Rack accessory Rittal 3286.850 — white plastic housing, airflow duct for rooftop cooling unit

The Rittal 3286.850 rack accessory is a shallow air duct designed to route cold air directly to specific areas inside a server or network enclosure. Made of white plastic, the flat duct reduces the likelihood of air short-circuits caused by self-ventilated installed devices and can be cut to the required length for targeted airflow delivery.

Advantages

The flat air duct provides a simple way to channel cold air to designated rack positions, improving cooling efficiency where it is most needed. Its shallow profile and plastic construction make it lightweight and easy to mount in tight spaces on top-mounted cooling units. The ability to shorten the duct to the exact length needed allows flexible installation in various enclosure depths.

Suitable for

• Directing cold air from roof-mounted cooling units to specific rack equipment
• Enclosures where space is limited and a shallow duct profile is required
• Installations that require cutting the duct to fit custom internal layouts

When it may not be suitable

This shallow plastic duct is intended for guiding air over short distances within a cabinet and may not be appropriate for long duct runs or applications requiring rigid metal ducts for structural strength or higher-temperature environments. It is not a replacement for full HVAC ductwork and should not be used where fire-rated or specialized materials are required.

Key specifications

• Material: Plastic (white)
• External dimensions (W x H x D): 229 x 1500 x 29 mm
• Can be shortened to required length for custom fit
• Designed for use with roof-mounted cooling units in enclosures

How to use

Position the flat duct beneath or adjacent to the roof-mounted cooling unit so that cold air is directed into the intended area of the enclosure. Measure and mark the required length, then cut the duct to size using appropriate tools. Secure the duct in place following the enclosure and cooling unit manufacturer's mounting recommendations, ensuring a stable and unobstructed airflow path to the equipment being cooled.

What to consider before purchase

• Check internal enclosure depth and available space to ensure the shallow duct fits (229 x 1500 x 29 mm before shortening)
• Confirm compatibility with your roof-mounted cooling unit and mounting points
• Plan for cutting to length and have suitable tools and safety measures for plastic trimming

Usage recommendations

Use the duct to target cold air toward heat-sensitive devices and avoid sharp bends or crush points when routing. Verify airflow direction and clearance after installation and periodically inspect for secure fittings and unobstructed airflow.