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ESSEX BY MIDDLE ATLANTIC
RCS SERIES
Residential Configured Rack
APPLICATION GUIDE
what great systems are built on.
™
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GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR RCS SERIES
ALL RCS SERIES RACKS ARE
PRE-CONFIGURED WITH
Glass
Front Door
RCS SERIES
Rear Access
Panel
Removable
Locking
Side Panels
Active Cooling
Locking Casters
& Leveling Feet
24”
Rack
Weight
Rating
Shelves*
1 Space
Blank
Panels*
Overall
Dimensions
42
spaces
35
spaces
27
NEW SIZE
23-5/8”
spaces
RCS-4224 RCS-3524 RCS-2724 RCS-1824
1,200 lbs. 1,000 lbs. 750 lbs. 500 lbs.
(5) 2 space, 16” deep (50 lbs.) (5) 2 space, 16” deep (50 lbs.)
(2) 2 space, 18” deep (50 lbs.) (2) 2 space, 18” deep (50 lbs.)
(2) 3 space, 20” deep (100 lbs.) (2) 3 space, 20” deep (100 lbs.)
9 7 5 3
24”D
23-5/8”W
80-5/8”H
24”D
23-5/8”W
68-3/8”H
(4) 2 space, 16” deep
(50 lbs.)
(1) 2 space, 18” deep
(50 lbs.)
24”D
23-5/8”W
54-3/8”H
18
spaces
(3) 2 space, 16” deep
(50 lbs.)
24”D
23-5/8”W
38-5/8”H
*Shelves and panels are pre-installed
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GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR RCS SERIES
RCS SERIES
COMPATIBLE
ACCESSORIES
Proportional
Speed
Thermostatic
Control
(FC-DC)
Vertical
Accessory Bracket
(ESX-ACC-BKT)
PART #
RCS-1824 PWR-8-V , PWR-16-V
RCS-2724 PWR-8-V, PWR-16-V
RCS-3524 PWR-8-V, PWR-16-V, PWR-24-V
RCS-4224 PWR-8-V, PWR-16-V, PWR-24-V
VERTICAL POWER
(requires ESX-ACC-BKT)
Rackmount
Power
Distribution
Cable
management
grommet
(2) DC fans
Locking rear
access panel
Locking
reversible
glass door
RCS SERIES RACK SYSTEM
Rackmount
Storage
RSH
Rackshelves
Cable
Management
Pre-installed
shelves
Locking swivel
casters and leveling feet
Locking
removable
sides
Pre-installed
blank panels
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RACK SYSTEMS:
OVERVIEW
The
RACK is the
foundation of
an integrated
rack system.
RCS SERIES
Professionals use rack systems because they provide a range of benefits for both
the installer and for the installed equipment system owner and users, including:
1. Equipment Protection
Racks not only physically support and protect electronic gear, they also
play an important role in power distribution and thermal and cable
management. These last two topics are of critical importance because
they can directly impact system reliability and life. A well-designed rack
system provides the ideal environment to maximize equipment performance.
2. Easier Maintenance and Upgrades
Rack systems can provide for rear access to equipment and connections
when service is required. And, racks make equipment changes and
additions easy too. Deciding to use a rack system at the start of the project
is the best time to make these activities easy later on.
3. Professional Appearance and Functionality
A rack installation, done properly, is a display of professionalism. It has a
clean, functional style that can fit in many environments, in the open or hidden.
And there are many rack accessories that can further enhance the function
and convenience of the installation, such as CD and DVD storage shelves,
drawers, and even docks for portable music players. We can help you plan
and deliver excellent installations. This guide includes information about the
“four essentials” of an integrated rack system for your convenience:
n Racks, the backbone of any integrated system
n Power Distribution
n Cooling, or Thermal Management
n Cable Management
We hope you find this information useful. To learn more about racks and rack
systems, please visit our website or give us a call.
n The Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) developed a standard sizing system for
racks so that AV equipment from any maker will fit properly in the rack.
n You will frequently hear the term “rackspace”, or sometimes “rack units” or
“RU”. This is the standard unit for the height of equipment and rack capacity.
Each rackspace equals a height of 1.75”. (So, for example, a “four rackspace”
component will be 7” tall.)
n Racks for AV applications come with threaded rackrail. This is where the
rackmount equipment is actually fastened to the rack with screws. Standard
US rack screws use 10-32 threads, so nearly all of your work will use this size.
Some data center racks use larger sizes, and some foreign-made racks use
metric screws. If the screws don’t seem to fit properly, stop to make sure you
have the correct size.
BASIC RACK STANDARDS OVERVIEW
n Standard AV equipment and racks are 19” wide; this is the size you will see
most often. Some special applications in data cabling use wider racks.
Note: The RCS Series racks, and most of Middle Atlantic’s racks and enclosures, include rackrail
that is bracketed and numbered to show rackspaces as shown in the picture. This makes it
easier to align and install equipment into the rack.
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PLANNING
THE INSTALLATION
n If you haven’t done so already, make sure you select a rack of sufficient size
1
2
3
to hold the desired equipment. If you can, plan for some extra space for later
expansion. Choose a rack that is deep enough not only for your deepest
equipment, but for the necessary connections to the back of that equipment.
n Place equipment that would be frequently accessed, such as DVD, CD players,
at the best height for viewing and or ergonomics. (See FIGURE A for an
example). This RCS Series rack system has shelves pre-installed at the factory
at commonly-used positions, but you can move them to suit your needs.
n As a rule of thumb, 2/3 of the total weight of equipment should be loaded in
the bottom 1/3 of the rack. This would include equipment such as amplifiers
and heavy receivers. Following this formula helps to avoid tipping hazards –
especially important for racks that are equipped with casters for moving.
Always move a loaded rack with great caution and plenty of help.
RCS SERIES
FIGURE A
n Once in place, leveling feet can be extended for additional stability.
1
Cable/Satellite Receiver
2
DVD/CD/Storage
3
Receiver/Amplifier
Helpful tips of the trade:
n Start at the bottom of the rack and work your way up to the top when loading
equipment. This method helps keep the rack stable, helps make sure you are
starting at a rack space (1.75” increments), and helps support each new
piece as it is added to the rack and fastened in.
n The Cantilever Effect
When rackmounting equipment, it is very important that you do not put
unwanted flex or twisting on the component. This could cause harm to circuit
boards and/or connection that are attached to the chassis of the equipment.
LOADING EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION
Wrong Way
(do not use top rack screws alone)
Gravity
Side View
(install bottom rack screws first)
Side View
Correct Way
Gravity
RCS SERIES RACK SYSTEM
Front View
Front View
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FRONT DOOR
REVERSAL
RCS SERIES
1. Remove the two screws and cam.
TOP
3. Remove the door by pulling on the top spring loaded hinge pin – supporting the door with your other hand.
The door should then lift out; if it doesn’t, pull up on the lower hinge pin to release.
2. Remove the two screws and handle.
BOTTOM
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FRONT DOOR
REVERSAL
4. Rotate the door 180º. Reinstall the door. Set the lower hinge pin
first
then pull the upper hinge pin and align with upper hinge pin hole.
RCS SERIES
5. Reinstall the handle using the two screws.
6. Reinstall the cam.
RCS SERIES RACK SYSTEM
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CABLE
MANAGEMENT
One of the key advantages of using an equipment rack system is that the
rack provides a protective structure that can support good cable management.
Please note that good cable management practices can avoid a number of
possible problems, including electromagnetic noise interference, equipment
damage, and even shortened system life. Done well, you can deliver a
professional appearance and make troubleshooting and future upgrades
easier too.
Cable Routing
Plan your cable routing. When power or speaker cables run too close to
signal cables, it is possible that you might hear some buzzing from your
system. To prevent these noise problems, avoid running signal cables
parallel to power cables within 2” of each other. While not a necessity,
many professionals make it a habit of running power cables on one side
of a rack, and signal cables on another. Or you can avoid interference
by using industry-leading SignalSAFE® power cords - see pg. 10 for
more information.
RCS SERIES
FIGURE A
HOT
TIP
Here’s an example of what a completed RCS Series installation might
look like. (See FIGURE A) Note that power cables are dressed to one
side, signal cables to the other. Note how the cables are secured to the
convenient cable management points. And, note how the connections
are made with gentle bends and secured to prevent stress on the
connection points.
1. Maintain adequate bend radius along the entire length of the cables. Sharp bends cause
stress points in cables, and can decrease their performance. A rule of thumb is to keep the
bend radius at least 4 times the diameter of the cable, and the larger (more gentle bend) the
better. Check every place where the cable changes direction for best results.
2. Don’t leave cables under tension. Route cables gently and avoid pulling too hard on them.
Once in place, check them for tension so that it doesn’t end up pulling on a connector or
causing a sharp bend. In general, the rule of thumb is to never exceed a pull force of 25 lbs.,
but specific information is available from cable manufacturers.
3. Ensure that you have no strain at the termination or connector of the equipment.
Most equipment today has the connector attached to a circuit board that is mounted inside
the chassis of the unit. If there is too much force on the termination, it can crack the circuit
board and cause severe internal damage to the equipment.
4. Label cables for quick identification. This makes troubleshooting easier now, and makes
maintenance, changes and upgrades easier later.
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CABLE
MANAGEMENT
Cable Management
Here are some example installations of larger systems. Note the gentle
bends to maintain the maximum bend radius and prevent strain on the
equipment connections.
Also note the use of cable management tie points to provide support to
the cables as they approach the connections.
RCS SERIES
HOT
TIP
1. Some cables used in AV systems are fairly robust. Power cords, for example, can usually be
tightly clamped without damaging them. Digital signal cables, including fiber connections
and digital connections (such as “network cables”), can be much more sensitive. These cables
are designed with important small internal air spaces – pinching them tightly will decrease their
performance and might damage them permanently.
2. In the pictures above, you can see that plastic “wire ties” were used to secure the cables. You can
use wire ties, particularly for power cables and analog signal wires, but be careful not to tighten
them more than necessary to hold the cables in place.
3. An alternative method that is becoming very popular is to use flat “hook and loop” (Velcro®-style)
wire ties that not only treat the cables gently (spreading the force out over a larger area) but they
can also be repeatedly opened and resecured during installation or later changes and are required
for CAT5E/6 cable. Middle Atlantic recommends these fasteners; note that the rack was designed
with many possible tie points for this purpose.
Offset lacer bars are used to provide support closer
to the equipment connection points. Tying the cables
to the lacer bar prevents strain on the connections
while still leaving room for labels if desired.
Commonly used bars are available with offsets
up to 10”.
RCS SERIES RACK SYSTEM
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IEC CORDS
SHOWN - with manufacturer
supplied power cords
If the manufacturer has provided an “IEC
Connection” instead, then you have another option.
The IEC connection lets you disconnect the power
cord from the AV component, and so it lets the
manufacturer provide a range of different plug types
for international power needs. The advantage for you
is that you can replace the long cord with a short one
that can reach the power distribution in the rack but
avoids the excess.
RCS SERIES
AV equipment is often supplied with a long power cord –
5’ to 8’ is common. In a rackmount installation, these
long cords should not be needed to reach the power
distribution. If the power cord is “hard wired”, then you
may not have any choice but to bundle the excess cord
IEC CORDS
into a “dog bone” and secure it to the shelf or rack side.
Besides being unsightly, these excess lengths are also
sources of electromagnetic interference, and they can
interfere with cooling airflow that is needed to prevent
overheating.
IEC Power Cords are available from Middle Atlantic
in a range of lengths from 6” to 48”
As an added benefit at no extra charge, Middle Atlantic Products has
implemented SignalSAFE® technology in all the IEC power cord models.
SignalSAFE cords use tightly twisted power conductors to greatly reduce
the possibility of electromagnetic interference. Because of this, you get
all the benefits of removing the excess length of power cord mentioned
above, including improved air flow and reduced electromagnetic interference
and, you can also put power and signal cables closer together without the
risk of induced noise – much closer than when using standard AC cable
in many cases within ½” instead of the normal 2” rule of thumb).
6” length
12” length
18” length
24” length
SIGNAL INTEGRITY WITH A TWIST
36” length
48” length
SHOWN - using the correct
length IEC power cord
Use for All
Components
Use for
Cable/Sat Boxes
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THERMAL
MANAGEMENT
HELPFUL TIPS OF THE TRADE
n Maintaining proper equipment temperature is critical.
n 85ºF maximum operating temperature inside rack is optimum.
n Proper thermal management is about removing heat and not about
adding cool air. Most studies have shown that for every 10ºF rise
over 85ºF, digital equipment life is reduced by approximately 40%!
The RCS Series provides effective active cooling with the pre-installed 4” fans.
If the rack will be located in an enclosed area, such as a closet, make sure that
area is ventilated.
Passive thermal management is the most reliable and energy efficient
way to cool equipment. However, active cooling may be needed for
installations with hot-running equipment.
RCS SERIES
HOT
Proper thermal management example
showing CLS-COOLx providing ventilation
for equipment closet.
PROPER FORCED AIR
Fan
Front
To ensure a reliable installation,
always provide adequate
ventilation to the cabinet or
closet where the rack is located.
TIP
RCS SERIES RACK SYSTEM
Side View
Resources
Additional resources are available;
see www.middleatlantic.com for
white papers, and other online tools.
www.middleatlantic.com
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CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
300 Fairfield Road, Fairfield, NJ 07004, U.S.A.
Corporate Voice: 800-266-7225 n Fax: 800-392-3955
International Voice: +1 973 839-1011
Fax: +1 973 831-4982
middleatlantic.com/essex
MIDDLE ATLANTIC CANADA
Ottawa, Ontario (Canada Head Office)
113 Iber Road, Ottawa, Ontario K2S 1E7
Corporate voice: 888-766-9770 n Fax: 888-599-5009
middleatlantic.ca
FACTORY DISTRIBUTION
USA: New Jersey n California n Illinois
Canada: Ontario n British Columbia
The Netherlands: Eindhoven
AG-00002 REV. H ©2019 MIDDLE ATLANTIC PRODUCTS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR TYPOGRAPHICAL ERROR 20M1/19 PRINTED IN U.S.A.
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