I'm looking for a rack that we can mount from a ceiling. We would be using Unistrut and threaded rod (or something similar) that would be able to handle the weight. I was hoping we would have been able to use an existing rack but have been informed that it is full and they would like us to supply one.

The rack will solely be for camera equipment (Networked NVR, UPS, and PoE network switch/s) so I am thinking of a 12/16U rack will be large enough to accommodate any future expansion of cameras.

The reason for ceiling mount installation is that the rack would be located in the warehouse (beside the one I was hoping to use) where there is no available floor space (central in the building with maximum wire run to be about 250'). The location is protected from forklifts and other powered equipment. Any available floor space is located in the front of the building and we would then require different cameras and wiring as the runs would be over 500'.

There are currently no cameras installed in the building so I don't have to try and accommodate old with new.

Can you mount it on the wall? Most rack manufacturers have models with a back pan that is bolted to the wall before the rack is hung on the hinges.

If the whole rack has welded corners, you could use all-thread and large washers with lock nuts to hang it from the Uni-Strut, but I would start by determining the weight of everything that will be inside and calling the manufacturers to find out if they recommend hanging.

No there is no wall space available. The current rack is located in the middle of the warehouse and is suspended (not sure how it is actually installed) from the ceiling.

Wouldn't be surprised if the other rack is hung upside and they just bolted into the caster nuts.

You can use Uni-Strut at the top, all-thread to the bottom and more Uni-strut to support a shelf that would have the rack bolted to it. The rack should have holes in the bottom.

Look at the way HVAC contractors hang furnaces for cues.

Sounds like you need one of these, specifically made for the application:

[Link: middleatlantic.com]

Thanks Fred,

I was on their website looking but didn't look under "Specialty Racks". Think it's time for a break...

Those specialty racks may well solve the problem. You have a STRONG tool in your arsenal, though, if you can look at the requirement and mentally convert a ceiling-hung rack into a normal rack sitting on a ceiling-hung shelf (or unistruts). That's a bit of genius!