ETC Matrix MkII Rack - Manual (Page 14)

Matrix Mk.II Rack Installation Manual
Positioning Racks
The racks are heavy, so it is advisable to prepare carefully before moving the racks into their final
position to avoid having to reposition racks if something is not ready, or the racks are not positioned in
the correct order. Check the delivery documents and installation drawings in advance to ensure that
the racks are positioned in the correct order because there are three versions of wiring and it is
difficult to differentiate between the versions visually without detailed internal inspection. Racks placed
in the wrong order can be inconvenient to change subsequently and if incorrectly placed will affect the
logical arrangement of module positions and channel numbering in the dimmer room.
Because the permitted module combination for similar size racks is not immediately obvious, it is
recommended that each rack version is initially identified by part number (see pages 1-3). If a mixture
of different modules is to be used, such as 4-channel and 6-channel modules or a combination of
3kW/16A and 5kW/32A modules or fluorescent or special modules, the different versions of racks will
have to be arranged to match the required module and channel numbering preferences.
Make sure the floor is clean, horizontal, flat and sound, and if several racks are to be located together,
mark out the floor in advance.
CAUTION:
It is important to ensure that the rack is located on a horizontal,
stable floor surface so that the rack is exactly vertical, as even a
minor amount of structural distortion in the framework can prevent
the modules from being inserted or removed easily. This is
particularly important in the case of swing frame racks, as any
distortion of the chassis frame will prevent the swing frame opening
and closing correctly.
Before attempting to move or position a rack, it is recommended that the side and top panels and rear
door are removed as this reduces the weight of the rack considerably (each rear access rack’s side
panel weighs approximately 35kg). Replace the panels as needed, after positioning.
For installations where bottom-access cable access is planned, prepare a suitable computer floor or
position optional rack plinths (100mm or 200mm high). If plinths are used, bolt these to the dimmer
room floor ensuring that they are in line and horizontal. Remove intermediate blanking plates to allow
for free cable access. Extreme care is required when lifting Matrix II racks into position. Bolt the racks
to their plinths when they are in place.
For top-access cable installations, and If racks are to be placed in a group side by side, there is no
requirement to bolt them together as the weight and cable infrastructure will ensure they won’t move.
If rigid fixing is preferred, the lifting eye bolts at the top of each rack can be used with custom-made
straps to lock adjacent racks together.
Installing cable infrastructure
With the racks situated in the correct location, the next step is to position and fix the supply and load
access. The style and method of this depends local wiring regulations, licensing authority preferences
and electrical contracting techniques. The main supply to each rack may be a single tri-rated 400A 3-
phase armoured cable, 3-phase bus bar trunking with tap-off points for each rack, or individual
conductors in trunking or within the computer floor or optional rack plinths. Similarly, load cables may
be routed to each rack by individual cable ways, or trunking, or shared trunking with multiple tap-off
points. The installation of the external cable routing is not within the scope of this handbook.
Cable entry points are available through the top of the rack (the removable top panel may be cut as
required), or through the base of the rack where two panels are removable to provide access to space
beneath the rack. It is recommended that where possible the cable entry covers are removed from the
rack to reduce the risk of debris affecting the multi-pin connectors and terminations in the rack.
Protecting the racks during installation work
The dimmer modules and processor unit of a Matrix II rack should not be unpacked or installed until
all building preparation, rack installation and wiring work is complete. It is strongly recommended that
the internal sockets, terminals and associated PCBs are protected against damage from building
debris, dust ingress, metal shavings during the period until the dimmer room is finally cleaned and
tidy.