How to Mount Tripp Lite Cabinet on Metal Studs

Introduction

Tripp Lite makes high-quality server racks and IT cabinets for storing network and server equipment. Many of their cabinet models are designed to be freestanding, but they can also be mounted to a wall for additional stability and security.

Mounting the cabinet to wall studs is recommended, but many walls use metal studs instead of wood. Metal studs require different fasteners and techniques to securely mount heavy equipment like a loaded server cabinet. With the right preparation and materials, you can safely install a Tripp Lite cabinet on metal studs.

Benefits of Mounting the Cabinet

There are a few benefits to securely mounting a Tripp Lite server cabinet to the wall instead of leaving it freestanding:

• Adds stability and prevents tipping – Equipment and servers can be heavy, so mounting prevents accidentally tipping the cabinet over.
• Extra security – Mounting the cabinet makes it much harder for thieves to quickly remove expensive server equipment.
• Maximizes floor space – Mounting clears up floor area that would be taken up by a freestanding cabinet.
• Flexibility in locating cabinet – Mounted cabinets can be installed wherever there are studs, instead of needing open floor space.

Considerations for Mounting on Metal Studs

Mounting on metal studs is a bit different than wood stud mounting. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Locate the metal studs first – Use a stud finder suitable for detecting metal studs instead of just wood.
• Use appropriate fasteners – Self-tapping screws designed for metal must be used, not wood screws. Expanding bolts are also an option.
• Solid attachment is crucial – Metal studs can be thinner than wood, so use extra care to ensure very solid attachment.
• Weight load is different – Make sure the metal gauge is sufficient to safely handle the cabinet weight.
• Add strength at attachment points – Use metal backer plates or plywood strips attached across studs at mounting points.

Steps to Mount the Tripp Lite Cabinet

Here are the detailed steps for safely and securely mounting a Tripp Lite server cabinet to metal stud wall framing:

Gather the Necessary Materials

You will need the following tools and supplies:

• Stud finder suitable for metal studs
• Tape measure and pencil
• Drill with appropriate drill bits for metal
• Self-tapping screws specifically for metal stud use
• 5/16″ bolts with expanding sleeves (optional)
• Socket wrench with sockets for screw heads
• Metal backer plates or 1″ plywood strips
• Cabinet mounting rails and hardware (usually included with cabinet)

Locate and Mark Mounting Points

• Use the stud finder to locate all the metal studs behind the mounting area. Mark the stud center points with pencil.
• Check the cabinet documentation for recommended mounting points on the rails. Mark those hole locations on the wall, matching them up centered on the stud marks as much as possible.

Attach Backer Plates

• To reinforce the mounting area, use backer plates or plywood strips bolted across at least 2 studs at each mounting point.
• Drill holes and use expanding bolts to firmly attach the backer plate over the marked mounting points.

Drill Pilot Holes

• At each marked mounting point, use a smaller drill bit to drill pilot holes into the stud through the backer plate. This guides the larger screws.
• Make sure to drill into the center of the stud where it is thickest for maximum holding strength.

Mount the Cabinet

• Hold the cabinet up, aligned with the mounting rail holes over the drilled pilot holes.
• Attach the cabinet securely using self-tapping screws for metal in each hole location. Tighten each one down firmly.
• Use a level to double check that the cabinet is mounted evenly. Adjust if necessary.
• Install any additional desired security features like cabinet locks.

Verifying a Secure and Proper Installation

Once mounted, verify that the Tripp Lite cabinet is firmly fixed to the wall and shows no signs of shifting or loosening. Give the cabinet a gentle push/pull along the sides, corners, and near attachment points to confirm solid mounting.

Fully load the cabinet with the servers and equipment to check that weight is handled well. Monitor over time to ensure no loosening occurs as the cabinet is used. If any issues, inspect the mounting points and re-tighten or adjust as needed.

Conclusion

With the right preparation and hardware, Tripp Lite cabinets can be mounted securely onto metal stud wall framing. Proper pilot holes, backer plates, and self-tapping screws designed for metal provide a solid, long-lasting installation. Just take care to locate studs properly, reinforce attachment points, use appropriate fasteners, and verify a stable finished mount. Mounting a Tripp Lite server cabinet to metal studs takes more effort than wood studs but can be done safely with attention to detail. This provides extra security, stability, and flexibility in cabinet placement.