NorStone Rack 18U
Overview
The Norstone Pro Rack 18U is an ideal storage solution for professional IT and audiovisual equipment. This IT cabinet combines robustness, security and practicality thanks to its metal construction, tempered glass door and mobility features. Designed to meet the needs of modern IT installations, this rack offers 18 units of space with generous usable depth, while incorporating effective cooling solutions.
Professional construction and design
The Norstone Pro Rack 18U structure is entirely made of metal with a satin black finish that blends harmoniously into all professional environments. This robust construction ensures optimal protection for sensitive equipment against impacts and vibrations. The choice of metal for the entire structure also guarantees increased rack longevity, even under intensive use conditions.
The front of the rack is fitted with a tempered glass door that offers a dual advantage: it allows the status of the equipment to be quickly viewed without opening the rack, while maintaining a high level of protection. This transparency makes it easier to monitor the indicator lights and displays of installed devices, which is particularly useful for technicians who need to carry out quick checks.
Attention to detail is also evident in the modular design of the rack, allowing the internal layout to be adapted to the specific needs of each installation. The included fixed shelf provides a starting point for organizing the space, with the option of adding additional accessories as needed.
Optimized mobility and stability
One of the main strengths of the Norstone Pro Rack 18U lies in its design, which combines mobility and stability. Equipped with four sturdy 80 mm casters, this rack can be moved easily despite its substantial empty weight of 38 kg. This feature is particularly advantageous when reorganizing spaces or carrying out maintenance operations requiring access to the rear of equipment or wall cabling.
Once the rack has been positioned in the desired location, the four height-adjustable feet take over to ensure perfect stability. These feet not only compensate for any unevenness in the floor, but also slightly raise the rack to facilitate airflow underneath, thereby contributing to the overall cooling of the system.
The difference in height between the configuration with casters (985 mm) and without casters (905 mm) has been carefully calculated to maintain optimal ergonomics in both cases. This adaptability makes the rack particularly versatile, adjusting to the specific constraints of each installation environment.
Effective cooling and thermal management
Thermal management is a crucial aspect for any IT equipment, and the Norstone Pro Rack 18U meets this requirement with two integrated fans. These fans ensure constant air circulation inside the rack, effectively removing the heat generated by operating equipment.
The rack design also promotes natural airflow thanks to its structure, which allows air to circulate from bottom to top. This passive cooling approach complements the action of the fans to maintain an optimal temperature, even under heavy load.
For installations with particularly demanding heat dissipation requirements, the rack structure allows additional fans to be installed. This modularity makes it possible to adapt the cooling system according to the heat generated by the installed equipment, thereby guaranteeing ideal operating conditions in all circumstances.
Enhanced security and accessibility
Protecting equipment against unauthorized access is a priority for any professional installation. The Norstone Pro Rack 18U incorporates a locking system with a key lock and butterfly handle, providing a level of security suited to professional environments. This mechanism effectively prevents access by unauthorized individuals while making opening easier for authorized personnel.
Equipment accessibility is optimized thanks to the reversible door, which can open in the most practical direction depending on the space configuration. This feature is particularly useful in constrained environments where access may be limited on one side or the other.
The transparency of the tempered glass door also allows a quick visual check of equipment status without needing to open the rack. This feature facilitates preventive maintenance and daily monitoring, contributing to more efficient infrastructure management.
Simplified installation and assembly
Although supplied unassembled, the Norstone Pro Rack 18U has been designed to make assembly easier. The three cartons contain all components, the necessary hardware, a detailed plan and even the tools required for assembly. This all-in-one approach eliminates the frustrations usually associated with assembling technical furniture.
The distribution of components across three separate cartons (920 × 620 × 250 mm, 875 × 670 × 80 mm and 660 × 640 × 110 mm) makes handling easier upon delivery and provides easier access through restricted spaces. This thoughtful organization reflects the attention given to the user experience, from receipt through to final installation.
Clear, illustrated assembly instructions allow even inexperienced users to complete assembly without difficulty. Once assembled, the rack immediately offers all its functions without requiring complex adjustments or additional specialized tools.
Versatility and multiple applications
The Norstone Pro Rack 18U stands out for its versatility, adapting to a wide range of environments and applications. In a professional setting, it can accommodate servers, network-attached storage (NAS) systems, network equipment such as switches and routers, as well as security systems.
For audiovisual applications, this rack is an ideal solution for centralizing amplifiers, preamplifiers, audio/video processors and other signal processing equipment. Its design takes into account the specific requirements of this equipment, particularly in terms of ventilation and accessibility.
In educational environments or small businesses, the Norstone Pro offers a scalable solution that can adapt to growing IT needs. Its mobility makes space reorganization easier, while its robustness ensures long-term protection of hardware investments.
Documentation
French
Technical Specifications
- Material: metal
- Color: satin black
- Ventilation: 2 integrated fans
- Equipment: 1 fixed shelf included
- Mobility and stability:
- 4 wheels of 80 mm
- 4 height-adjustable feet
Door and Security
- Door type: tempered glass
- Security: key lock with butterfly handle
- Installation: reversible door
General Information
Dimensions and Capacity
- Storage capacity: 18 units (18U)
- Maximum usable depth: 540 mm
- Dimensions:
- With wheels: 600 mm (W) × 985 mm (H) × 600 mm (D)
- Without wheels: 600 mm (W) × 905 mm (H) × 600 mm (D)
- Weight:
- Net weight: 38 kg
- Total gross weight: 41.2 kg
Delivery Information
- Packaging: unassembled, with screws, plan, and tools necessary for assembly
- Packing: 3 boxes
- Box 1: 920 × 620 × 250 mm, 13.2 kg
- Box 2: 875 × 670 × 80 mm, 13.8 kg
- Box 3: 660 × 640 × 110 mm, 14.2 kg
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an 18U rack and other sizes available on the market?
An 18U rack provides 18 standard height units (1U = 44.45 mm), positioning it as an intermediate solution between small racks (9–12U) and large racks (24–42U). This size is ideal for medium-sized installations requiring several pieces of equipment without taking up the space of a full-height rack. The Norstone Pro 18U offers an excellent balance between capacity and footprint.
Is the integrated ventilation system sufficient for equipment with high heat dissipation?
The two built-in fans are sized to provide adequate cooling under normal operating conditions. For equipment that generates significant heat (such as certain servers), it is recommended to optimize device placement by positioning the hottest units at the top of the rack and leaving space between equipment. In extreme cases, adding additional fans may be considered.
How can I effectively manage the cabling in this rack?
Although the Norstone Pro does not come with specific cable management accessories, its design includes several mounting points for installing storage solutions such as horizontal or vertical cable guides. It is recommended to use reusable cable ties and organize cables by function (power, network, audio) to facilitate future maintenance.
Can the rack be fixed to the floor for greater stability?
Although the rack is designed to be stable thanks to its adjustable feet, it does not include a floor anchoring system as standard. For environments requiring absolute stability or subject to seismic risks, anchoring solutions can be adapted using the mounting points of the adjustable feet. Consult a professional for secure installation in these specific cases.
Is the rack suitable for home environments?
Although designed for professional applications, the Norstone Pro 18U can fit perfectly into a home environment for audiovisual or computer enthusiasts. Its refined aesthetics and glass door allow it to blend harmoniously with a modern interior. The noise level of the fans remains moderate, but it is preferable to install the rack in a dedicated room rather than in a main living space.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
- Manufacturer reference: NPR19RACCAB18U
- GTIN / EAN: 3700795181218













