Why A Quiet Rack?

Introducing A Quiet Rack Mount Solution For Noisy IT Equipment

The Increasing Need For Noise Reduction Cabinets

For many of us the computer has become an integral part of today's workplace, and one that we have grown to increasingly depend upon.

The modern computer has evolved into something far removed from its predecessors; it is smaller, faster, more powerful and unfortunately noisier!

This technological increase in efficiency has many benefits but recent studies highlight one negative drawback – the persistent noise levels can significantly lower human productivity. These studies prove that in a typical fast-paced office environment, background noise can increase work-related stress and reduce concentration.

Many workers find themselves sharing an office with server noise. The noise from the server is a constant loud high frequency, emitted from the server fans. This alone can seriously impede concentration and the ability to get work done. Add this to the other typical office noises, such as ringing telephones and conversations and you have a highly stressful work environment, enough to drive anyone to distraction.

Noise reduction - the legal issues

According to the European Directive for Noise Reduction in the Workplace, if for a part of the working day employees have to raise their voices to carry out a normal conversation when about 2m apart, then there could be a significant noise problem.

This directive, introduced for all EU members stated that from February 2006 a new limit on acceptable levels of office noise needed to be set. This limit is significantly lower than the previous national legislation for the majority of these member states. You can see the UK comparison below:

	Previous UK Legislation	New European Legislation
Lower Action Level	85dB(A)	80dB(A)
Upper Action Level	90dB(A)	85dB(A)
Limit Value	None	87dB(A)

The noise reduction from 85dB (A) to 80dB (A) looks like a small difference in numbers, but actually represents a significant reduction in noise energy.

Below are some examples of typical noise levels:

The European directive aims to encourage employers to use equipment designed to reduce noise emissions and to ensure that their workplaces comply with the new directive.

High Noise Levels from Modern Rack Mount Equipment

Noise levels taken at close proximity to some high-end rack mounted equipment could easily exceed 80dB (A) and therefore require action by law. Even when noise levels do not exceed this, the characteristics of the noise, such as its monotony, frequency (pitch) and rhythmic pattern can be significant factors in causing problems with concentration and work output.

In an ideal environment you would replace any noisy equipment with inherently quiet alternatives. However, in some cases this is not possible or practical. In these cases the European Directive suggests that soundproof enclosures should be used to isolate the noise source.

Quiet Rack Noise Reduction Solutions

What Quiet Racks do?

Quiet racks are soundproof enclosures which are specifically designed to reduce server noise and make servers as silent as possible. A key factor in the design is ensuring that there is sufficient thermal dissipation which creates a noise reduction rack that also keeps your IT equipment cool.

Benefits of Quiet Racks

Quiet Racks Allow A Quiet Work Environment

Tests show that a quiet rack significantly reduces server noise and in doing so contributes to improve concentration and productivity within the office environment.

Feedback from a Quiet Rack Cabinet Customer

"The quiet cabinet completely transformed our working environment. The cabinet dramatically reduces the noise of our server to a whisper" More customer feedback

Quiet Racks Allow Office Space To Be Fully Utilized

Servers and other IT equipment can be incorporated into the office thus removing the need for a dedicated computer room. This also saves on any costs incurred in the planning, designing and building a separate server room.

Feedback from a Quiet Rack Cabinet Customer

"We have a small office and... to build a separate room for the server... wasn't an option due to space and cost." After the installation of a quiet rack "the result is perfect, we have now regained our office, improved moral and can talk business again". More customer feedback

Quiet Racks Allows Effective Cooling Of IT Equipment

Heat generated by the equipment can become a problematical. Quiet racks effectively regulate the temperature, therefore ensuring;

Feedback from a Quiet Rack Cabinet Customer

"The IT equipment was housed in standard cabinets. Because they were in a small room without special air conditioning , in order to keep them cool enough we would need to leave the door open all the time... making it fairly uncomfortable for staff members". The quiet cabinets "keep the equipment cool enough so we never need to open the server cabinet doors thereby compromising the noise reducing effects of the cabinets". More customer feedback

Quiet Racks Allow Flexibility

Flexible Long Term 19" Rack Storage - move the cabinet as projects or requirements move and there is no need to try and find a silent server – the rack mounted equipment can be chosen for performance rather than for quietness.

To find out more about Quiet Racks view call us now on 0121 725 1900 (or Contact Us via the website) for free unbiased advice on choosing the right quiet rackmount cabinet for you.

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