Rackstuds™ Certification
Rackstuds™ have been independently tested by SGS Labs in Auckland.
Rackstuds™ are subject to rigorous independent testing by SGS Labs in Auckland.
We commissioned two test rounds.
1. During the prototyping phase.
2. Once the production tooling was complete.
We performed three tests to measure the tensile strength of a single Rackstuds:
1. Push-In Test
3. Shear Test
RACKSTUDS™️ TEST RESULTS
PUSH-IN TEST
We installed a single Rackstud in a rack mount rail with the lock washer latched. Hydraulic rams pushed the stud through the rail. This would simulate equipment hitting the Rackstuds in a typical equipment loading scenario. We performed two tests to create an average.
The average Push-In number was 46kgs/101lbs.
PULL-OUT TEST
SGS constructed a jig using a 5mm steel section to simulate the studs pulling out from the rack. Hydraulic rams attempted to pull the stud through the square hole. In most cases this was not possible as the bolt sheared off before this point. Note the rail starts to buckle at around 85kgs/187lbs.
The average Pull-Out number was 92kgs/202lbs.
SHEAR TEST
SGS constructed a jig from 5mm plate steel to simulate pulling on the stud in a vertical direction. We performed two tests for an average reading. Like the Pull Out test, the thread section sheared off before the stud was pulled from the hole. It’s worth noting that at 85kgs/187lbs, the rail starts to buckle compromising the hole.
The average shear number was 156kg/343lbs.
LEVERAGE TEST
Leverage testing was also performed by mounting Cisco 1RU switches in our test racks. Using a force gauge we applied increasing pressure to the rear right corner of the switch until a single Rackstuds gave way.
We performed testing at 38cm/15″ with the switches shown. Extra testing is being undertaken with equipment at deeper depths. Along with different RU spacing’s. Equipment over 38cm/15″ and 1RU, the leverage force can be quite extreme. In these cases, we recommend supporting your equipment at the rear if at all possible.
The amount of force required to shear a Rackstud was 19.3kg/42.5lb.s.
VIBRATION TESTING
We performed Vibration testing with Underwriter Laboratories - to Specification MIL-STD-810G specification Method 514.6 Proc 1 “Truck transportation over US highways”. This highlighted the extreme forces that could impact the Rackstuds (or cage nuts for that matter) if you transport your 19” rack while populated and without rear support for deep equipment (>300mm/11”).
Under vibration in the x-axis, the bottom studs failed not long into the punishing one-hour test. We have a YouTube Video that shows the resonance set up in the rack when it’s vibrated with equipment installed. You will note the aluminum colored shaker table does not actually appear to be moving, but the rack and test equipment was vibrating significantly. We inspected the rack after making the video and noted that the vertical rail had cracked around the bottom right cage nut.
Vibration Testing Conclusion
We are not able to certify Rackstuds for use in applications where the equipment rack requires transportation when populated. Please read our Disclaimer below.