Page 6 - Blog

Though 23-inch-width server racks are not used as widely as their narrower 19-inch cousins, they offer distinct benefits you can only get with the extra width. Below we list some popular uses and the five biggest advantages of these roomy models, and we conclude with a table summarizing ShowMeCables’ recently launched line of 23-inch-width server racks.

Popular Uses

Introduced in the early days of telephony, 23-inch racks became a standard for telephone exchange equipment. For much of the 20th century, these racks were the primary standard in telecommunications, housing switches, relays, and other network equipment. As electronic equipment diversified, 19-inch racks became more common in other industries, but 23-inch racks remained prevalent in telecom.

Today, 23-inch racks continue to be used and supported in telecom facilities but are also deployed in industrial settings. They not only maintain compatibility with older equipment, but can hold 19-inch gear as well. Additionally, they

In today's interconnected world, network infrastructure plays a crucial role in both business and personal environments, with right-angle Ethernet cable assemblies emerging as a key component. As we push the boundaries of data transmission speeds and reliability, right-angle Ethernet cable, particularly of the Cat 6a variety, has become a go-to solution for high-performance networking. The angled connectors are a game-changing feature that’s revolutionizing how network installations are approached.

Below we describe how you can use these cable assemblies to solve connectivity challenges. We also touch on the benefits of getting them with protective low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) or CMX jackets, which are popular features with countless applications.

The Power of Angles: More Than Just a Bend

Cat 6a cables with right-angle connectors – a term that encompasses assemblies that angle right, left, up, or down – offer benefits that straight connectors simply cannot match. These innovative designs

The need for reliable electronic connectivity in harsh environments is more critical than ever – which is why Bulgin power and data products make so much sense. With a history spanning over 100 years, Bulgin has established itself as a trusted name in ruggedized electronic components and connectivity solutions. It’s why ShowMeCables recently started carrying five types of Bulgin electronic connectivity devices that excel in adverse conditions: battery holders, fuse holders, push-button switches, power entry modules, and circular power and data connectors.

Below we highlight their key features and primary applications.

1. Removable/Latching Drawer-Style Battery Holders

These versatile battery holders are designed to accommodate a range of battery sizes, including AA, AAA, C, D, and nine-volt (PP3) options. Their key features include:

• Flexibility in wiring: Can be wired in series or pairs
• Multiple mounting options: PCB, panel, or base
• Multi-up versions for holding multiple batteries simultaneously

The versatile containers known as weatherproof NEMA enclosures offer protection against harsh environmental conditions, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the components they house. Weatherproof NEMA enclosures thus play a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive equipment across various industries. Let’s explore six top applications for these products, highlighting how their diverse features meet specific industry needs.

1. Outdoor Telecommunications Equipment

The telecommunications industry relies heavily on NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) enclosures to protect critical network infrastructure. These enclosures shield sensitive electronic components from rain, snow, dust, and extreme temperatures. Enclosures made of fiberglass FRP or stainless steel are ideal for housing multiple components. UV-resistant interiors prevent degradation from sunlight exposure, while built-in cooling fans maintain optimal operating temperatures for network switches, routers, and power

Some of the most essential products in the harsh environments of industrial connectivity are M8 Ethernet cables and M12 Ethernet cables. Built with features that keep your network up and running, M8 Ethernet cables and M12 Ethernet cables have specific types of connectors commonly used in industrial applications. They are widely deployed in factory automation, machinery, robotics, and other industrial settings where standard Ethernet cables might not be suitable.

Below we explain the main difference between M8 and M12 cable assemblies and list five features to look for as you shop for them. We conclude with two tables to help clarify two designations you will encounter with these products: coding types and pin counts.

M12 vs M8 Ethernet Cables

M12 Ethernet cable assemblies have circular M12 connectors with a 12 mm locking thread diameter, while M8 assemblies have an 8 mm locking thread diameter. Both types provide a robust and reliable connection suitable for industrial environments. The

Many offices are smaller in the post-COVID era, but that hasn’t slowed reliance on computer networking equipment to drive bottom lines – and it has actually made wall-mounted cabinets even more popular. Whether in a high-rise suite or in a home office, wall-mounted cabinets allow you to fit more equipment into a room, closet, or hallway without taking up valuable floor space.

Let’s discuss a few more of their benefits.

Going Vertical

Besides freeing up floor space, wall-mounted cabinets let you take advantage of previously unused vertical spaces. If you’ve never tried a vertical wall enclosure, you should check them out. They position components sideways to take up less space. For instance, our 2U vertical enclosure extends only 4.5 inches from the wall, and our 6U only 11.5 inches. Such low-profile enclosures can fit just about anywhere, from hallways to busy retail spaces to cramped IT closets.

Vertical wall cabinets also hold deeper components (up to 36 inches) than horizontal wall

Power strips are useful devices, but alone they won’t give you the complete surge protection you need. Comprehensive surge protection is needed to safeguard electrical systems and data networks. Electrical surges, whether from lightning strikes, power grid fluctuations, or other sources, can damage electronic equipment and infrastructure. This can lead to costly repairs, data loss, and downtime for businesses and homes alike.

Installing surge protectors can mitigate these risks and ensure the longevity and reliability of electrical and data systems. There are five main types of surge protection devices (SPDs), each designed to address specific types of surges and protect different aspects of your infrastructure:

• Coaxial surge protectors
• Data line surge protectors
• Power surge protectors
• USB surge protectors
• Grounding accessories

By understanding the different types of surge protection available and their applications, you can choose the right solutions to safeguard your systems. Below we

You might think that server enclosure accessories are add-ons − useful but not essential. But one thing we’ve learned at ShowMeCables in our years of providing server enclosure accessories to IT professionals is that these devices are some of the most essential products we offer. They allow our customers to get the maximum use and value out of their server racks and to create efficient cable installations that take less time to manage and maintain.

There are thousands of these products on the market, so we’ve distilled them into three categories to help you zero in on what you might need. The following table shows what products fall into each category. We hope the rest of the blog helps you find the basic features and benefits of what you are looking for.

3 Types of Server Enclosure Accessories

As fiber optic connectivity grows in popularity, one question we hear a lot at ShowMeCables is what the difference is between fiber patch cables and other types of fiber cables. The quick answer is that fiber patch cables are designed for relatively short-distance connections, usually less than 50 feet, within a network or between devices. They also come with connectors on both ends of the cable, for ease of installation.

Other types of fiber cable have different traits. For example, fiber optic distribution cable is designed for longer-distance transmission such as from one building to another, is often deployed outdoors, and does not include connectors.

Of course, all types of fiber cable offer the same advantages over copper cable. These include faster data transmission over longer distances, higher bandwidth, less signal loss, immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI), and more secure lines.

Below we detail the distinctive features of fiber optic patch cables, followed by some

If masses of cables are threatening to take over your data center, IT closet, or network rack, there are plenty of products to get them under control − in fact, there are so many cable management devices on the market, it might be hard to find the ones that would best serve you. To simplify, below we divide cable management products into the three basic functions they serve:

• Rack cable managers attach to an enclosure’s rack rails to organize and direct cables running in and out.
• Room cable managers are wire-mesh trays that carry cables through a room or from room to room, as well as wall-mount D-rings and cable claws.
• Cable protectors are rack-mount lacer bars and strips that serve as strain relief, as well as grommets that provide a smooth edge for cables passing through enclosure openings.

Following is more on these three product categories, with examples drawn from ShowMeCables’ 150+ cable management solutions.

1. Rack Cable Managers

• Single D-Rings: Rack-mount D-rings neatly gather cables