19 INCH RACKS EXPLAINED - Penn Elcom Racks for AV, home theatre & smart home

About this video

• Video Title: 19 INCH RACKS EXPLAINED - Penn Elcom Racks for AV, home theatre & smart home
• Channel: eFIXX
• Speakers: Gary, Gordon, Rafa
• Duration: 00:13:44

Overview

This video explains the history, specifications, and applications of 19-inch racks, focusing on their use in AV, home theatre, and smart home installations. It showcases various rack accessories, mounting options, and the manufacturing process at Penn Elcom.

Key takeaways

• Historical Origins: 19-inch racks originated from the railway and telephone industries, developed for mounting electronics conveniently.
• Standard Dimensions: The "19-inch" refers to the width of the rack, and "U" refers to modular height increments of 1.75 inches.
• Accessories and Customization: Racks can be customized with various accessories like power distribution units (PDUs), shelves, drawers, LED lighting, side panels, doors, and ventilation units.
• Fixings: Rack accessories are typically fixed using M6 screws in Europe or 10-32 screws in the US, often using threaded bars on the front of the rack.
• Mounting and Cable Management: Racks can be wall-mounted, and features like cable entries, knockouts, and integrated cable trays help manage wiring.
• Smart Home Integration: The rise of smart homes and increased time spent at home has led to a surge in demand for these racks in domestic installations.
• Manufacturing Process: Penn Elcom manufactures racks and components in Hastings, UK, involving processes like laser cutting, punching, bending, powder coating, and assembly.
• Innovative Solutions: The company adapts to market changes, offering solutions like "secret racks" that can be hidden and pull out for easier access.