Data center engineers dedicate sizeable amounts of time to designing enclosures, which includes specifying cabinet storage that will ultimately house the complete system. Factors such as size, materials, rack dimensions, security, heating and cooling options and the costs associated are all considered by engineers throughout the design, but when it comes to accessibility, it sometimes isn’t approached until the very end of the design process. We recently had an engineering firm come to us late in the design process with a need to incorporate a multi-point locking system into a tall, upright enclosure door design. The cabinet required a latch that would securely lock its entire length with only one turn. The firm also requested that the system take up minimal space in the overall cabinet design.
Southco engineers suggested one, three-point H3 Swinghandle Multi-point System to secure
the enclosure door. When installed, the Swinghandle, which nests into its housing with minimal protrusion, sits on the outside of the cabinet door, and pops up to swing smoothly for easy latch actuation. The cam mechanism sits on the inside of the enclosure door, and a series of rods that run up the entire length of the door are activated by a linear actuator, releasing the latch when the Swinghandle is rotated.Southco’s H3 is available with multiple offset cams, multi-point latching, and numerous locking and non-locking options that simplify cost-effective configuration. Available in lightweight, robust nylon or heavy-duty die-cast, the H3 is suitable for indoor enclosure cabinet applications across industries.
What types of challenges have you experienced in your enclosure design? Or do you have an application question about latches, hinges or captive fasteners? Tell us in the comments.
If you’ve ever taken a good look at off-highway equipment that has been left outdoors and exposed to the elements, then you know the damage that is visible from rain, heat and cold. Well, Southco’s 
We spent the last several weeks discussing different factors for specifying 
Okay, so you’re looking to optimize the overall quality and cost effectiveness of your application. When it comes to hinges, it is important to balance performance needs with aesthetic judgment. Looks DO matter and can greatly influence a product’s overall look and perception of quality.
Whether you want polished and sleek or sturdy and strong, there is a hinge that will convey the appearance you seek and contribute to the overall aesthetic of your application.
There are many factors to consider when selecting a 
The method of installation is an often overlooked consideration when selecting a 
Selecting the proper 
Sometimes a user or service technician requires full access to the interior of a cabinet or enclosure. If this is the case, 
using tools). Just lift the door off the hinge pins mounted to the frame, and replace it by lowering it back over the hinge pins. Both your hands will remain free to maneuver the door. It might be a two-person job at most, but you’ll be amazed at the ease and speed of removal these hinges allow.
We have all been there: Trying to keep a door open with our foot, a shoe or something else we find lying around. Today’s applications increasingly require hands–free access (or a really patient friend who will hold the door for you). If this is the case with your application, consider using a hinge with a built-in detent feature to hold the door or panel open at a preset angle. Or use an adjustable-torque feature, which will let you tighten or free up the door swing. Both of these hinge styles eliminate mechanical supports like gas struts or door stays.
We’ve discussed how important a consideration strength is when selecting a hinge. Now it’s time to examine the design considerations that sometimes dictate whether we select a 
Last week we discussed how strength is often one of the first considerations when choosing a 
It is not uncommon to wait until the last minute to incorporate 
How much load will the hinges bear? And many times it’s not just the weight of a door but all external sources of load. Will equipment be mounted on the door? Make sure to account for dynamic loading. 
Now, Southco has expanded its 
and two-point latching options. We all like convenience, and our cam latch installations should be no different! A latched/unlatched status indicator provides users with quick visual confirmation of latch status, too, so there is no more guesswork about whether your panel or door is secured. 
Whether your application is office furniture, an RV or an electronic enclosure, the E5 has a design and configuration to fit your needs. Simplicity, versatility and flexibility. 
Our Applications Engineers will be on hand to answer your toughest implementation challenges.
It's always nice when a respected publication like PD&D puts one of our new products on their 
resulted in the industry’s first biometric-integrated latch for computer server racks. Southco has teamed with Digitus Biometrics to secure data right down to the rack level in datacenters.
ordinary connector. User access to cabinets is then managed from a single desktop. No more keys, cards or PIN pads. And 100% accurate validation! Interfaced with a monitoring network, the system can remotely account for all rack activity, including who accessed it, when it was accessed and the duration. An audit trail has never been simpler. The new db ServerRack access control system includes all needed software and is easily and conveniently retrofitted into existing enclosures. 
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