PowerEdge: Rack Rail Types for Installation, Static Rails vs. Sliding Rails

What are rack rails and are rails required to rack a server?

Server rack rails are metal brackets or frames that mount and secure servers within a server rack or cabinet. They are designed to support and secure electronic equipment, such as servers, networking devices, and other data center equipment. Server rails are typically made of strong materials like steel or aluminum.

Although rack rails are not required, rack rails are a crucial component to have because they can optimize server performance, improve airflow, and simplify server management and upgrades.

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Types of Rack Rails

There are two different types of Rack Rails available:

Static Rails:

Static rails are for mounting servers in a rack without an option to move them after installation. If another server is mounted directly above, the system has to be unmounted for any work on the server hardware.

Sliding Rails:

Sliding rails are for mounting servers in a rack with the option to work on the server hardware, even when another server is mounted directly above. The server can be pulled out of the rack from the front.

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Mounting Instructions

The rack installation instructions are available as PDF files in the Dell Support Product Page of the server-specific manual sections.

For example:

• Rack Installation - Static Rails (PDF)
• Rack Installation - Sliding Rails (PDF)

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Each rack server can be mounted in standard 19" racks. There are only a few tower servers that can be mounted in a rack by using a Tower to Rack Conversion Kit. 

Download the Dell Enterprise Systems Rail Sizing and Rack Compatibility Matrix for a detailed overview of all possible combinations. (PDF - English only)