The Server Rack FAQ » Cable Management

Low Profile Power Cords

will — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 19:03:28 +0000

The latest generation of servers just keep getting deeper and deeper. This can cause obstruction issues with the Cable Management Arms and the Power Distribution Units at the back of the Server Rack. The following photo shows a Dell PE1950 installed in an APC 2100 NetShelter Server Rack. The CMA is very close to preventing the Power Cord from being plugged into the APC powerstrip.

The following installation shows a large number of PE1950s installed in an APC 3100 NetShelter Server Rack. There are so many cables that the APC powerstrip is buried and cannot be seen. The client was unable to plug the power cords in due to the large number of cables and the PE1950 CMAs that were causing an obstruction.

This photo shows how the installer attempted to resolve the issue by spacing the PE1950s apart. Notice here how the CMA is approximately 1″ from the receptacle. A standard NEMA 5-15P will not physically fit into that space. What is needed is a Low Profile Power Cord.

The Low Profile Power Cords are less than 1″ in height and can be used to resolve installations where the CMA, Cables, or other device is causing an obstruction with the power receptacles. These cords can be custom ordered with numerous different types of NEMA as well as IEC connectors. Custom lengths are also available.

PE1950 Cable Management Arm Clearance

will — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 19:52:58 +0000

Question: I have a Dell PE1950 and I need to know what the clearance is between the back of the chassis and the Cable Management Arm?

Answer: The CMA can lay flush against the back of the chassis depending on the type of cables present. With the CMA parallel to the chassis the CMA is 3.25″ from the rear edge of the chassis.

For additional information pertaining to the PE1950 please click here.

Cable Management Arms

will — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 19:22:11 +0000

Define: Compare the Dell, HP, & IBM Cable Management Arms (CMA).

Description: The Dell CMA uses a basket that has been around for some time. This design allows the installer to shove all the cables in and be done. The bad thing is when one of the cables on the bottom has to come out. The hinges of the Dell CMA are not that strong and if an excessive amount of cables are shoved into the basket the hinges will break.

IBM uses a basket type of design similar to the Dell design. The difference is that the IBM CMA is very strong.

The HP CMA is very unique. The common issue with CMAs is that they are so deep that it can cause installation issues with the back door of a Server Rack. HP has attempted to minimize this issues by designing a very shallow CMA that mounts on either side of the Server Rack. This feature uses an overly complicated hinge assembly that is difficult to install.

Mil-Spec CMAs have to pass destructive testing. None of the OEM Rail Kits are capable of passing this demanding test. RackSolutions CMAs are built to Mil-Spec standards but not the slide rails. Mil-Spec slide rails are available through RackSolutions, but they are very expensive and are custom kits.