Cornerless cabinets
Original article date: June 1999
A radically different approach to cabinet design by Willsher & Quick should bring accessibility and utilisation benefits for installers and end users
The new Access system free-standing enclosure from Willsher & Quick dispenses with conventional construction techniques by incorporating square tubular top and bottom frame sections, linked by a pair of heavy-duty vertical extrusions centrally positioned either side. This creates a sturdy framework onto which a mix of quick-release exterior panels and doors are attached. This construction technique completely eliminates the need for the traditional four-corner uprights found in other conventional types of floor-standing enclosures.
Also, the exterior cladding can be removed from the corner areas, without affecting the structural integrity or security of the cabinet, whilst the absence of structural corner posts permits easy cable bundling and routing in and around the 19in vertical mounts, down the sides or between bayed cabinets.
All exterior panels, including the top and doors can be fitted by a single person releasing a spring-loaded catch. This not only makes transportation and final positioning easier, it also allows uninhibited but secure access to internal equipment from the front, rear, sides, top and base.
To simplify cable and equipment installation, the front and rear 19in mountings of the 800mm wide models are fully adjustable internally, fore, aft and laterally. Other configuration and equipment mounting options allow for a convenient mix of both active and passive components. An optional swing-frame assembly which can be retrofitted, offers further benefits.
The design and shape of the top and bottom frames, forming the perimeter support of the cabinet, offers impressive top and bottom cable access. When Access Racks need to be installed next to walls, the narrow section frame and large, open-top area capability enables substantial wall-mounted cable runs to enter freely into the top of the cabinet, without undue bending of cables.
The Access Racks are available in 600 and 800mm widths, 675 and 875mm deep and in four popular heights: 27U, 39U, 42U and 47U. They are particularly suited to structured voice and data cabling, communications server and A/V broadcasting industries, as well as traditional electrical and electronics applications.
All Access cabinet front doors have fully vented vertical frame members to assist natural internal convection. Where extreme heat dissipation is of concern, a forced air cooling system can be introduced and customised. Other accessories include plinths and shelves, cable management units, power distribution units, fan trays and mountings.
- Willsher & Quick
- Tel: 01278 783371
June 1999