We've got a job where the only space for a rack is in a sloped roof space. (It dose have mechanical cooling).

We need about 30u in total so we where thinking of using 3x 10u racks ganged together which we can wheel in and out with a long umbilical cord of cables in a cable sock.

So that we dont compromise airflow we where thinking of using an open mesh rack (so the hardware dosnt get knocked).

I was looking at these TripLite units ([Link: tripplite.com]) which seemed perfect but they are too deep, does anyone know of a similar unit but with 500-600mm (20"-24") depth ?

Im in the UK but most Rack brands seem to be availably globally so i think i can source most things.

Mid Atlantic

That sounds like a pain in the ass of a rack to work on.

I have a client I took over that has a few of these around their house.

Omg they are brutal, I would stay very far away from them.

Just curious what you find "brutal" about them. We use SR42UB's (42U version) for server project's, and for the money they really can be beat.

Unfortunately MA dont do a mesh unit any smaller than 18u i think

Does everybody know to be sure to get the right screws if the rack you buy has pre-threaded rails?

It used to be that rack screws were all 10-32. For the last decade or so, server racks often came threaded with 3/16" threads. The linked Tripplite product has 6mm screws, but it also has matching threaded inserts. Still, one could make a mistake.

A 10/32 screw will seem to work in a 3/16" hole until there's so much weight on it that it just pulls through the hole!

Carry both and make sure to have a few taps, in case the thread is damaged. If the screw pulls through and neither size holds, buy some of these-

[Link: cablesandkits.com]

Tripplite has a 10U wall mount unit that I’ve used. It is the right depth. Doesn’t have castors, however. It does have back and side access. [Link: tripplite.com]

In re: screws
Rack screws are usually 10-32, 12-24 or M6. Most MA racks use 10-32. You see 12-24 and M6 more frequently in server/network racks (especially those that use cage nuts). You can put a 10-32 screw in a 12-24 threaded hole but it will pull out under load.