It’s 2022. We’re all familiar with “electronic locking solutions”, but what is a data rack? And why does it need an electronic locking solution?
Considering that Anderson Lock’s Door Division is located in Elk Grove, which is a dominant player in our nation’s data center market, my questions expose my personal technological deficiencies.
Google to the rescue! I learned that a data, or server, rack is a structure designed specifically to house technical equipment including routers, switches, hubs, and of course, servers. The rack makes it possible to securely hold multiple pieces of equipment in one area. Server racks are typically going to be used by businesses and are most commonly found in data centers, but can also be used in smaller computer closets.
Server racks are made of strong metal and usually come with locks on the doors to prevent unauthorized access. The doors also help to prevent accidental bumping or touching of power buttons or cables. Cabinets come standard with a combination lock, but can be upgraded to offer mechanical or electronic locks.
Ah, this is where the new RCI Data Rack Electronic Locking Solutions come in!
RCI’s 3525 and 3525PRX rack handle provides intelligent electronic locking and monitoring capabilities. The electronic locking rack handle provides the functionality of a manual latching system with the added benefit of Integrated lock sensors provide local LED indication plus generate output signals for remote monitoring. It can be combined with any access control device for a basic self-contained electronic access solution and high security applications with DIN lock for mechanical key override. The RCI 3535PRX features an add-on proximity reader for recognizing 125kHz HID employee RFID prox cards.
Chicago Region is Dominant Player in US Data Center Market
Demand for data center and colocation space remains very strong across this major data center market, especially during these challenging times with the coronavirus pandemic as companies rely on robust IT infrastructure to deliver where their employees are now housed. Chicago will continue to benefit from market demand, despite its construction and cost challenges.
Eleven data center companies, comprising nearly 3.5 million square feet of facility space, already located in Elk Grove, provide robust fiber optic networks which allow businesses to access higher internet speeds, quickly store and access data in the cloud, and maintain reliable internet connections.
Anderson Lock’s Door Division, located on Touhy Avenue, supplies custom doors, frames and security door hardware to several of its data center neighbors.
Now, in addition to exterior and interior door security, Anderson Lock can provide these recently introduced electronic locking rack handles from RCI for the server racks located within the facilities. These specialty locks offer the functionality of a manual latching system with the added benefit of electronic locking for access control and remote access control monitoring.
In September, 2021, the village of Elk Grove approved a deal for a $1 billion data center investment. Following the approval of sales of four parcels of land, and zoning changes, the agreement calls for Prime Data Centers to construct a 150 megawatt data center campus with three, three-story buildings, totaling over 750,000 square feet. When complete, it will be one of the largest data center campuses in the Chicago O’Hare region.
Village Mayor Craig Johnson said, “The fact that Prime Data Centers is making this kind of investment in our community confirms for us that we’re delivering on our mission to become a worldwide destination for high-tech companies and manufacturers.”
3525 Rack Handles
3525 + 3525PRX (125kHz) offered today
Introducing an iClass reader 3525iCL (13.56MHZ) and a Multi-class Dual Frequency reader 3525DFR (as5kHz + 13.56MHZ) to the 3525 product offering
RCI 3525PRX Features
- Easy to install and use
- Local monitoring with multi-color LED indicator
- Remote lock and unlock control
- Single or multi-point locking
- Low current, gear motor driven mechanism
- Momentary or continuous lock actuation
- High security DIN lock for mechanical key override
- Non-handed
- Wire harness and hardware kit included
- Includes three keys (keyed alike)
- Activated via any third party control system (Access Control)
- PoE adaptable
- Housing, handle and mounting bracket are made of black, glass-filled nylon
- Shaft and rotation limiter are made of die-cast zinc with a bright sealer finishing
- 200mA Field-Selectable 12-24VDC (Typical: less than 200mA at 12VDC, max/stall: 1A, standby: 50mA max, output signal: 100mA max load, card reader module: 60mA max)
- Lock & Handle Status
- Optional 125kHz HID® Proximity Reader Model Available
Applications
- Data Centers
- Industrial Enclosures
- Secure Storage
- Medical Equipment