A server rack is a 19-inch rack to DIN 41494 that houses servers, switches and UPS and standardises mounting, cooling and power supply. ZPAS manufactures server racks and network cabinets from 6 to 47 U with load capacities of up to 2,000 kg (Z-SERVER without levelling feet) and degrees of protection up to IP 54 — from the wall-mounted enclosure to the data centre rack, direct from the factory. All standard dimensions compared: server rack dimensions.
⚙️ Server rack & network cabinet configuratorIn just a few steps — height in U, width, depth, door variants & accessories · no obligation →Server racks and network cabinets for every application
ZPAS has been producing rack infrastructure for IT, telecommunications and industry for over 50 years. The result: a complete portfolio of server racks, server cabinets and network cabinets, ranging from the wall-mounted office enclosure to the heavy-duty server rack for GPU clusters and AI data centres. All racks are manufactured in our own factories in Poland and delivered with short distribution channels and technical advice from Leipzig. If you want to buy a server rack, configure the right series online or request a quote directly from the manufacturer.
Each product series is optimised for a clear field of application. Server racks of the Z-SERVER series have a static load capacity of 1,600 kg on levelling feet (2,000 kg without levelling feet), come in 42–47 U and are hot/cold aisle ready. Network cabinets of the SZB IT range cover 18 to 47 U (degree of protection IP 20). Racks of the SRD and SRX types offer maximum accessibility for quick reconfiguration. Plus matching cooling units for every performance range.
For server and network equipment outdoors — at network nodes, edge sites or mobile phone masts — ZPAS supplies the weatherproof, actively air-conditioned outdoor server cabinet — industry solution: cabinets for telecoms & edge network nodes →
Z-SERVER – premium server rack for data centres and AI
The Z-SERVER server rack is the flagship of ZPAS rack infrastructure. Developed for demanding data centre applications, GPU clusters and AI data centre projects with high-density power loss. With a static load capacity of 1,600 kg on levelling feet (2,000 kg without levelling feet) and 86 % perforation, the Z-SERVER is designed for loads and air volumes that overwhelm standard racks. Available in three heights (42 U, 45 U and 47 U) and two widths (600 / 800 mm).
→ Complete data centre solutions with Z-SERVER, Data Box System and Container Data Center: data centre & server room solutions
→ If a single rack is to provide everything — air conditioning, UPS installation space, access control and monitoring — the Z-SERVER becomes a micro data centre: the edge data centre in a rack, without a dedicated server room.
📘 In the catalogue: Z-SERVER – server racks from p. 10 · Ordering key p. 11 · 🧊 3D model on 3Dfindit ↗
SZB IT – universal network cabinet & server rack
The SZB IT series is the best-selling network cabinet in the ZPAS range and the first choice for universal server room applications. Available in six heights from 18 to 47 U, IP 20 according to EN 60529, front door either sheet steel or with safety glass. As a server rack for medium-sized IT infrastructures, as a network cabinet for active network equipment and patch panels — the SZB IT series covers both.
📘 In the catalogue: SZB IT – version table & ordering key from p. 36 · 🧊 3D model on 3Dfindit ↗
DSR IT – colocation server rack for data centres
The DSR IT colocation server rack is designed specifically for colocation data centres and shared-rack environments. Where several tenants use the same server rack — or an operator needs strict physical separation between customer segments — the DSR IT offers the right security and access concepts. Individually lockable compartments, defined cable entries per zone, compatible with biometric access systems.
📘 In the catalogue: DSR IT – colocation server rack from p. 41 · 🧊 3D model on 3Dfindit ↗
Special cabinets: SZE2 PC and SJB network cabinet
Not every IT environment needs a standard server rack. The SZE2 PC series is a sealed computer and server cabinet with IP 54 — for industrial environments, production halls or technical rooms where dust and moisture would endanger standard cabinets. Lockable, with three separate compartments for monitor, keyboard and PC, 19″ compatible — all details on the SZE2 PC series page.
The SJB network cabinet is the compact network cabinet for office environments and small server rooms: space-saving, tidy, lockable. Ideal for patch panels, switches and small NAS systems when a floor-standing server rack would be oversized — all sizes and the design worktop are shown on the SJB series page. The overview explains which network cabinet (wall-mounted, office or floor-standing) suits your application.
📘 In the catalogue: SZE2 PC from p. 51 · SJB network cabinet from p. 53 · 🧊 3D model on 3Dfindit ↗
19″ wall-mounted enclosures: Z-BOX and Z-CUBE
Where there is no space for floor-standing network cabinets, the ZPAS wall-mounted enclosures Z-BOX and Z-CUBE offer professional installation as a 19-inch wall-mounted cabinet. Both series are designed for indoor applications — IP 20 according to EN 60529, tool-free assembly, available with a glass door or sheet steel door in RAL 7035. Ideal for patch panels, switches and active network equipment in offices, technical rooms and smaller server rooms — all versions in detail on the Z-BOX/Z-CUBE series page.
Z-BOX — single-section 19″ wall-mounted enclosure
The Z-BOX wall-mounted enclosure is a robust, single-section 19″ wall-mounted network enclosure with a load capacity of 100 kg. The self-supporting enclosure frame (consisting of 3 frames and 19″ mounting rails) can also be used without side panels as an open 19″ wall rack. Two infinitely adjustable mounting rails, roof and floor plates with cable entries and ventilation openings, drilling template included.
Z-CUBE — single- or two-section 19″ wall-mounted enclosure
The Z-CUBE wall-mounted enclosure can be flexibly extended: it is available as a single section in 450 mm or 600 mm depth — or can be extended with a hinged rear section (Z-CUBE 150) into a two-section enclosure with 600 mm overall depth, without dismantling the wall mounting. Depth-adjustable 19″ mounting rails (L-brackets), earthing studs on the body, doors and side panels.
📘 In the catalogue: Z-BOX from p. 60 · Z-CUBE from p. 62 · 🧊 3D model on 3Dfindit ↗
Open racks: SRD and SRX – open rack frames for data centres
Open racks without full cladding are the first choice in many data centres and server rooms when maximum accessibility, high airflow and quick reconfiguration are required. With the SRD rack and the SRX rack, ZPAS supplies two proven open-frame solutions in 19″ design — stable, easy to assemble, scalable.
Both racks are 19″ compatible according to DIN 41494 and designed for use in air-conditioned server rooms and data centres. Thanks to the open design, there is no need to consider door cooling — cooling air flows unobstructed from all sides to the installed components. All dimensions and a direct comparison of both series can be found on the SRD/SRX series page.
📘 In the catalogue: SRD – open rack from p. 56 · SRX from p. 57 · 🧊 3D model on 3Dfindit ↗
Air conditioning & cooling for server racks – the air-conditioned server rack
Modern server racks and open racks generate amounts of heat that cannot be managed by passive ventilation alone. Especially in dense data centres and in GPU infrastructure for AI applications, active air conditioning becomes a must — an air-conditioned server rack keeps the operating temperature stable regardless of the surroundings. For this, ZPAS supplies matched cooling units and air conditioners for its own rack infrastructure: as a server rack with cooling unit or air conditioner, in-row heat exchanger or precision air conditioning — retrofittable and without modifying the server rack itself. The result is a server rack with cooling; a network cabinet with cooling can be equipped in the same way if active network equipment in the rack generates heat. All cooling levels — from passive ventilation to the compressor cooling unit — at a glance: server rack air conditioning & cooling. For complete projects, the industry page racks for data centres brings together series, containment and monitoring; for 19″ equipment outdoors there is the outdoor server cabinet.
When is passive cooling no longer enough?
Rule of thumb: from approx. 5–6 kW power loss per server rack, active cooling should be considered. GPU servers and AI infrastructure generate 30–100 kW per rack — ten times as much as a classic server room rack. For these densities, ZPAS supplies in-row heat exchangers and precision cooling units to match the Z-SERVER and SZB IT server racks.
Compressor cooling units (direct expansion/DX) are the right choice for high, constant heat loads: they cool actively via a refrigerant circuit with a compressor — regardless of the ambient temperature. The prerequisite is a closed rack with at least IP 54: only then does the cooled air stay in the rack, warm and humid ambient air does not penetrate, and no condensate forms. For environments exposed to dust or moisture, the sealed SZE2 PC (IP 54), for example, is suitable.
→ Determine the required cooling capacity: air conditioning & cooling capacity calculator · Put together the right rack incl. air conditioning: server rack configurator · Which unit fits when: choosing a cooling unit
All cooling units are matched to the ZPAS server racks and available as individual components or as a complete system with monitoring and redundancy. For complete data centre projects with hot/cold aisle, container data centre and turnkey infrastructure:
→ View data centre & server room solutions
Outdoor server cabinet – air-conditioned for outdoor use
If IT equipment is to run outdoors — at mobile and 5G sites, in transport and energy technology or at the edge — you need a weatherproof outdoor server cabinet. For this, ZPAS combines the 19″ rack technology on this page with the aluminium outdoor enclosures of the SZD series: dust-protected and protected against splashing water or water jets (IP54/55), impact-resistant (IK10) and with active air conditioning for continuous operation from −40 °C to +70 °C. The result is a fully air-conditioned outdoor server cabinet that ensures stable operating conditions for servers, switches and UPS even in heat or frost.
→ Details on the outdoor server cabinet · Industry solution telecoms & edge network nodes · Overview of all outdoor enclosures & outdoor cabinets
Basic equipment & accessories for server racks and network cabinets
A 19″ rack is only as good as its equipment. Depending on the application, these components are part of the basic or additional equipment and can be configured ex works at ZPAS — the complete overview with key data and catalogue pages can be found under accessories for 19″ cabinets & racks:
19″ mounting rails
According to DIN 41494, infinitely adjustable in depth, with U markings – the basis of every rack installation.
Shelves & equipment shelves
Fixed or pull-out – for devices that are not mounted directly in the 19″ grid.
PDU / power strips
230 V, 16/32 A – switched or managed with individual outlet monitoring (SNMP).
Ventilation & cooling
From the thermostat-controlled roof fan to the in-row heat exchanger and precision cooling unit.
Cable management
Vertical and horizontal cable routing, brush strips and cable trays for order in the rack.
Space for UPS
Rack units and load capacity planned in for the uninterruptible power supply in the rack.
Continuous earthing
Equipotential bonding on door, side panels and frame – earthing studs as standard.
Monitoring & access
Temperature and door sensors, 5-point locking, access control up to biometrics — as a complete AKCP monitoring system.
Server rack series compared – which series for which application?
Eight series, one 19-inch standard: the table helps you choose the right design – from the wall-mounted enclosure to the heavy-duty server rack for the data centre.
| Series | Design | Height (U) | Degree of protection | Typical application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z-SERVER | Floor-standing rack | 42 / 45 / 47 | IP 20–54 | Data centre, AI/GPU, heavy loads up to 2,000 kg (without levelling feet) |
| SZB IT | Floor-standing rack | 18–47 | IP 20 | Server room & network, universal |
| DSR IT | Floor-standing rack | 40–46 usable | IP 20 | Colocation, multi-tenant data centre |
| SZE2 PC | Floor-standing cabinet, sealed | 19″ | IP 54 | Industry & technical room (dust, moisture) |
| SJB | Floor-standing cabinet, compact | compact | IP 20 | Office and small server room |
| SRD / SRX | Open rack | various | open | Air-conditioned data centre, quick reconfiguration |
| Z-BOX | Wall-mounted enclosure | 6–18 | IP 20 | Wall mounting, patch/switch, up to 100 kg |
| Z-CUBE | Wall-mounted enclosure | 6–21 | IP 20 | Wall mounting, expandable to one/two sections |
Z-SERVER, SZB IT or DSR IT — the three server rack series in detail
| Criterion | Z-SERVER | SZB IT | DSR IT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rack units | 42 / 45 / 47 U | 18 / 24 / 33 / 42 / 45 / 47 U | 40–46 U usable (frame 1963/2186 mm) |
| Load capacity | 1,600 kg on levelling feet, 2,000 kg without levelling feet | 1,000 kg (D 600/800), 1,500 kg (D 1000/1200) | on request |
| Degree of protection | IP 20, up to IP 54 | IP 20 | IP 20 |
| Doors / perforation | 86 % perforation, 270° opening | Sheet steel or safety glass door, up to 270° | 2 or 4 compartments, individually lockable |
| Typical application | Data centre, AI/GPU, heavy loads | Server room & network, universal | Colocation, multi-tenant data centre |
For project practice: the industry pages server racks & cabinets for data centres, racks for AI & GPU infrastructure and equipment for broadcast & media technology, with selection tables and planning checklists.
Frequently asked questions — server racks
What does U (rack unit) mean for a server rack?
U (rack unit, also RU) is the standard measure for the installation height in a 19″ rack. One rack unit = 44.45 mm. A 42 U rack offers approx. 1,870 mm of installation space. ZPAS Z-SERVER racks are available in 42, 45 and 47 U (overall rack heights 2000/2100/2200 mm).
What is the load capacity of the Z-SERVER — and why does it matter for AI racks?
The Z-SERVER has a static load capacity of 1,600 kg on levelling feet and 2,000 kg without levelling feet. GPU servers for AI applications (e.g. NVIDIA H100), together with cooling components and UPS, can quickly reach 800–1,200 kg per rack — a conventional 500 kg rack is not designed for this. → AI data centre solutions
What is the difference between a network cabinet and a server rack?
Both follow the 19-inch standard — the difference lies in the application: network cabinets (SZB IT, SJB) are optimised for switches, patch panels and passive IT equipment, often with a glass door. Server racks (Z-SERVER) are deeper (1,000–1,200 mm), have a higher load capacity, perforated doors for maximum airflow and are designed for active cooling.
Wall-mounted or floor-standing — what is the difference?
A wall-mounted enclosure (Z-BOX, Z-CUBE) is mounted on the wall and holds 6–21 U with a low load capacity — ideal for patch panels, switches and little equipment. A floor-standing rack (SZB IT, Z-SERVER) stands on the floor, offers more rack units, a much higher load capacity and space for active cooling and UPS. Rule of thumb: up to approx. 18 U and a light load, a wall-mounted cabinet is sufficient; above that, a floor-standing rack.
Glass door or perforated door — which is right?
A glass door is suitable for network cabinets in the office: passive equipment, good visibility, lockable. Perforated doors are a must for server racks with an active heat load — they allow maximum airflow (the Z-SERVER has 86 % perforation). Rule of thumb: servers and high power loss need a perforated door, network equipment in the office a glass door.
How many rack units (U) do I need?
Add up the rack units of all devices, allow 1–2 U for PDU and cable management and plan 20–30 % reserve for expansion. 1 U = 44.45 mm. Example: 8 U of active equipment sensibly calls for a 12 U rack. You can determine the right cooling capacity with our cooling capacity calculator.
Is there an air-conditioned server rack?
Yes. Every ZPAS server rack can be upgraded to an air-conditioned server rack — from the thermostat-controlled roof fan to the in-row heat exchanger and the precision air conditioner. For outdoor use there is the air-conditioned outdoor server cabinet based on the aluminium SZD series with IP54/55. You can determine the required cooling capacity with our cooling capacity calculator.
Server cabinet, server rack or network cabinet — what is the difference?
Server rack and server cabinet refer to the same product: a 19″ enclosure for servers, UPS and storage — “rack” emphasises the internal frame, “cabinet” the closed enclosure. The network cabinet is the shallower variant for switches and patch panels — the network cabinet page gives an overview of all designs. ZPAS manufactures all three designs: Z-SERVER and SZB IT as server/network cabinets, SRD/SRX as open racks.
Can I configure the server rack online?
Yes — in the server rack configurator, which also serves as a network cabinet configurator: choose the series, U, dimensions, doors, degree of protection, colour, cooling and accessories — preview included, quotation within 2 working days at most.
