F502.02 201X Rack Design For Audiovisual (AV) Systems AVIXA DRAFT Standard NOTICE Abstract

F502.
02:201X
Rack Design for Audiovisual (AV) Systems
AVIXA DRAFT Standard
Town Hall Review Draft
June 4, 2019
ICS Code:
NOTICE: This AVIXA International draft is for the use of Rack Design task group members
only. It is not for public disclosure and is not to be copied, disseminated, shown to, distributed
to, or shared with any other person or entity. The draft is dynamic in nature and is subject to
change.
Abstract
Draft Standard AVIXA F502.02 – Rack Design for Audiovisual (AV) Systems
Foreword [to be inserted]
Task Group info [to be inserted]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
[to be inserted]
© 2019 by AVIXA® Page 2 DRAFT STANDARD

1 1 SCOPE
2 This Standard defines the requirements for designing equipment into an AV equipment rack;
3 details the requirements for collecting design input information; and defines the required
4 design output information.
5 It can be applied to:
6 a) Systems to be built into racks according to IEC 60297-3-100 (482,6mm or 19 inches)
7 requirements.
8 b) Systems to be built into ‘half rack’ or other sizes at the user’s discretion.
9 Purpose
10 This standard covers the fundamental processes and decision making for designing
11 equipment into a reliable AV equipment rack regardless of location, including:
12 a) Rack selection, thermal management, associated options, accessories, and security
13 requirements in single and multi-rack installations.
14 b) Rack elevations.
15 c) Power management and distribution.
16 d) Earthing (grounding) and bonding requirements.
17 e) Verification prior to rack build.
18 Design input information that should be available to achieve an agreed-upon outcome prior to
19 designing the rack includes:
20 a) Equipment selection
21 b) System design documentation
22 c) Rack location/environment
23 d) Security requirements
24 NOTE: Network security is not considered part of this standard.
25 e) Entry/connection method for site cabling
26 Where AV equipment is being installed in a rack that contains non-AV equipment, the rack
27 design shall be undertaken as a holistic process including requirements for the non-AV
28 equipment.
29 Application
30 This standard applies to systems designed to be built into racks that have been manufactured
31 according to basic dimensions as outlined in IEC 60297-3-100 (482.6mm or 19 inches). It may
32 be applied to systems designed to be built into ‘half width rack’ or other sizes at the user’s
33 discretion. It can be used by all parties affiliated with the building phase – consultants, system
34 designers, system engineers, manufacturers, technology support staff, end users and
35 verification agencies – to support proper design of an AV equipment rack.
36

37 Exclusions
38 This Standard does not apply to designs for:
39 a) AV equipment to be installed outside of AV racks.
40 b) Racks that do not include AV equipment.
41 c) Rack design requirements for extreme conditions outside the general operating
42 range (e.g., security, humidity, temperature, altitude)
43
44 2 REFERENCES
45 To be inserted.
46
47 3 TERMS & DEFINITIONS
48 This Standard uses système international d'unités (SI) units throughout. Design tools may use
49 alternative units with appropriate conversion.
50 Definitions
51 active thermal management
52 Provision of active cooling solutions such as forced air through a fan or blower, forced liquid,
53 and thermoelectric coolers (TECs), which can be used to optimize thermal management within
54 an AV rack. Active thermal management is used when natural convection is insufficient to
55 remove heat.
56 passive thermal management
57 Passive cooling relies on natural convection and heat dissipation through airflow without the
58 use of active cooling equipment
59 bonding (equipotential bonding)
60 Provision of electric connections between conductive parts, intended to achieve
61 equipotentiality
62 design input checklist
63 A document used to identify the required design inputs and to verify that those inputs have
64 been received and considered.
65 earthing/grounding (protective earthing/grounding)
66 Earthing/grounding a point or points in a system or in an installation or in equipment, for
67 purposes of electrical safety. ‘earthing/grounding’ is taken as connection to the general mass
68 of Earth, the potential of which is conventionally taken as zero.
69 ergonomics (placement, serviceability)
70 How equipment and furniture can be arranged so that people can do work or other activities
71 more efficiently and comfortably.
72 client requirements

73 Any specific requirements relating to the design of the AV system that the client has defined
74 and need to be included as design inputs.
75 mandatory certification
76 A required, obligatory, or compulsory certification relating to the AV rack design.
77 optional certification
78 A certification that is not required by local or federal jurisdictions but may be requested or
79 desired to show quality of design and implementation.
80 regulatory requirements
81 Requirements necessary to meet local laws, codes or regulations in the region where the AV
82 rack is being installed.
83 controlled environment
84 A rack location which is maintained at a defined, constant and controlled temperature and
85 humidity. for example, by means of an automatic air conditioning system.
86 non-controlled environment
87 A rack location that has no means of actively controlling the overall environment.
88 internal cabling
89 Any cabling forming part of the AV system that is wholly contained within a single rack.
90
91 Figure 1 Internal cabling
92 inter-rack cabling
93 Any cabling forming part of the AV system that is passed from one rack to another in a ganged
94 or multi-rack installation.
95

96
97 Figure 2 Inter-rack cabling
98 external cabling
99 Any cabling forming part of the AV system that is not wholly contained within the rack(s).
100
101 Figure 3 external cabling
102 rack designer

103 The skilled AV design professional carrying out the detailed design of the AV rack.
104 rack unit (RU or U)
105 One rack unit shall be as defined in IEC 60297-3-100: 1 rack unit = 44.45 mm (1.75 inch)
106 height.
107 rack mountable
108 AV equipment that is designed to be mounted within an equipment rack conforming to IEC
109 60297-3-100, and has a front panel mounting ears/wings with a height in multiples of 1 rack
110 unit. This definition includes an assembly of smaller modules forming a complete rack-
111 mountable unit.
112 secure location
113 A location containing an AV rack that is secured by other physical means such as a tumbler
114 lock, electronic card/keypad access, biometric security, etc.

115 service and maintenance installer

116 The person(s) that would carry out servicing and maintenance, perform updates and other
117 functions to keep the system running.
118 system operator
119 The person(s) that will operate or use the system that is installed - also referred to as the end
120 user
121 system operator accessibility
122 The ability for the system user to have contact, or admittance, to the equipment controls
123 necessary for using the system.
124 tail
125 Cabling that makes the transition between internal cabling and external cabling by means of
126 either a fixed connection panel mounted outside of the rack, or loose in-line connections to
127 the external cabling. Rack tails are fixed at the rack end and continue inside the rack as part
128 of the internal cabling. The other end is free to connect to the fixed panel or in-line connections.
129 usable rack height
130 The amount of space available for fixing rack-mountable equipment. Stated in RUs.
131 overall rack height
132 The total height of the AV rack. Includes usable rack height plus the height of the rack frame
133 itself, castors, mounting plinth, fan trays, etc.

134
135 4 RACK DESIGN PROCESS OVERVIEW
136 The process for designing an equipment rack to meet this Standard requires several design
137 parameters to be considered. These are referred to as design inputs and may include factors
138 relating to client needs, regulatory requirements, environmental, security, and electrical
139 elements as well as the functional and technical requirements for the system itself. All
140 applicable information relating to these factors must be gathered prior to commencing the rack
141 design.
142 The design of the rack may be constrained by one or more of the design inputs. As part of
143 gathering the design inputs the rack designer shall identify where constraints apply and shall
144 design within these constraints. Where a design is not constrained by a particular factor, then
145 a design input may not be needed. This shall be identified on the design input checklist.
146 The rack design process can then take place, and this will produce several design outputs,
147 detailing all elements necessary to fully define what needs to be built. These include rack
148 type, rack elevations, thermal management provisions, cabling, electrical and security
149 requirements. Typically, this information, in the form of a drawing pack with schedules and
150 notes would be passed to a rack builder for construction of the rack.
151
152
153 Figure 4 Rack Design Input/Output Flow
154 The process of designing a rack is complex and contains may interdependencies. The design
155 needs to be carried out in order and should follow the process as outlined in the flow chart
156 below:
157

Figure 5 Rack Design Process Map

Collect all input information prior to beginning the rack design. Consider every design input in relation to the design output it will affect. The relationship between design
inputs and design outputs is summarized below.
VIBRATION
& IMPACT
DESIGN OUTPUTS RACK DEFINITION THERMAL CABLING ELECTRICAL SECURITY RESISTANCE
Vent/blank panel locations
Internal Mains Distribution

Direct vent connections
DC Power distribution
Non-rack mountable
Power supply input
Shock Absorbance
Equipment covers
Earthing/Bonding
Security fixings
Fan locations
Rack fixings
equipment
Elevations
Inter-rack
Quantity
External
In-Rack
Doors
Locks
Type
Size
DESIGN INPUTS
Client Design Standards • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
CLIENT/CODE Local codes • • • • • • • • • •
Certification • • • • • • • • • •
Available space • • • • • • • • • • • •
SPACE
Location • • • • • • • • • • • •
PLANNING
Site logistics constraints • • •
Thermal • • • • • • •
Humidity • • •
ENVIRONMENTAL Vibration & Impact
Resistance • • • • • •
Acoustic Sensitivity • • •
Equipment list • • • • • • •
Documentation • • • •
SYSTEM DESIGN
Heat load • • •
Power reqs (by system) • • • • • •
Power supply capacity • • • •
Quantity, type of supplies
ELECTRICAL (inc. UPS) • • • •
Connection method • • •
SECURITY Physical Security • • • • • • •
Figure 6 Rack Design I/O Matrix

1 5 DESIGN INPUTS
2 All design inputs shall be ascertained prior to commencement of the rack design. Some inputs
3 will provide a constraint on a design – e.g. existing power supply arrangements, physical size
4 of the location where the rack is to be installed. These constraints shall be identified at the
5 design input stage.
6 Where elements are not pre-existing, e.g. if the project is at an early stage and other designers
7 are awaiting details from the rack designer, those elements will not be available as a design
8 input and the rack designer is free to design accordingly. Design inputs identified as being
9 unavailable or not applicable shall be identified as N/A on the design verification checklist.
10 Regulatory / Client requirements

11 The rack designer shall research regulatory requirements and mandatory certifications
12 required at the intended rack location. The rack designer shall ask the client if they have any
13 requirements that must be included in the design, or if they require any options certifications
14 to be designed to.
15 The rack design shall meet or exceed requirements in the following order of priority.
16 1. Regulatory Requirements
17 2. Mandatory Certifications
18 3. Client Requirements
19 4. Optional Certifications
20 System design
21 The minimum system design inputs that shall be completed prior to the rack design are:
22 5.2.1 Equipment list

23 The equipment list shall state all relevant data needed to determine the minimal dimensions
24 of the needed 19" rack(s). It will also determine the power consumption, heat load and relative
25 humidity requirements of the rack(s).
26 For most equipment, the heat load can be assumed to equal the power consumption. The
27 exceptions to this include but are not limited to: audio power amplifiers, remote power
28 supplies, PoE switches, and other central equipment that powers remote devices. For this
29 equipment the designer shall refer to the manufacturers’ documentation to determine the heat
30 output.
31 The equipment list shall contain the following information for each piece of equipment to be
32 housed in the rack:
33  Item reference
34  Asset ID/inventory number (if used on the project)
35  Manufacturer
36  Model
37  If the equipment is rack-mountable? (Yes/No)

38  Width (if not rack mountable – leave blank if rack-mountable)

39  Height (in RU if rack-mountable, mm*)
40  Depth (in mm*)
41  Electrical power consumption (Watts)
42  Heat Output (Watts*)
43  Minimum operating temperature (Degrees C*)
44  Maximum operating temperature (Degrees C*)
45  Minimum relative humidity (%)
46  Maximum relative humidity (%)
47 See Annex D for a sample equipment list. This is available in spreadsheet format with
48 supporting design calculations and can be downloaded here: [insert hyperlink].
49 * SI units are cited as part of this standard. Alternative units may be used if more suited to the
50 region. The equipment list template spreadsheet supports metric (SI) and imperial units.
51 NB: If multiple units (such as half- or quarter-rack modules) form a single rack-mountable unit
52 this should be recorded as a single item on the equipment list with the total power/heat
53 requirement of all sub-units identified.
54 The equipment list shall include allowances for venting/blanking panels, fan trays/thermal
55 management products, and shelves for rack-mountable equipment.
56 5.2.2 System Design Documentation

57 The rack designer shall obtain the system design documentation. The design documentation
58 shall identify:
59 a) All equipment forming part of the system(s) to be installed in the AV rack(s) (including
60 any non-AV equipment to be accommodated.
61 b) Which equipment is housed within the AV rack(s)?
62 c) Internal cabling between all equipment in the AV rack(s).
63 d) External cabling connections for all equipment in the AV rack(s).
64 e) Inter-rack cabling requirements for all equipment in the AV racks (if applicable).
65 5.2.3 Other Design Information

66 Other design information that may be required to complete the rack design shall be obtained
67 by the rack designer, such as:
68 a) Cable planning including:
69  Cable types and terminations;
70  Cable labeling;
71  Volume of cabling;
72  Cable separation (See Table on Cable Separation);

73  Cable location; and

74  Cable entry points.
75 b) Equipment labeling.
76 c) Intended rack labeling (if known).
77 d) Aesthetic requirements.
78 Electrical
79 The equipment list shall state the power consumption of the separate components. This will
80 determine the minimum rating of the power supply for the rack(s).
81 The following additional design inputs shall be obtained where required:
82 Determine the available power feeds to the rack:
83 a) Quantity
84 b) Supply rating of each feed
85 c) Requirements for power sequencing
86 d) Connection method
87 Define any specific earthing (grounding)/bonding and protection arrangements:
88 a) Mandatory supply earthing (according to local regulations).
89 b) Additional bonding of rack frames/components and multi-rack systems.
90 c) ‘Clean Earth’ or other signal grounding arrangements.
91 d) UPS Requirements.
92 e) Surge protection requirements.
93 Space planning
94 Design inputs for space planning considerations for the area in which the rack will be located
95 shall include:
96 a) Available space for equipment racks – height, width and depth restrictions.
97 b) Site logistics constraints including height, weight, width, and access route restrictions.
98 c) Regional regulatory requirements dictating minimum space requirements.
99 d) Accessibility requirements for disabled end users.
100 e) Accessibility for service and maintenance installer to front/rear/top/bottom/sides.
101 f) Cable entrance pathways.
102 g) Location with respect to connectivity to room components (cable length maximum
103 issues), rack swing if wall mounted, other racks or co-located equipment.
104 h) Space allowance for future expansion.
105 Once the size (total number of RU’s plus future growth space along with minimum depth of
106 components) is determined for a rack based on the components, location for placement along

107 with mounting method needs to be determined to meet several considerations of the system
108 operator and future service and maintenance requirements.
109 Table 1: Space Planning Design Input Considerations
Design Inputs Considerations for Considerations for

system operator service and
(user) maintenance
(installer)
Is system operator accessibility required •
Front clearance 1200 mm (approx. 48”) • •
Rear clearance 900 mm (approx. 36”) •

Side clearance 750mm (approx. 30”) •
Rack mounting height (if wall mounted) • •
Components that require frequent operation - •
Protection of non-end user components •
External cable entrance method •
Need for Securing rack to structure •
Serviceability •
- Appropriate space for possible movement • •
Front and rear door opening and approach • •
Side swing for wall mount •
- Side space for side panel access if equipped • •
Electrical and grounding connections clearances •
Mechanical cooling connections above/below rack •

considerations
Max cable length considerations for rack placement relevant •

to signal transmission
Wireless device placement for end user interface • •
110 Rack Location Environment

111 Design input considerations relating to the rack environment will consider both the effects of
112 the immediate surroundings on the rack(s) and those of the rack(s) on the immediate
113 surroundings.
114 5.5.1 Thermal Management

115 Based on the temperature and humidity requirements of the equipment within the rack(s), the
116 rack designer shall determine necessary actions in the design for controlled and non-
117 controlled environments.

118 The minimum operating temperature/relative humidity of the highest rated piece of equipment
119 shall determine the minimum consistent internal operating temperature/relative humidity of the
120 rack. This can be determined from the equipment list.
121 The maximum operating temperature/relative humidity of the lowest rated piece of equipment
122 shall determine the maximum consistent internal operating temperature/relative humidity of
123 the rack. This can be determined from the equipment list.
124
125 In a non-controlled environment, the rack designer shall determine the necessary methods to
126 meet the thermal conditions.
127 In a controlled environment, no further action is required with regards to temperature and
128 humidity control as part of the design although the rack designer shall define the airflow within
129 the rack(s) and ensure this is adequate for the defined temperature range. The rack designer
130 shall confirm that the controlled environment can maintain the required controls with the
131 imposed load of the AV rack(s).
132 5.5.2 Airflow Criteria

133 The rack airflow shall be determined by the equipment in the rack - whether active or passive,
134 and equipment airflow direction. The equipment airflow information shall be captured in the
135 equipment list.
136 For guidance on determining the best method for airflow management based on the equipment
137 in the rack, see Annex C.
138 5.5.3 Acoustic

139 The rack designer shall determine if the rack is in an area that is sensitive to noise produced
140 by the rack.
141 A rack placed in a noise-sensitive environment may require acoustic treatment or selection of
142 a noise-suppressed rack.
143 5.5.4 Vibration and Impact Resistance

144 The rack designer shall determine if the rack(s) is (are) to be installed within a location subject
145 to vibration and impact, for example seismic activity zones (earthquakes).
146 If the rack is to be located in an area where local regulatory requirements or client
147 requirements specify a designed rack, then the correct rack type for the zone shall be
148 specified.
149 Security
150 The rack designer shall determine the physical security requirements for the AV rack.
151 Design inputs include:
152 a) Theft prevention requirements;
153 b) Equipment tampering prevention requirements;
154 c) The security of the room (rack location) itself;

155 d) System operator access requirements;

156 e) Notification requirements if the rack is accessed (access control system environments
157 only).
158 NOTE: Network security is not part of this standard.
159 A security measures flowchart is included in Annex C.
160 6 PROCESS OUTPUTS
161 All information gathered from the design input stage will define or influence the design outputs.
162 The following design outputs shall be produced, following consideration of all the relevant
163 inputs:
164 Rack definition

165 Rack definition outputs shall include:
166 a) Rack Type
167 b) Rack Size(s)
168 c) Quantity of racks
169 d) Rack elevations
170 e) Equipment mounting details
171 f) Labelling requirements
172 g) Optional components required
173 h) Weight ratings/capacity
174
175 6.1.1 Rack Type

176 The rack type should be defined as one of the following:
Wall mounted
Floor standing

Mobile/portable
Open frame
Slide out
2 or 4-post
177 Figure 7 Rack Types

178 Other requirements that may need to be specified as part of the rack type definition are:
179 a) Acoustic treatment (isolation).
180 b) Vibration and impact resistance rating
181 c) Aesthetic treatments (joinery cladding, special finishes).
182 d) Plenum rating.
183 6.1.2 Rack Size

184 Dimensions including:
185 a) Usable and overall height;
186 b) Overall width;
187 c) Usable depth for equipment (based on maximum equipment depth); and
188 d) Overall depth including allowance for cable management and power distribution.
189
190
191

192 6.1.3 Quantity

193 The quantity of racks is dictated by the amount of rack space required for equipment plus
194 future expansion. The rack designer shall determine the quantity of equipment racks based
195 on the total usable space required, site physical and logistics constraints.
196 6.1.4 Elevations

197 The rack elevation is the final stage of rack definition and can only be completed after size,
198 quantity and type have been defined. The minimum design output requirement for any rack
199 design shall be a front elevation to show equipment locations, shelves, blanking and venting
200 requirements. Additionally, side elevations should be considered to show equipment depths
201 and allowance for cable management, power distribution, cable entry, etc.
202
203 Figure 8 Example of rack elevation
204 Further elevations that should be considered may be top and rear if any detail such as input
205 plates, monitors, or connection panels are present.
206 Any non-rack mountable equipment that is not fixed on shelves shall be shown on the
207 corresponding elevation (e.g., side or rear).
208 NOTE: Specific consideration shall be given to accessibility of user-accessible AV equipment
209 within the rack and ergonomics, weight load, and distribution.
210 6.1.5 Non-Rack mountable equipment

211 Where AV equipment is not rack mountable, the design output shall specify from the following
212 methods the mounting arrangements for such equipment.
213 NOTE: Do not cover important information such as serial numbers, power input/output info,
214 power connection pin out, or part numbers.
215 6.1.6 Rack shelf

216 AV equipment shall be fully secured to the shelf, preferably with a mechanical fixing/fastener.

217 A single shelf may be used for mounting multiple AV equipment items provided the AV
218 equipment and connections remain accessible. AV equipment with user front-panel controls
219 shall be mounted at the front of the shelf with the user-interface controls facing forward.
220 6.1.7 Other Locations

221 If AV equipment is mounted elsewhere within the rack, it shall not impede access to other AV
222 equipment.
223 Acceptable locations include:
224 a) Cable trays;
225 b) Horizontal mounting or cable management rails;
226 c) Rear rack rails; or
227 d) The rack framework.
228 Equipment mounted in other locations shall be mechanically fixed/fastened in place by means
229 of a:
230 a) Fabricated bracket;
231 b) Strap; or
232 c) Bolted fixing/fastener.
233 NOTE: Fixings that are reliant on adhesives are not acceptable.
234 6.1.6 Labelling

235 The design outputs shall include requirements for:
236 a) Equipment labelling
237 b) Rack labelling
238 c) Cable Labelling
239 6.1.7 Optional components required

240 The design outputs shall include details of any additional components necessary for the
241 correct assembly and operation of the system, such as:
242 a) Doors, access panels, tops, bottoms, and sides;
243 b) Ventilation fan panels/trays, vent panels;
244 c) Cable management – trays, lacing bars, etc.; and
245 d) Cable access – gland plates, access panels, etc.
246 Thermal Management

247 The rack design output documentation shall contain the following information:
248 a) Fan requirements and locations
249 b) Temperature and/or humidity probe requirements and locations
250 c) Vent/blank panels requirements and locations

251 d) Air flow direction and interface to air conditioning systems (HVAC)
252 e) A statement of the recommended maximum and minimum internal operating
253 temperature of the rack
254 f) A statement of the recommended maximum and minimum internal operating humidity
255 of the rack
256 Cabling
257 The design outputs shall include a detailed plan for:
258 6.3.1 Internal cabling

259 a) Internal cabling location plan
260 b) Cable management – horizontal and vertical lacing
261 c) Cabling separations
262 6.3.2 Inter-rack cabling

263 a) Location plan
264 b) Cable lengths
265 c) Connection arrangements
266 6.3.3 External cabling

267 The design output shall define the details for connection of external cabling. The method shall
268 be selected from one of the following:
269 1. Hard wired – All site cabling loomed directly into the rack and only possible on site.
270 Design output documentation shall define entry point and allow space within cable
271 management within the rack.

272
273
274 2. Tail – A predetermined length loom plugged into site cables terminated on a wall panel
275 or joined under a false floor. Design output documentation shall define:
276  Entry point
277  Tail length (overall)
278  Tail splay/split length
279  Cable groupings (where multiple tails are required)
280  Tail terminations

281
282
283 3. Termination Panel – A connection panel located at the rack for terminated site cables
284 to be connected to. Design output documentation shall define:
285  Connection panel locations
286  Connection panel design – including connectors and labelling requirements
287  Any specialist connection panel terminations required
288 Termination panels shall not be too large or placed such that maintenance access is impeded.
289
290 Courtesy of XXXXX
291 Figure 9 Termination Panel Mounted to Rack
292 Electrical

293 The electrical design outputs shall provide details of all power arrangements for the rack(s)
294 including allowance for spare capacity.
295 The following information shall be provided within the design output documentation:
296 6.4.1 Power supply feed(s)

297 a) Total load for each rack
298 b) Quantity of supply connections
299 c) Capacity (current rating) of each supply
300 d) Spare capacity available/allowed for
301 e) Means of connection for each supply (connector type, cable size, cable type, cable
302 length)
303 f) UPS supply requirements (if applicable)
304 6.4.2 Internal power distribution

305 a) Type of power distribution units (horizontal/vertical, outlet types, outlet quantities) –
306 including spare capacity
307 b) Quantity of distribution units
308 c) Unit/outlet/fuse labelling
309 d) Sub-distribution arrangements and mounting details (if required)
310 e) Allocation of distribution outlets to equipment
311 f) Surge protection devices (if required)
312 g) Internal UPS devices and wiring (if required)
313 6.4.3 Earthing/ Bonding

314 a) Rack connection to earth/ground (via supply cable/via separate connection)
315 b) Rack internal bonding (side panels, doors, tops etc.)
316 c) Clean earth requirements (if applicable)
317 d) Specific signal earthing requirements (if applicable)
318 e) Static discharge prevention - additional bonding (if applicable)
319 6.4.4 DC power distribution

320 a) Quantity and type of DC power supplies
321 b) Mounting arrangements
322 c) Distribution/wiring arrangements
323 Security
324 The design outputs shall define the physical security requirements that need to be
325 incorporated into the rack(s). Such requirements may include:

326 a) Lockable rack door(s) (mechanical, card access or biometric)

327 b) Lockable side panels
328 c) Security fixing screws (anti-theft)
329 d) Equipment covers (anti-tamper)
330 e) Access activity logging requirements (electronic access control systems only)
331 Vibration and Impact Resistance

332 The design outputs shall provide details of any measures necessary to allow installation of the
333 rack into an active seismic environment. This shall include details of:
334 a) Rack fixings – fixing of rack(s) to structure of building
335 b) Equipment fixings – requirement for shake-proof fixings
336 c) Shock absorption – Requirement for rack fixings to contain shock-absorption and
337 specification of those fixings
338 Design Outputs for other designers

339 In many cases the outputs of the rack design process may need to provide information to other
340 designers or providers on a project, such as architects, HVAC designers, electrical designers,
341 Facilities managers etc. The following design output information may need to be provided to
342 these other parties to ensure correct accommodations for the AV rack(s):
343 a) Space planning requirements for AV racks – rack sizes and required clearances
344 b) Power requirements – supply capacity, types and connections
345 c) Structural requirements – rack weight(s), supporting plinths, wall strengthening (for
346 wall mounted rack(s))
347 d) HVAC – Heat load, airflow direction, direct ducted connection details, operating
348 temperature and humidity ranges
349 e) Network requirements
350 f) Acoustics – anticipated noise level of AV rack (where installed in a sensitive
351 environment or requiring acoustic treatment by others)
352

353
354 7 RACK DESIGN VERIFICATION

355 Verification of the standard shall consist of ensuring all design inputs have been identified and
356 taken into account in the design process, and that all necessary design outputs have been
357 produced. Any items determined as not being required shall be noted as such on the checklist.
358 A design verification checklist is provided in Annex D. The checklist is provided in two parts
359 – design inputs and design outputs. The design inputs checklist shall be completed prior
360 undertaking the rack design. The design outputs checklist shall be completed at the end of
361 the design process. The process is summarized in the following flowchart:
362
363
364 Figure 10 Design Verification Process
365 The rack designer shall sign and date the verification checklists to confirm completion prior to
366 releasing the information for rack build.
367

ANNEX A – DESIGN INPUTS GUIDANCE (INFORMATIVE)
The following information is intended as additional guidance for some sections under design
inputs.
A.1 Space Planning (Input)

Size and Quantity is determined by three equations based on volume, size of equipment and
usable space within the location.
a) Total equipment height (including manufacturer-required ventilation space) + redundancy
/ height within the rack location = Rack units x quantity
b) Deepest depth of equipment + 20%? = Rack depth
c) Rack quantity / width within rack location = Usable rack width available

A.2 Environmental (Inputs)

Thermal
Converting Watts to BTUs
There is a worldwide trend among standard-setting organizations to move all power
and cooling capacity measurements to a common standard, the Watt., the following
conversions are provided to assist the reader:
Given a value in Multiply by To get
BTU per hour 0.293 Watts
Watts 3.41 BTU per hour
Tons 3,530 Watts
Watts 0.000283 Tons
 The worst-case assumption is amplifiers, although they can consume lots of power,
are driving this most of the energy to loudspeakers that are installed outside of the 19"
rack. For example, an amplifier efficiency of 70% means that 30% of the consumed
amplifier energy is converted into heat in the amplifier. The other 70% of energy is
converted into sound by the loudspeaker(s) and heat in the loudspeaker(s), and heat
by the sound being absorbed by the area it is installed in.
This can have a major impact on the dimensioning of air-conditioning for 19" rack
installations where significant amplifier power is used.
 The table below is intended to provide information for HVAC to balance systems for
thermal load.
Table for Calculations
Device Power consumption (max) Effective heat
production
Any non-amplifier device #1 ….W = same as max W
Any non-amplifier device #2 ….W = same as max W
Any non-amplifier device #n ….W = same as max W
Amplifier #1 ….W = 30% of max W
Amplifier #2 ….W = 30% of max W
Amplifier #n ….W = 30% of max W
Totals SUM (…..) W = SUM (…) W
Acoustics (Input)
Noise Sensitivity Examples
19” racks are typically populated with equipment that is equipped with fans which emit audible
noise.

Noise Criterion (NC) and Noise Rating (NR) curves depict the allowable noise levels in areas
that have a predetermined use.
Referring to the table and relevant curves, where NR curves are commonly used throughout
Europe and NC curves are commonly used throughout the USA; Any 19" rack should not
produce sound pressure levels that exceed the curve that applies to the area in which the 19"
rack is positioned.
The bold curves are NC & NR values that apply to the majority of areas where AV 19" racks
are likely to be installed in domestic or non-server room like installs. (NC 20-35, NR 20-40)
When an install is not able to meet the required NR or NC curve, specific counter measures
need to be taken to meet that specific curve (measurement with a calibrated NC/NR testing
tool). These counter measures could apply to a specific frequency domain if the rack is only
exceeding the noise level at a specific frequency of the applied NC/NR curve, or the
countermeasures apply to the entire installation by acoustically isolating the 19" rack from the
intended area of use.
Noise Recommended Equivalent

Rating NC Level Sound Level
Type of Room - Space Type - Application
Curve
NC Curve dB(A)
(NR)
Recording Studios, Concert and recital halls 25 15-20 25-30
TV Broadcast studies 25 15-25 25-35
Legitimate theaters 25 20-25 30-65
Private Homes, rural and suburban 30 20-30 30-38
Assembly Halls, Private Homes, urban,

Conference rooms, Private rooms, Operating 25-30 35-40
rooms, Lecture and classrooms 30
House of worship, Halls, lobbies, Private Office,

30-35 40-45
Wards, Corridors, Movie motion picture theaters 30-35
Courtrooms 35 30-40 40-50
Laboratories, Public areas, Libraries, Open-plan

35-40 45-50
classrooms, Open-plan offices 45-50
Business machines/computers, Restaurants,

40-45 50-55
Service and Support Areas 45
Sport Coliseums 45-55 55-65
Factories 60-70 40-65 50-75

Noise
Rating
Curve
ApplicationType of Room - Space Type - Application (NR)
Concert halls, broadcasting and recording studios, churches 25
Private dwellings, hospitals, theatres, cinemas, conference rooms 30
Libraries, museums, court rooms, schools, hospitals operating theatres and wards, flats,
hotels, executive offices 35
Halls, corridors, cloakrooms, restaurants, night clubs, offices, shops 40
Department stores, supermarkets, canteens, general offices 45
Typing pools, offices with business machines 50
Light engineering works 60
Foundries and heavy engineering works 70

ANNEX B – DESIGN OUTPUT GUIDANCE (INFORMATIVE)
The following information is intended as additional guidance for some sections under design
outputs.
B.1 Weight Distribution

Where the rack is to be installed in a location with fixings to prevent movement of the rack,
no attention is required to the distribution of weight within the rack, although maintaining a
low center of gravity is preferred.
Where the rack is to be installed in a location without fixings, or in a mobile situation, the AV
equipment shall be loaded to maintain a low center of gravity to reduce the risk of toppling. AV
equipment weight shall be distributed such that no less than half the total AV equipment weight
is contained within the bottom third of the rack height.
B.2 Cabling
Mains voltage power cables should be bundled separately from signal cables. The table below
illustrates accepted industry practices for minimum distances for signal and power cable
separation. For specific industry requirements and guidance in cable spacing and layouts,
please see ANSI-TIA-569 (current revision).

Table 1 Recommended Signal Separation
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM SEPARATION BETWEEN CABLES

Signal Common Audio Audio Video Data RF Coax Speaker AC
Type Level(s) Micro- Line Cable Twisted Cable Cable Power
Phone Level Pair Cable
Level Cable
Audio -60 dBV No Separate Separate 100 mm 100 mm 100 mm 300 mm
Micro- (0.001 volt) Spacing Bundles Bundles (≈4 in) (≈4 in) (≈4 in) (≈12 in)
Phone to -40 dBV Required minimum minimum minimum minimum
Level (0.010 volt)
Audio 0 dBV Separate No Separate Separate 50 mm 50 mm 100 mm
Line (1.000 volt) Bundles Spacing Bundles Bundles (≈2 in) (≈2 in) (≈4 in)
Level Required minimum minimum minimum
Video 0.8 volts Separate Separate No Separate 50 mm 50 mm 50 mm
Cable Bundles Bundles Spacing Bundles (≈2 in) (≈2 in) (≈2 in)
Required minimum minimum minimum
Data max 125 100 mm Separate Separate No Separate Separate 50 mm
Twisted VDC (≈4 in) Bundles Bundles Spacing Bundles Bundles (≈2 in)
Pair minimum Required minimum
Cable
RF Coax 0 dBmv to 100 mm 50 mm 50 mm Separate No Separate 50 mm
Cable 50 dBmv (≈4 in) (≈2 in) (≈2 in) Bundles Spacing Bundles (≈2 in)
minimum minimum minimum Required minimum
Speaker 1 watt to 100 mm 50 mm 50 mm Separate Separate No 50 mm
Cable 1,000 (≈4 in) (≈2 in) (≈2 in) Bundles Bundles Spacing (≈2 in)
watts, max minimum minimum minimum Required minimum
100 VRMS
AC 120/240 300 mm 100 mm 50 mm 50 mm 50 mm 50 mm No
Power volts (≈12 in) (≈4 in) (≈2 in) (≈2 in) (≈2 in) (≈2 in) Spacing
Cable 50/60 Hz minimum minimum minimum minimum minimum minimum Required
B.3 Thermal Management
B.3.1 Airflow Management

The external, ambient air temperature must be capable of maintaining a safe operating
temperature during time of use.
The minimum ambient air temperature shall be defined by the equipment with the highest
recommended minimum operating temperature.
Maximum consistent internal operating temperature of the rack shall be the maximum
operating temperature of the lowest rated piece of equipment or 30° C (85° F), whichever is
lower.
In equipment with front-to-rear, bottom-to-top or no airflow, the rack airflow shall be front-to-
rear and/or bottom-to-top to prevent mixed convections.
In equipment with rear-to-front airflow, rack airflow shall be from top to bottom with no passive
venting in the upper portion of the rack.

Airflow (both intake and exhaust) shall not be blocked. Racks shall not be placed in positions
where obstructions may compromise the intake or outtake of airflow to achieve the stated
criteria.
The following aspects of airflow shall be considered during the design process and specified
as part of the design criteria:
 Generation of airflow: The inclusion of fans and blowers in the system for maintaining
the minimum or maximum operating temperature. Fans and blowers can be used for
cooling the entire rack or localized for individual components.
 Uninterrupted airflow: Cables and non-rack mount (am I blocking airflow?)
equipment shall be managed in a manner that will not prevent airflow of vents or fans.
(See Section X for more info on cable management.)
Figure 11 Airflow Generation

Illustrates fan placement management for top mounted fans and front or rear mounted fans.

 In AV equipment with front-to-rear, bottom-to-top or no airflow, the rack airflow shall be

front-to-rear and/or bottom-to-top to prevent mixed convections.
 In AV equipment with rear-to-front airflow, rack airflow shall be from top to bottom with no
passive venting in the upper portion of the rack.
 Accommodations shall be made to evacuate hot air out of the upper 20% or within the top
3 or 4 RUs of the rack to ensure cooling of all AV equipment within the rack. Rack airflow
exhaust shall be greater than or equal to airflow intake.
B.3.1.2 Fan Types

The difference between axial and radial fans.
Axial fans: Pro's & Con's
Pro's
 Dimension
 Large volume displacement of air
Con's
 High turbulence
 High noise level
 Meant for low-pressure systems
Radial fans Pro's & Con's:

Pro's
 Low noise
 Stable air flow/little turbulence
 Meant for over-pressure systems
 Energy efficient
 Can realize a high static pressure
Con's
 Weight
 Dimensions
B.3.1.3 Fan and Vent locations – Actively Cooled Racks Only

The figure below illustrates fan and vent placement criteria for top mounted fans and front or
rear mounted fans. This is for active cooling only.

[Graphic to be inserted] [Graphic to be inserted]
Vent Placement Fan Placement

# of RU Top Mounted Fan Front or Rear Mounted Fan
44 - 38 Avoid venting in the upper 15% (6-7 RU) Locate Fan in the upper 10% (4-5 RU)
37 - 25 Avoid venting in the upper 15% (5-6 RU) Locate Fan in the upper 10% (3-4 RU)
24 - Less Avoid venting in the upper 15% (4-5 RU) Locate Fan in the upper 10% (1-2 RU)
Figure 12 Fan Location Guideline Chart (adapted from Middle Atlantic graphic)
B.3.1.4 Temperature Probe Criteria

If thermostatic control is incorporated in the active cooling system, temperature probe(s) shall
be located per the design criteria. If a design criterion is not available, place the temperature
probe(s) within the upper 20%, within the top 3 or 4 RUs of the rack.
NOTE: Generally, the intake air temperature is measured at the positions from 30 mm to 50
mm away from the outline of the equipment to avoid the influence of heat radiation. At the air
intake opening, if the temperature is not considered as homogeneous because the opening is
so wide, several positions (3 to 5) should be defined as reference temperature positions, and
the average temperature should be taken as the intake air temperature." from IEC page 7
More information about thermal management can be found in IEC/TS 62610-2:2011,
Mechanical Structures for Electronic Equipment-Thermal Management for Cabinets in
accordance with IEC 60297 and IEC 60917 series.
B.3.1.5 Vent/Blank Panel Criteria (Output)

Front-rail rack spaces shall utilize vent panels below equipment that generates excessive heat
to promote proper cooling in active and passive cooling environments.
Vents shall be blocked, where necessary, to promote desired airflow and prevent hot spots.
When vent panels are not used, front rail rack spaces shall utilize solid blank panels to aid in
air flow in active and passive cooling environments.
B.3.1.6 Vent/ Blank panels location

Brush panels should be used when connection is required on the front of the equipment.
B.3.1.7 Direct vent connections (Output)

Thermal Direct Venting is the dispersion of heat by means of structured air ducts connected
to the 19” rack(s)/cabinet(s).
The ducts can feed cool air via the bottom of the 19” rack(s)/cabinet(s) and/or extract hot air
via the top/rear of the 19” rack(s)/cabinet(s).
Ducting can be done using rigid and/or flexible air ducts.
Considerations for air ducts should involve;
 Noise “transport” (distribution) to areas with higher acoustic restrictions (e.g. lower
NC/NR ratings)

 Fire/smoke spreading (venting) via airducts
B.4 Security
Fixing/fastening section
The method of fastening shall be suitable for the device and able to ensure the longevity of
the method for mounting. Any fasteners shall be arranged to minimize the intrusion to adjacent
rack spaces (see below).
Figure 13: Secure shelf mounting – front view showing fasteners coming from below
(bottom image)
A fixing/fastening method using cable ties is acceptable where a mechanical fixing/fastening

is impractical.
Courtesy of Middle Atlantic Products
Figure 14: Non-rack shelf mounting – two examples

Figure 15: Security Flow Diagram

ANNEX C SAMPLE DOCUMENTATION (INFORMATIVE)
C.1 Rack Design Equipment List and Summary Design Information

C.2 Rack Design Verification Checklist – Design Inputs

Input
Item Description Constraint Notes
Collected
6.1 Regulatory/Client Requirements
Regulatory Requirements
Mandatory Certifications
Client Requirements
Optional Certifications
6.2 System Design

6.2.1 Equipment List
6.2.2 System Design Documentation
Head load information (on equipment list)
Power Requirement (on equipment list)
6.2.3 Other design information
6.3 Electrical
6.3.1 Available power supplies - rating/capacity
6.3.1 Available power supplies - quantity
6.3.1 Available power supply connection type
6.3.2 Earthing (grounding)/Bonding requirements
6.3.2 UPS Requirements
6.3.2 Surge protection requirements
6.4 Space Planning

Physical space at rack location
Site logistics constraints
Accessibility requirements - Disabled users
Accessibility requirements - service access
6.5 Environmental
6.5.1 Ambient temperature of rack location
6.5.1 Relative humidity of rack location
6.5.1 Rack location: controlled environment or not
6.5.2 Airflow Criteria
6.5.3 Noise sensitivity in rack location
6.5.4 Vibration and impact resistance
6.6 Security
Requirements for theft protection
Requirements for tamper protection
Security of rack location
Other security requirements
I certify that I have collected all design inputs required in accordance with AVIXA standard F502.02.
Signature Date

C.3 Rack Design Verification Checklist – Design Outputs
Item Description Provided Notes

7.1 Rack Definition
7.1.1 Type
7.1.2 Size
7.1.3 Quantity
7.1.4 Front elevation
7.1.4 Side elevation
7.1.6 Labelling requirements - racks
7.1.6 Labelling requirements - equipment
7.1.6 Labelling requirements - cabling
7.1.5 Non-rack mountable equipment mounting details
7.1.7 Optional components required
7.2 Thermal Management

Fan locations
Fan types/specifications
Vent/blank panel locations
Direct vent connection details
Defined maximum and minimum temperature range
Defined maximum and minimum RH range
7.3 Cabling
7.3.1 Location and type of cable management for internal cabling
7.3.2 Inter-rack cabling details
7.3.3 External cabling connection details
7.4 Electrical
7.4.1 Power supply feeds
7.4.1 Total load
7.4.1 Power supply input details - quantity
7.4.1 Power supply input details - capacity
7.4.1 Power supply input details - connection details
7.4.1 Power supply input details - cable type and length
7.4.1 UPS requirements of supply
7.4.2 Internal Power Distribution
7.4.2 Type of power distribution units - incl spare capacity
7.4.2 Quantity of distribution units
7.4.2 Unit/outlet/fuse labelling
7.4.2 Sub-distribution arrangements and mounting details
7.4.2 Allocation of distribution outlets to equipment
7.4.2 Surge protection devices
7.4.2 Internal UPS devices and wiring
7.4.3 Earthing/Bonding
7.4.3 Rack connection to earth/ground
7.4.3 Rack internal bonding

Item Description Provided Notes

7.4.3 Clean earth requirements
7.4.3 Specific signal earthing requirements
7.4.3 Static discharge prevention - additional bonding
7.4.4 DC Power Distribution
7.4.4 Quantity and type of DC power supplies
7.4.4 Mounting arrangements
7.4.4 Distribution/wiring arrangements
7.5 Security
Rack door locks
Rack side panels
Security screws
Equipment covers
Access control logging
7.6 Vibration and impact resistance

Rack fixings
Equipment fixings
Shock Absorption
7.7 Outputs for other designers

Space planning requirements
Power requirements
Structural requirements
HVAC requirements
Network requirements
Acoustic impact
I certify that I have conducted the rack design in accordance with AVIXA standard F502.02
Signature Date

F502.02 201X Rack Design For Audiovisual (AV) Systems AVIXA DRAFT Standard NOTICE Abstract

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Foreword [to be inserted]

Task Group info [to be inserted]

© 2019 by AVIXA® Page 2 DRAFT STANDARD

© 2019 by AVIXA® Page 3 DRAFT STANDARD

© 2019 by AVIXA® Page 4 DRAFT STANDARD

91 Figure 1 Internal cabling

© 2019 by AVIXA® Page 5 DRAFT STANDARD

97 Figure 2 Inter-rack cabling

101 Figure 3 external cabling

102 rack designer

© 2019 by AVIXA® Page 6 DRAFT STANDARD

115 service and maintenance installer

© 2019 by AVIXA® Page 7 DRAFT STANDARD

153 Figure 4 Rack Design Input/Output Flow

© 2019 by AVIXA® Page 8 DRAFT STANDARD

Figure 5 Rack Design Process Map

© 2019 by AVIXA® Page 9 DRAFT STANDARD

Vent/blank panel locations

Internal Mains Distribution

Power supply input

Figure 6 Rack Design I/O Matrix

10 Regulatory / Client requirements

22 5.2.1 Equipment list

© 2019 by AVIXA® Page 11 DRAFT STANDARD

38  Width (if not rack mountable – leave blank if rack-mountable)

56 5.2.2 System Design Documentation

65 5.2.3 Other Design Information

© 2019 by AVIXA® Page 12 DRAFT STANDARD

73  Cable location; and

© 2019 by AVIXA® Page 13 DRAFT STANDARD

Design Inputs Considerations for Considerations for

Is system operator accessibility required •

Front clearance 1200 mm (approx. 48”) • •

Rear clearance 900 mm (approx. 36”) •

Rack mounting height (if wall mounted) • •

Components that require frequent operation - •

Protection of non-end user components •

External cable entrance method •

Need for Securing rack to structure •

- Appropriate space for possible movement • •

Front and rear door opening and approach • •

Side swing for wall mount •

- Side space for side panel access if equipped • •

Electrical and grounding connections clearances •

Mechanical cooling connections above/below rack •

Max cable length considerations for rack placement relevant •

Wireless device placement for end user interface • •

110 Rack Location Environment

114 5.5.1 Thermal Management

© 2019 by AVIXA® Page 14 DRAFT STANDARD

132 5.5.2 Airflow Criteria

138 5.5.3 Acoustic

143 5.5.4 Vibration and Impact Resistance

© 2019 by AVIXA® Page 15 DRAFT STANDARD

155 d) System operator access requirements;

164 Rack definition

175 6.1.1 Rack Type

© 2019 by AVIXA® Page 16 DRAFT STANDARD

177 Figure 7 Rack Types

183 6.1.2 Rack Size

© 2019 by AVIXA® Page 17 DRAFT STANDARD

192 6.1.3 Quantity