to 92 SAS drives. As Table 2 shows, substantial weight is added to the enclosure when all drives are installed.
Table 2. Weight of an enclosure with 92 SAS drives
FRU description Approximate weigh per unit Maximum supported Approximate extra weight
kg lb kg lb
2.5-inch tier 0 flash drive

2.5-inch tier 1 flash drive

 0.224 0.494 92 20.608 45.433
2.5-inch hard disk drive 0.304 0.670 92 27.968 61.659
3.5-inch Near-Line SAS hard disk drive 0.876 1.931 92 80.592 177.675
As you install or replace FRUs, the overall weight of the expansion enclosure increases. For example, Table 3 shows the weight progression as different combinations of FRUs are installed.
Table 3. Enclosure weight as FRUs are installed
Enclosure assembly Approximate weight
FRUs installed FRUs not installed kg lb
  • Enclosure
  • Secondary expansion modules
  • Fascia (1U and 4U)
  • PSUs
  • Expansion canisters
  • Fan modules
  • Fan interface board
  • Display assembly
  • Drives
  • Cover
 42.5 93.7
  • Enclosure
  • Secondary expansion modules
  • Fascia (1U and 4U)
  • PSUs
  • Expansion canisters
  • Fan modules
  • Fan interface board
  • Display assembly
  • Drives
  • Cover
 44.3 97.7
  • Enclosure
  • Secondary expansion modules
  • Fascia (1U and 4U)
  • PSUs
  • Expansion canisters
  • Fan modules
  • Fan interface board
  • Display assembly
  • Drives
  • Cover
 58 127.9
Note: The following FRUs are installed when the enclosure is initially shipped.
  • Enclosure
  • Secondary expansion modules
  • PSUs
  • Expansion canisters
  • Fan modules
  • Fan interface board
  • Display assembly
  • Cover
  • Fascia (1U and 4U)
  • Drives
 61.5 135.4
  • Enclosure
  • Secondary expansion modules
  • Fascia (1U and 4U)
  • PSUs
  • Expansion canisters
  • Fan modules
  • Fan interface boards
  • 92 2.5-inch tier 1 flash drives
  • Cover
 78.6 173.3
  • Enclosure
  • Secondary expansion modules
  • Fascia
  • PSUs
  • Expansion canisters
  • Fan modules
  • Fan interface board
  • 92 2.5-inch hard disk drives
  • Cover
 86 189.6
  • Enclosure
  • Secondary expansion modules
  • Fascia
  • PSUs
  • Expansion canisters
  • Fan modules
  • Fan interface board
  • 92 3.5-inch Near-Line SAS hard disk drives
  • Cover
 138.6 305.6

Conversely, the overall weight of the expansion enclosure is reduced as you remove parts. However, even with parts removed, the 5U expansion enclosure is heavy. Depending on the number of parts that remain, you might need four persons or a mechanical lift to support the weight of the expansion enclosure.