Mounting non-din-rail equipment in panel

[ryangriggs]

I'm looking for suggestions to neatly mount equipment such as cable modems and routers which don't have screw slots or DIN rail brackets, in a panel.

Zip ties are not exactly elegant, and tend to make maintenance tasks difficult. Also, exact-fit fabrications are a bad idea because cable modems can change on a whim of the provider, and then you've got one hanging by wires because it doesn't fit the previous size.

Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[sparkie]

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=din+rail+brackets

You tap out a hole and install these brackets then mount the equipment. You could also probably design your own pretty easily.

 

[ryangriggs]

So you suggest drilling holes in the equipment to attach DIN brackets? I'm thinking that would void the warranties on most equipment, plus you could accidentally hit the circuitry inside... Did I miss your point?

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=din+rail+brackets

You tap out a hole and install these brackets then mount the equipment. You could also probably design your own pretty easily.

 

[sparkie]

You take the casing off of the equipment in order to mount the bracket. Yes, in most cases this will void the warranty, but it isn't usually a concern of mine as I would configure and test something like a cable modem before putting it into the panel. I know that in an industrial environment unless it was over a couple hundred bucks I wouldn't spend my time messing with a warranty for a single device as it would not be cost-effective.

Another option would be to use adhesive velcro strips, but the adhesive wears over time and environmental factors such as temperature, humidity and vibration can be an issue though the velcro itself usually does quite well.

I'm guessing you are using a business or consumer grade product though because most products designed to industrial specifications have din rail mounting options.

 

[mbartoli]

We have made good use of the hearty varieties of Hook & Loop fasteners on the market (industrial-strength Velcro). It comes in a wide assortment of lengths and widths, as well as bonding strengths, so you can hang just about anything anywhere. here is one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001O6T2Z...t=&hvlocphy=9012649&hvtargid=pla-277953183092

 

[ryangriggs]

Thanks Sparkie,
you are correct: the cable company will provide modems for telemetry. I also want to use a simple router which can run DD-WRT which allows for more flexible configuration. This keeps the cost low, and it's not a harsh environment so they should be fine.

You take the casing off of the equipment in order to mount the bracket. Yes, in most cases this will void the warranty, but it isn't usually a concern of mine as I would configure and test something like a cable modem before putting it into the panel. I know that in an industrial environment unless it was over a couple hundred bucks I wouldn't spend my time messing with a warranty for a single device as it would not be cost-effective.

Another option would be to use adhesive velcro strips, but the adhesive wears over time and environmental factors such as temperature, humidity and vibration can be an issue though the velcro itself usually does quite well.

I'm guessing you are using a business or consumer grade product though because most products designed to industrial specifications have din rail mounting options.

 

[ryangriggs]

Thanks I'll check those out.

We have made good use of the hearty varieties of Hook & Loop fasteners on the market (industrial-strength Velcro). It comes in a wide assortment of lengths and widths, as well as bonding strengths, so you can hang just about anything anywhere. here is one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001O6T2Z...t=&hvlocphy=9012649&hvtargid=pla-277953183092

 

[V0N_hydro]

we do a bunch of rack mount shelves to catch the miscellaneous communications equipment which sometimes is difficult to determine exactly what it will be during the design phase.

This panel door has a POE injector switch, a router, a PBX, and a satellite modem all loose and interspersed with a couple of rack mount switches, inverter, and power bar.

It isn't the tidiest but pretty good for last minute installed in the field equipment.

 

[ASF]

That's a nice neat solution, I have to say, but everything in me is screaming "for the love of god, get a 19" network cabinet!"

Don't mind my OCD

 

[ryangriggs]

Nice! To ASF's point, a 19" rack would mount right on that door I bet.

 

[V0N_hydro]

I should have mentioned the shelves are rack mount, there is a rack on the door