Wall Mount vs Floor Standing APC Netshelter Racks: Pros and Cons

Upgrading your IT infrastructure this summer? Choosing the right server rack can make or break your setup. 

Among the most trusted names in the industry is APC by Schneider Electric and their Netshelter range, both of which are included among our partners at Source UPS. 

But one of the biggest decisions remains: wall mount or floor standing? Let’s break down the differences between wall-mounted and floor-standing APC Netshelter racks, helping you make the right decisions based on your space, budget and technical needs.

What Are APC Netshelter Racks?

APC Netshelter racks are designed to house IT equipment like servers, switches, patch panels and power distribution units (PDUs). They’re engineered to deliver:

• Enhanced airflow and cooling
• Cable management
• Secure access
• Structural stability

The range includes various models, but the core categories boil down to wall-mounted and floor-standing racks.

Wall Mount APC Netshelter Racks

Wall mount racks are compact enclosures affixed directly to a wall. They’re ideal for environments where floor space is limited or where only a few pieces of equipment need taking care of. 

The Pros of Wall Mounted Designs

• They save space. Wall mounted designers are ideal for small offices, retail stores or remote locations with minimal equipment. They won’t take up any floor space. 

• Easily access cables. Typically placed at eye level, which makes installation and maintenance more straightforward.

• Lower cost. Generally cheaper than full-sized floor racks in terms of both hardware and installation.

• Quick deployment. Light enough to be installed by a single person in many cases.

The Cons

• Limited capacity. Most wall mount units only support up to around 12U–15U of equipment. They’re therefore not suitable for larger IT environments.

• Weight limits. There’s only so much weight a wall can support, especially in older buildings. The last thing you want is to have your equipment crashing down!

• Cooling constraints. Smaller enclosures can overheat if overloaded or poorly ventilated.

• Accessibility. Rear access can be limited, especially if the rack is mounted flush against the wall.

Ideal Uses for Wall Mounted Racks

They’re great for branch offices or satellite locations, retail environments, and security camera systems. They’re also suitable for light network setups (e.g. modem, router, patch panel, switch).

Floor Standing APC Netshelter Racks

Floor standing racks are the heroes of modern data centres. Available in sizes from 24U up to 48U, they offer the flexibility and the accommodation needed to support growing infrastructure.

Here are their main benefits:

• High capacity. They’re able to house full-depth servers, multiple switches, PDUs, and cooling units all in one enclosure.

• Future-proof.  More space means more room to grow. You can start with a few components and add more as you go along. 

• Better airflow management. Most models include perforated doors, fan kits and cable channels designed to optimise thermal efficiency.

• Stability and security. Strong steel frames with lockable doors for physical protection.

But there are also cons:

• Takes up floor space. That means they’re often too much for smaller offices or low-density environments.

• Higher upfront cost. Equipment, accessories and often the installation itself are more expensive.

• Requires planning. Due to size and weight, placement and power/cooling requirements need to be carefully considered.

Ideal Places for Floor Mounted Designs

These designs are best for data centres, enterprise networks, and telecom facilities. They’re also excellent for high-density environments requiring backup power, redundant connectivity and airflow control

Choosing the Right Rack: Key Factors

Equipment Volume & Weight

If you’re only installing a modem, switch and patch panel, a wall mount unit is enough. But if you’re accommodating full-sized servers, backup batteries (UPS), or cooling kits, a floor standing rack is essential.

Space Constraints

Short on square footage? Wall mount racks make smarter use of vertical space. For larger installations, just make sure you allocate enough flooring and consider where the airflow will go. 

Maintenance Requirements

Do you need regular access to cables, ports, or power buttons? Wall mount units are great for accessibility. Floor standing racks offer more flexibility long term, especially with rear access panels.

Security and Expansion

Floor standing models tend to offer more in-built security (lockable doors, smart access). They can also accommodate modules for expansion, advanced cabling, and rack-mounted UPS systems like APC Smart-UPS or Lithium-ion UPS solutions.

What Do Our Experts Recommend?

At Source UPS, we recommend wall mount racks for branch offices, retail shops or budget-conscious applications where space is tight. For larger businesses, critical infrastructure or where growth is expected, floor standing APC Netshelter SX or SV racks are the smarter long-term investment.

You’ll also want to consider extra components like:

• Rack-mounted PDUs
• Blanking panels
• Cable management arms
• Temperature sensors
• Integrated UPS systems

We stock both types, offer customised designs, and provide guidance based on your unique setup.

Need help choosing or configuring your APC rack solution? Contact Source UPS for expert advice, competitive pricing, and end-to-end support.