IT equipment use outside of the data center is more and more prevalent according to Rittal which has worked on enclosures to offer 'industrial-grade protection.'

The company announced its Type 12 enclosure for rugged environments. "The factory floor is a much different place than the data center, where great pains are taken to control everything from heat and humidity to dust, dirt and other contaminants. Out on the floor, demanding, sometimes-unpredictable ambient conditions are the rule and not the exception. Forklifts, heavy machinery, airborne substances, personnel traffic and temperature swings are just some of the possible dangers encountered outside of the data center, and even though IT equipment is placed at greater risk out on the plant floor, uptime is still a primary concern and a non-negotiable requirement," it said in a statement.

"Rittal UL Type 12 network enclosures are designed with user-friendly details derived from the real-world application challenges faced by both IT and industrial customers such as: infinitely depth-adjustable 19" rails with "U" markings that are plainly printed on the front and rear surfaces of each rail, maximum internal-volume-for-footprint with a 3,200 lb load capacity and multiple points for mounting, a number of toolless cable management options, and internal hinges and locking points for heightened security."


Type 12 enclosure for environments such as the factory floor