Mounting server rack to concrete basement wall

[kickstart24]

I am trying to mount a 9U Eaton Tripp Lite to a concrete basement wall. The server rack comes with a mounting plate. The instructions say each mounting hole can accommodate an M8 or 5/16” bolt.

What's the best practice for mounting the server rack onto the concrete wall?

 

[SpacemanSpiff]

My standard goto: mount 2x4s to the concrete wall, then fasten a piece of 1/2" or better plywood. Then mount whatever cabinet is going up to the plywood. Make the plywood area bigger than the cabinet... it is inevitable that you'll need room to grow. Either a bigger cabinet, or co-locating additional equipment adjacent to the racks(s)

Either way, I suggest hammer drilling holes and using some decent anchor bolts. You local big box DIY store should have several to choose from.

 

[danweber1]

I would use tapcon screws to fasten a large piece of plywood and then mount the rack to the plywood. Probably 3/4 plywood, or some 2x4 where the mount points are for the rack.

 

[Riclyo]

My standard goto: mount 2x4s to the concrete wall, then fasten a piece of 1/2" or better plywood. Then mount whatever cabinet is going up to the plywood. Make the plywood area bigger than the cabinet... it is inevitable that you'll need room to grow. Either a bigger cabinet, or co-locating additional equipment adjacent to the racks(s)

Either way, I suggest hammer drilling holes and using some decent anchor bolts. You local big box DIY store should have several to choose from.

This is what I did.

 

[kickstart24]

I would use tapcon screws to fasten a large piece of plywood and then mount the rack to the plywood. Probably 3/4 plywood, or some 2x4 where the mount points are for the rack.

Any suggestion on what size (diameter/length) tapcon screw to use? I was thinking about mounting a 2x4 where the mounting plate goes, then add a second 2x4 under the entire rack to support it from the bottom as well.

 

[SpacemanSpiff]

Any suggestion on what size (diameter/length) tapcon screw to use? I was thinking about mounting a 2x4 where the mounting plate goes, then add a second 2x4 under the entire rack to support it from the bottom as well.

Right there in the manufacturers specs:

 

[kickstart24]

Right there in the manufacturers specs:

Thanks. That's helpful.

Does this product seem reasonable to mount the 2x4 to the concrete wall?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Tapcon-8-Count-3-16-in-x-2-3-4-in-Concrete-Screws/3142465

 

[SpacemanSpiff]

For $3 more, I'd go with the 1/4" tapcon at that length 2.75". I'd also counterbore (no more than 1/4" deep) for some washers, and to ensure the fastener head does not protrude

 

[kickstart24]

For $3 more, I'd go with the 1/4" tapcon at that length 2.75". I'd also counterbore (no more than 1/4" deep) for some washers, and to ensure the fastener head does not protrude

View attachment 219596

Thanks. yes, the 1/4" tapcon at that length 2.75" is a better option.

Can you explain a little more about the counterbore? Now I see that head of the anchor that attaches the wood do the cement has to be flush with the wood. If it sticks out, it will interfere with the mounting bracket that I need to attach to the wood that will hold up the server rack.

I was going to use this drill bit:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Tapcon-3-1...de-Masonry-Drill-Bit-for-Hammer-Drill/1260145

Do I need something different? Do I also need washers for the tapcon concrete anchor?

 

[mat200]

I am trying to mount a 9U Eaton Tripp Lite to a concrete basement wall. The server rack comes with a mounting plate. The instructions say each mounting hole can accommodate an M8 or 5/16” bolt.

What's the best practice for mounting the server rack onto the concrete wall?

Getting some great advice @kickstart24

Feel free to share a picture or 2 of what you ended up doing.