How to select the correct size server rack

At Redback racks, we liked to keep everything simple! When assisting our customers to select a rack, we ask these 3 questions:

  1. Height in RU
  2. Wall mount or floor standing?
  3. Depth?

These handy mouse pads are part of our promotional gear to assist customers.

Height in RU?

Server rack height is measured in rack units (RU), 1RU = 44.45mm.

Most racking equipment is also measured in RU, for example 1 x patch panel = 1 RU.

Add your equipment together to establish the RU of your rack.

If it is a large rack and a lot of heat generating equipment, you may want to add 1-2RU extra to allow for ventilation throughout the cabinet.

 

Wall mount or floor standing?

At Redback Racks our wall mount racks come in 6, 9, 12 and 18RU, floor standing come in 18,27 and 42RU.

 

Depth

Depth of most cabinets and equipment is measured in mm, standard depths of our cabinets are 450 and 600mm for the wall mount units and 600, 800mm & 1000mm in the floor standing units.

When selecting depth of your rack, be sure to look at the specs of your equipment to ensure it will fit.

Width

Adding on from the questions above, all server racks are usually 19” internally and most equipment is compatible with this, 19” = 482.6mm

At Redback Racks we have the option of 600mm and 800mm externally and the internal width is standard 19″.

The difference between the 600 and 800mm wide is 100mm either side of the equipment to allow for cable management. These larger 800mm wide server racks are mostly used in larger cabinets, 42RU and above.

We hope this helped in selecting your cabinet size, if you have any other questions in please contact one of our friendly staff.

PSS is selected for multiple NDIS locations

 

PSS Distributors has been selected for various NDIS locations to provide battery back up to critical equipment with their UPS systems, proudly supporting the national disability Insurance scheme.

The specification of the NDIS asks for backup on 2 circuits for a total of 2 hours. PSS has used their GP range across all sites, the GP range is best known for its reliability, it is specifically designed with a Galvanic Isolation Transformer for the Medical industry. It can handle high and varying loads as well as large inrush current. The specification has been checked before installation by engineers and the NDIS, it has passed every time.

PSS keeps stock of our GP range nationwide to assist in quick roll out times for these projects. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Which UPS would be best for my CCTV system?

If you’d like to read about why we suggest you need a UPS for your CCTV system click here, if you’ve come from that article and you’d like to know which UPS system would be best for your CCTV system, we’ve got you… keep reading!!

We’re going to skip through all the technical lingo and get right down to the run times each UPS will provide your CCTV system.

 

We’ve made it easy for you by assuming the amount of camera’s, starting with the most common household setup, 4:

 

RUNTIME IN MINUTES

4 x camera & NVR (80 watts)8 x camera & NVR (160 watts)16 x camera & NVR (200 watts)
Eco-Alto 600va UPS for CCTV Camera Systems352816
Eco-Alto 800va UPS for CCTV Camera Systems383119
Eco-Alto 1000va UPS for CCTV Camera Systems725628
Eco-Alto 1400va UPS for CCTV Camera Systems856036
Eco-Alto 2200va UPS for CCTV Camera Systems14511270

*All calculations are estimations only

*Calculations are based on standard cameras (10watts each) and NVR with 3T storage and a modem  (40watts).

*PTZ, temperature and Bullet or turret dome cameras have a higher load.

 

The Eco-range is our entry level product and could provide a long enough run time if a burglar were to turn the power off before attempting a break in.

If you’d like longer run times, we have a range designed for security cameras to achieve run times for up to 36 hours, you can read about our CamSecure range here.

For any other run times please visit or calculator or contact us and we will a happy to help.

 

 

What are the benefits of using an external manual Bypass on UPS installations?

Starting with the basics, what is an external manual Bypass?

 

An interlocking manual bypass is used to retain power to critical equipment during UPS downtime seamlessly.

In layman’s terms “Bypass” is to go around, in the context of a manual bypass used on UPS systems, the bypass allows the power to go around and isolate the UPS, which may be necessary in event of UPS downtime.

Below is a basic image demonstrating the use of an interlocking external manual bypass (if you’re require more technical info, please contact us)

UPS Bypass demonstration

In image 1 we see the UPS operating normally, image 2 demonstrates how the equipment would operate with the UPS in bypass, using an external Bypass.

 

What about the Bypass that is included with the UPS?

 

At PSS all of our online UPS come with an internal bypass :

  1. The bypass is internal
  2. The bypass is automatic

Australian standards state, for safety reasons, all manual bypasses need to be external to the UPS to isolate for service purposes.

Below are images showing the internal bypass.

  1. Position of the internal bypass
  2. The mimic clearly indicates if the UPS is Online or in bypass

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, what are the benefit of an external manual bypass over the internal bypass included with the UPS?

 

In Essence, not having an external manual bypass would be for the critical equipment to be switched of in the event of UPS downtime.

Corporations trust UPS systems on their most critical equipment, this is where the Interlocking external manual bypass allows seamless maintenance and repair on the UPS without any interruption to the critical equipment.

 

If you have any questions, please contact us 

Protect your CCTV equipment

INTRODUCING…

…Our latest and greatest product!!!

PSS has created a product to fill a gap in the market, a product we haven’t quite seen anything like before.

 

What are the benefits of our CamSecure:

  1. Provides the highest level of protection CamSecure is an online unit, unlike most of it’s competitors which are line interactive (if that means nothing to you, you can read about line interactive vs online here).
  2. We have done all the hard work for you. Take the guess work or math calculations out of determining which UPS to use and refer to all our pre-established run time charts.
  3. CamSecure is specifically made for CCTV systems, meaning we can achieve run times of up to 36 hours.
  4. Tying into the point above, in doing this we can keep the cost low

 

We’ll let the numbers do the talking about why our CamSecure is superior…

 

 RUNTIMES in minutes         **runtimes are estimations only**
 NVR+4 CamerasNVR+8 CamerasNVR+16 CamerasNVR+32 CamerasNVR+64 Cameras
      
Cam1RT141101612510
Cam3RT5563511847235
Cam5RT96662135115266
Cam10RT17361170678331154
Cam14RT280418741128563292
Cam36RT5604375022671205363

 

 

Did we mention how sleek she looks??

For all enquiries and pricing please contact us

 

* Runtimes are an estimation only

* NVR represents a standard NVR and modem with true power consumption on 40W

* 1x Camera represents a standard IR camera with a true power consumption of 10W

* PTZ Cameras and Temperature monitoring cameras would have a true power consumption of 30W (3x Cam)

PSS Distributors Selected to Support COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Program

PSS Distributors are proud to support Victoria Health in providing UPS systems for the current COVID-19 rollout.

Vic health have selected our Medi-X 5 to provide to support Medical refrigeration across various sites organised by the state government.

Our Medi-X 5 is an easy plug and play design, which assists the sites in a quick rollout. The unit comprises of a 2kva UPS, along with battery bank for extended run time. With this UPS the sites are seeing a back up time of up to 8.5hours.

 

Click here for further information on our Medi-X range 

Designed and manufactured in Australia, for Australia

Our IP range has been expanded by the inclusion of Australian made products. This was after realising the need to support and utilise local based companies whilst expanding our range to suit customers demands.

weatherproof aluminum Australian made data rack

We saw benefits to us manufacturing these custom-built racks with the main being the very quick turnaround time.  Our local manufacturers standard production time is 1.5 weeks + shipping. Fortunately shipping time is minimal being Australia to Australia (1 week maximum), as opposed to overseas produced products having at least a 3 month wait. This then allowed us to offer customers stock quicker and faster.

All data racks are powder coated with marine grade aluminum and are designed and made in Australia. Other features that come standard on our CA rack cabinets are:

  • Compatible with all 19” rack equipment
  • Polyurethane gasket on front door for reliable seal
  • Secure doors with 3-point locking system
  • Wall / pole mounted or floor standing
  • 2 x cable entry gland plates
  • Provision for fans and air vents
  • Adjustable 19 inch uprights
  • IP 66 rated

Weatherproof rack and available accessories

Options for our CA range include:

  • Fans
  • Air vents
  • Pole clamps
  • Plinth (standard for 18RU and higher)
  • Custom colours (examples of custom matte grey data rack below)

 

If you have any enquiries about a custom built rack please fill out this form and one of our friendly staff will get back to you.

UPS Topology – Line interactive vs Online double conversion

There are two main UPS topologies, line interactive and online double conversion. We are going to explain these and assist you to select which one would be best for your application.

This information is broken down into two parts; the layman definition, written by myself (I have a marketing and sales, non-technical background) and a technical definition, which we will be explained by our technical manager.

Layman definition

Line-interactive, the load is always running off the mains power, when the power is cut there is a short change-over time to the batteries (approx. 6ms) Line-interactive the power always go through and AVR and Surge protection before the load, thus the power is still being “cleaned”.

Online, the load is always running off the batteries, so we always have a controlled frequency (50Hz) and AC output (230V AC). There is no change over time with online for it is already on the batteries.

Overall, short change over does not affect most equipment (CCTV, basic computer equipment) , however online UPS is preferred for more expensive and sensitive equipment like servers and medical scanners.

Below is a diagram to demonstrate the difference between how a line interactive UPS “cleans the power” vs and online UPS. Please note if you are after a more technical diagram we do have this below.

comical description of line interactive vs online topology

Technical definition

Line-Interactive, during normal operation the mains supply is fed via an automatic voltage regulator (AVR) to feed the load. The AVR regulates the mains supply voltage, boosting if low or bucking if high. The mains supply is used to charge the batteries. When the AC goes out of the specified range, the load is switched to the inverter that draws its power from the batteries.

Online double conversion, converts the power twice, so during normal operation the mains supply is converted from AC to DC, the DC is then converted to AC that feeds the load. When the mains supply goes out of a specified range, there is no switching, and the UPS simply draws its power from the batteries.

image explaining line interactive vs online topology

Topology Comparison

Line InteractiveOnline Double Conversion
Normal OperationAVR supplies LoadInverter supplies load
Total Cost of OwnershipLower initial cost & Lower operating costHigher initial cost                  & Higher operating cost                          (Energy & Heat generation)
Energy Efficiency during Normal Operation96% – 98%85% – 95%
Response to unstable or highly distorted mains supplyExtreme voltage distortion can require frequent battery usageAccepts extreme voltage distortion without going to battery
Output Frequency regulationOutput frequency varies within a rangeOutput fixed to a configurable frequency

 

If you require any further assistance in selecting the correct UPS for your application, please contact one of our technicians 1300882447 or [email protected]

Introducing our Air Conditioners for Commercial Data Cabinets.

Recognising a gap in our range of accessories for the Redback Rack, we have introduced commercial air conditioners.  This is a refrigeration product created for specialised use in communication cabinets.

The AC units are useful in applications where the environments cabinet internal temperature is above recommended operational temperature for sensitive electronic equipment. Examples of applications our aircons have been used include:

  • Rural UPS and battery cabinets
  • Server cabinets
  • Communication cabinets
  • Mine sites

Below is an example of one of our Redback Racks in the Pilbara WA, fitted with a 600W Redback Aircon. This example shows the external temperature at 46 degrees and the equipment internally maintaining a consistent temperature of 21 degrees.

outdoor rack with commercial aircon

The AC units are available in a range of different sizes, from 500watts to 5000watts. The size aircon required will depend on the application, considering variables such as the size of the data rack, heat produced by the equipment that you are storing, does the rack have a sunshield and environmental factors. If you need help selecting an aircon please call or email one of our friendly technical team and we will be able to assist.

Other features and advantages of the aircons are:

      • High reliability
      • High efficiency
      • Powerful cooling abilities
      • Adjustable perimeter settings
      • Emergency fan outputs
      • Self-inspection
      • Simple interface for better user experience

For more specifications, diagrams and information please review our PDF. (click here)

Why should you mount your equipment vertically in a data rack?

When selecting a data rack, once you know what size you need in terms of depth and RU, you have the option to mount your equipment horizontally or vertically.

Redback Racks have designed a series of specialty racks where you are able to mount your equipment vertically.

 

 

What are the advantages of mounting your equipment vertically?

Mounting your equipment vertically creates a smaller footprint, allowing the rack to fit into smaller more compact spaces.

Other features of our enclosed vertical racks VM.6904 and VM.6606 include:

  • Solid door and secure key –providing greater security
  • Cable entry (rear and top)
  • Earth studs
  • Cage nuts
  • Space to mount fans for ventilation
  • Holds up to 40kg

For more information on each of our vertical racks click the product code: