Have you ever lain awake at night pondering the difference between rails with M6 and rails with 10/32 tapped holes? What does a tapped hole even mean? And what is a cage nut?

I’ve looked to Great Lakes Case and Cabinet for the answers. Great Lakes has standardized on the M6 for its rails (although 10/32 tapped holes rails are available upon request). The M6 has a 3/8” square opening/hole that accepts metric 6mm hardware, Rapid Rail mounting, and cage nuts.

The 10/32 tapped holes accept screws that have 32 threads per inch. Basically, a tapped hole is a hole that contains internal threads. This is the original standard for 19” rack mount holes. It is not as common now, due to the possibility of the threads being stripped or damaged, or a bolt breaking off, thus making the mounting hole unusable.

Nowadays most server racks have square holes. Rapid Rails can automatically latch into the square holes, allowing boltless mounting and making easy installation and removal of hardware. Older equipment meant for racks with tapped holes can still be used if you use a cage nut. A cage nut is a square nut that has threaded holes wrapped in a cage like enclosure. Cage nuts can be snapped into the square hole and be converted to a threaded hole.

So there you have it: the difference between M6 and 10/32 tapped holes. Now you can sleep.

Happy Valentine’s Day from CABLExpress! Our designer had a little fun with our cable labeling capabilities – my personal favorite label is “I’m always in stock.”

Of course, our team got creative in figuring out how cable labels are just like valentines. Some of the more (G-rated) responses:

• “Both express the importance of having a connection!”
• “Valentines and cable labels reach out to communicate something important.”
• “They’re pretty.” (That’s up for debate.)
• “Cable labels come in different colors, just like valentines.”
• “They’re both are special and unique.”

Alright, we’re stretching a little bit here, but keep in mind that we do offer cable labeling – and while a labeled cable isn’t the best valentine, it is great for cable management. You can add serial numbers, instructions, barcodes, cable specs or company logos. Call us at 1.800.913.9465 to find out more!

In this episode of Cable Talk, I cable up a Brocade 48000 using Skinny-Trunk harnesses. This solution makes cable management possible in this high density fiber optic switch. It also offers the highest performance ratings available. Learn how to cable up a Brocade 48000 like a professional to make it look and work great.

This post was contributed by Matt Breck

Are you receiving high-energy bills from your power company?

There are a few simple steps you can take in your data center cabinets that will increase efficiency and lower those high energy bills.  The main idea is to direct the cold air from your CRAC (Computer Room Air Conditioner) unit to the front of the server cabinets and exhaust the hot air up and back to the unit for cooling.

In the applications where air flow direction is needed, there are a few simple options that will help.

Brush grommet kits are designed for easy installation to the sides of your cabinet rails.  The use of brush grommets allows for cabling to pass through the brushes but still directs the air flow to the servers.

Do you have open spaces between the rails?  Fill those open spaces with filler panels that are available in a wide variety of sizes.  Filler panels mount to the rails of your cabinet and are an inexpensive way to help direct the air flow where it is needed.  If you are not looking to completely close that space, there is a hybrid item that acts as both a brush grommet and filler panel.

Cable management can be a simple and very effective way to increase airflow within the cabinet.  Organize your cable mess and all the air to flow freely!

Take these three simple steps to increase airflow and begin seeing lower energy bills.

Cable management is often the most overlooked aspect of cabinet or rack design.  Proper cable management can increase airflow, make adds and changes easier, and ease trouble shooting.

Join CABLExpress Senior Product Manager, Josh Taylor,  as he demonstrates the many options available for cable management.  (Click Here)