The Eaton RS is the company’s newest rack enclosure line that offers organizations a ton of versatility and is well-suited for a range of small to large use cases. The RS Enclosures are highlighted by its customizable and tool-less mounting options for power equipment, high-flow doors to promote effective airflow, and a plethora of different cable management options depending on the specific model.
The Eaton RS is the company’s newest rack enclosure line that offers organizations a ton of versatility and is well-suited for a range of small to large use cases. The RS Enclosures are highlighted by its customizable and tool-less mounting options for power equipment, high-flow doors to promote effective airflow, and a plethora of different cable management options depending on the specific model.
The RS line offers numerous models from three different categories: network, server and colocation. This allows Eaton to offer something for everyone, including different budgets. The server is the most cost-effective configuration and features rack PDU mounting, airflow and basic cable management options. Eaton’s network server configuration is highlighted by its robust cable management solutions for medium-to-high density requirements. Colocation models offer the same configuration options as the server models; however, they are equipped with a secure combination lock, which is ideal for organizations that need more security in their server rooms. Each of these three configuration options have numerous models, so customers can drill down to a very specific set of specifications depending on your use case and server environment.
General Eaton RS Enclosure Specifications
| Server | |||
| RSVHHWC | Server | H = 42, 45, 48 or 52 W = 6 for 600 mm; 8 for 800 mm D = 0 for 1000 mm; 1 for 1100 mm; 2 for 1200 mm C = B for black; W for white |
Frame, rails (flush), locking sides, casters, top, full front door with swing handle, split rear doors with swing handle; PDU mounting brackets |
| RSVNSHHWC | Server – no sides | H = 42, 45, 48 or 52 W = 6 for 600 mm; 8 for 800 mm D = 0 for 1000 mm; 1 for 1100 mm; 2 for 1200 mm C = B for black; W for white |
Frame, rails (flush), casters, top, full front door with swing handle, split rear doors with swing handle; PDU mounting brackets |
| Networking | |||
| RSNHHWC | Networking | H = 42, 45, 48 or 52 W = 6 for 600 mm; 8 for 800 mm D = 0 for 1000 mm; 1 for 1100 mm; 2 for 1200 mm C = B for black; W for white |
Frame, rails (recessed to accommodate cable management), vertical cable managers with fingers – front and rear; locking sides, casters, top, full front door with swing handle, split rear door with swing handle; PDU mounting brackets |
| Colocation | |||
| RSCHHWDC | Colocation | H = 42, 45, 48 or 52 W = 6 for 600 mm; 8 for 800 mm D= 0 for 1000 mm; 1 for 1100 mm; 2 for 1200 mm C = B for black; W for white |
Frame, rails (flush mount on front), locking sides, casters, top, full front door with combo lock, split rear door with combo lock; PDU mounting brackets |
| Key accessories | |||
| Air dams | |||
| RSAIRD600HH | For 600 mm enclosures |
HH = 42, 45, 48 or 52 | Air dam flex gasketing kit |
| RSAIRD600HH | For 800 mm enclosures |
HH = 42, 45, 48 or 52; C = B for black; W for white |
Air dam flex gasketing with vertical blanking panels and grommets |
| PDU brackets | |||
| RSPDUMTGB | Standard PDU bracket |
For all enclosures | Additional PDU brackets for mounting on second side or for half height rack PDUs |
| RSPDU9MTGC | Standard PDU mounting |
For 800 mm wide enclosures only | Rack PDU brackets to install behind rear rails on 800 mm wide enclosures; accommodates two rack PDUs facing rear |
| Vertical cable managers | |||
| RSCMFHHU | For all enclosures | Vertical cable management fingers HH = 42, 45, 48, 52 |
Kit of fingers for vertical cable management; fingers attach to square hole rails; may be used on 600 mm or 800 mm enclosures |
| RCVVCMHHB | For 800 mm enclosures |
High density cable manager HH = 42, 45, 48, 52 |
High density cable manager with two rows of fingers and a cable management door; mounting brackets; for use with 800 mm enclosures/square hole rails |
| Anchor brackets | |||
| RSANCC | For all enclosures | Anchor brackets | Anchor brackets for floor anchorage; meets IBC seismic requirements; refer to seismic analysis for loading and anchorage specification |
For this particular review, we are looking at the RSV4261B enclosure. This configuration comes in either black or white builds as well as a variety of different form factors including 42U, 45U, 48U and 52U, and widths of 600 mm and 800 mm, and depths of 1000 mm, 1100 mm and 1200 mm. There is also the option to purchase one with and without the side panels, depending on the need. Our unit features a 42U configuration and measures in at 43.31 inches (depth) by 23.6 inches (wide). While the main StorageReview Test Lab leverages the older S-Series rack from Eaton, we wanted to see the differences and updates first hand.
Eaton RSV4261B Specifications
| Catalog number | RSV4261B |
| Dimensions | Length: 43.31 IN Height: 80 IN Width: 23.6 IN |
| Weight | 310 LB |
| Warranty | 5-years |
| Configuration | Server |
| Enclosure | Closed |
| Color | Black |
| Number of Rack units | 42U |
| Load capacity (static) | 3000 lbs (1361 kg) |
| Load capacity (dynamic) | 2000 lbs (907 kg) |
| Door type | Full Perforated Front Door; Split Perforated Rear Doors; Key Lock Swing Handle |
| EIA mounting rails | 14 gauge |
| Side panels | Locking split side panels |
| Degree of Protection (IP) | IP20 |
The RSV4261B model consists of two locking split side panels, a top panel with cable pass-thru grommets, a rear split door, a dual PDU bracket kit, and four tool-less rackmount rails. Also includes was a welded frame and a caster kit set.
Installation was seamless on our end. Part of the big draw for these enclosures is the company’s focus on ease-of-use, mainly due to its tool-less design. Once we rolled it into position, we were able to quickly adjust and customize it for our use. Cable management is easy too, with cable channels through the top and bottom of the Eaton enclosure without much hassle. The top cable slots are wide for plenty of connectivity pass-through, with brushes to help minimize airflow passthrough. Removing the enclosure panels is also a tool-less process as well. With the locks unlocked, simply press the release button and lift the panel out of position.
The Eaton RS enclosure customers also have the option of using air dam kits to restrict airflow airflow in areas that receive cold air through via the front cabinet door. This is helpful in situations where the entire rack isn’t populated, either through design plans or for future expansion, but the user still wants to improve air flow efficiency.
Those looking to mount power distribution units (or PDUs) will find a lot to like here. You can mount up to two PDUs per brackets and it supports velcro straps to help keep your cable management nice and tidy. Eaton also offers a 90 degree bracket option for those who have one of the 800mm-wide models.
Overall the new RS-Series Rack from Eaton brings many updates from the S-Series Rack, primarily around customization and additional size offerings to meet the demands of the ever-changing datacenter. Items such as rail spacing, while tool-less prior, become more intuitive and easier to align in the newest rack model. Whether setting up a single rack in a small business environment or configuring rows of these enclosures, the operational benefits are obvious for the RS-Series racks. Configuration is simple thanks to the toolless design, and the units are rugged and well-built as we’ve come to expect from Eaton. Add in the PDU options, cable management and the like, and the RS is a great fit for the Eaton family of datacenter products.
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