Rittal 1180.500 Compact Network Cabinet for IT Installations

The Rittal 1180.500 Compact Network Cabinet is engineered to provide robust, secure, and efficient housing for critical IT infrastructure in demanding industrial and commercial environments. This enclosure offers a superior solution for managing and protecting network components, boasting key advantages such as its compact footprint for space-constrained areas, high ingress protection for environmental resilience, and versatile mounting options for seamless integration. Key technical parameters include its dimensions of 600mm (width) x 600mm (depth) x 1200mm (height), a load capacity of up to 300 kg, and an IP55 rating, ensuring effective dust and water resistance. The cabinet's design prioritizes ease of access for maintenance and future expansion, making it an ideal choice for safeguarding sensitive IT equipment.

Product Specifications

| Feature          | Specification                 |

| :--------------- | :---------------------------- |

| Model            | Rittal 1180.500               |

| Type             | Compact Network Cabinet       |

| Dimensions (W/D/H) | 600mm / 600mm / 1200mm        |

| Load Capacity    | 300 kg                        |

| Ingress Protection | IP55                          |

| Material         | Sheet Steel                   |

| Color            | RAL 7035 (Light Grey)         |

| Door Type        | Solid, Hinged                 |

| Mounting Options | Wall-mount, Floor-standing    |

| Cable Entry      | Gland plates (top & bottom)   |

Core Features & Market Positioning

The Rittal 1180.500 distinguishes itself through its robust construction and thoughtful design, positioning it as a premium choice for IT installations requiring both security and operational efficiency. Its IP55 rating signifies a high level of protection against dust ingress and water jets, making it suitable for deployment in environments where standard office enclosures would be insufficient, such as manufacturing floors or harsh outdoor installations. The cabinet's sheet steel construction provides formidable physical security for valuable network hardware. Furthermore, its compatibility with a wide range of Rittal accessories allows for extensive customization, from climate control solutions to advanced cable management, enhancing its appeal for integrators seeking tailored, high-performance solutions. This focus on durability, security, and adaptability addresses critical industry needs for reliable IT infrastructure housing.

Key Application Scenarios

This compact network cabinet is exceptionally well-suited for a variety of demanding application scenarios. In industrial automation, it provides a secure and protected environment for network switches, routers, and control systems operating on factory floors, safeguarding them from dust, moisture, and vibration. For telecommunications and data centers, the Rittal 1180.500 serves as an efficient solution for housing network distribution points and server racks in smaller footprints, optimizing space utilization without compromising accessibility or protection. Its robust build also makes it a viable option for building management systems (BMS) and security surveillance networks, where reliable operation in potentially challenging environmental conditions is paramount.

Practical System Integration Guidance

Integrating the Rittal 1180.500 into existing or new IT infrastructures is streamlined by its design features. The cabinet's 600mm x 600mm footprint allows for flexible placement, whether floor-standing or wall-mounted using appropriate Rittal mounting kits. Cable entry is facilitated through pre-punched gland plates located at both the top and bottom of the enclosure, enabling clean and organized cable routing from either direction. For enhanced thermal management, which is crucial for IT equipment longevity, the cabinet can be fitted with optional fan modules or air conditioners from the Rittal portfolio, ensuring optimal operating temperatures even under heavy loads. Proper grounding is essential for safety and equipment protection; the cabinet includes designated grounding points for all metallic components, including doors and mounting panels.

Operation and Risk Mitigation

Operating the Rittal 1180.500 involves ensuring its secure closure and managing internal environmental conditions to prevent equipment failure. The hinged door, secured with a standard locking mechanism, protects against unauthorized access, a critical aspect of IT security. Regular inspection of seals around the door and gland plates is recommended to maintain the IP55 rating, particularly in environments with high levels of dust or humidity. Overheating is a primary risk for housed IT equipment; therefore, monitoring internal temperatures and ensuring adequate ventilation or active cooling is paramount. While specific fault codes are equipment-dependent, a general troubleshooting approach involves checking power supply to active components, network cable integrity, and internal environmental controls before suspecting the cabinet itself.

Scalability & Long-Term Value

The Rittal 1180.500 Compact Network Cabinet offers significant scalability and long-term value, primarily through its extensive compatibility with the broader Rittal system ecosystem. Users can easily expand the cabinet's capabilities by adding various Rittal accessories, such as additional shelving, advanced cable management solutions, power distribution units (PDUs), and sophisticated climate control systems. This modularity allows IT infrastructures to grow and adapt to evolving technological requirements without necessitating a complete cabinet replacement. For organizations embracing digital transformation and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), the cabinet's secure and organized housing facilitates the integration of sensors, edge computing devices, and communication modules, future-proofing investments by ensuring a robust foundation for smart infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the primary benefit of the Rittal 1180.500's IP55 rating?

The IP55 rating ensures protection against dust ingress.

It also guarantees defense against low-pressure water jets from any direction.

This makes the cabinet suitable for environments with moderate dust and moisture.

Q2: Can the Rittal 1180.500 be mounted on a wall?

Yes, wall mounting is a supported configuration.

Specific Rittal wall-mounting kits are available for secure installation.

Ensure the mounting surface is structurally sound for the cabinet's load.

Q3: What is the maximum weight the Rittal 1180.500 can support?

The cabinet has a maximum load capacity of 300 kg.

This capacity is for equipment installed within the cabinet.

Distribute weight evenly for optimal stability and performance.

Q4: How is cable entry managed in this cabinet?

Cable entry is facilitated via pre-punched gland plates.

These plates are located at both the top and bottom of the enclosure.

This design allows for organized cabling from multiple directions.

Q5: Is active cooling required for equipment inside the 1180.500?

Active cooling may be required depending on equipment heat output.

Rittal offers compatible fan modules and air conditioners for this purpose.

Monitor internal temperatures to determine cooling needs.

Q6: What type of door does the Rittal 1180.500 feature?

The cabinet is equipped with a solid, hinged door.

This door provides physical security for the enclosed IT components.

It is secured by a standard locking mechanism.

Q7: What are the external dimensions of the Rittal 1180.500?

The cabinet measures 600mm in width.

Its depth is also 600mm.

The total height of the unit is 1200mm.

Q8: What material is the Rittal 1180.500 constructed from?

The cabinet is primarily made from robust sheet steel.

This material provides durability and physical protection for housed equipment.

It is finished in a standard RAL 7035 light grey color.

Q9: Can I integrate other Rittal accessories with this cabinet?

Yes, it is designed for compatibility with the Rittal accessory system.

You can add shelves, PDUs, and climate control units.

This ensures a customizable and expandable infrastructure solution.

Q10: What is the typical use case for a compact network cabinet like this?

Compact cabinets are ideal for space-constrained IT installations.

They serve in industrial settings, smaller data closets, or network distribution points.

They offer robust protection for critical networking and control equipment.