Two new front-mounted styles of Southco inserts provide faster, more convenient, and more cost-efficient alternatives to traditional rack mounting fasteners for fastening components, sub-racks, and thin-sheet panels in rack and enclosure assemblies. In addition to offering quicker assembly time for equipment manufacturers in networking, telecom, computer, and electronics enclosures or other industrial equipment installations, they can also simplify component interchangeability in the field.
Both the Southco MonoSert and DuoSert DM Inserts assemble into the front of the frame, so they are easy to install even in tubular frames and crowded rack assemblies. Both types can be installed and removed without special tools, and are easily interchangeable for reconfiguring equipment components in the field. The standard offering is sized to fit industry-standard 9.5 mm square holes used in typical IT rack-mount frames. Modifications can also be ordered to fit other industry-standard rack sizes.
The Southco MonoSert DM Insert, suitable for light- and medium-duty applications, features a spring steel receptacle plus a hardened steel screw that is designed to press-fit into frames and panels up to 4.5 mm thick. During installation the screw expands the receptacle to clamp panels together. When installed, the MonoSert will withstand an average ultimate torque of 3Nm. The Southco DuoSert features a die-cast nut nestled inside a stainless steel cage that fits into the square rack hole and is rotated to lock it in place. The DuoSert is designed for thinner panels – ranging from 1 to 1.4 mm thick and when installed will resist an average ultimate torque of 15Nm. Both styles are fully RoHS compliant.
Once installed in a frame or panel, each insert accepts an M6 machine screw used to anchor components, patch panels, or blind panels to the frame-mounted insert. Each insert is designed to prevent itself from turning, so that components can be installed and removed without requiring access to the back of the frame or panel.
Both designs provide shock-resistant and vibration-resistant performance. And while both designs are retained in their mounted position within the frame or panel when components are initially disconnected, the inserts can also easily be removed, repositioned, and reused if desired.