APC by Schneider Electric AR118SM 18U Side-Mount Wall Rack Enclosure
Overview
The AR118SM is an 18U wall-mount rack enclosure from APC's NetShelter line, built for installations where floor space is unavailable and equipment must be positioned off the ground — server closets, IDF rooms, and surveillance head-end rooms are the typical deployment scenarios. At 153.31 lb (69.54 kg) with a 19-inch rail width, the AR118SM accommodates standard 19-inch rackmount equipment while keeping the footprint off the floor entirely. The side-mount configuration means the enclosure attaches laterally to a wall stud or backing panel rather than a standard face-mount bracket arrangement, which opens up installation options in tight utility spaces or along corridor walls where depth clearance is constrained.
Compatibility
The AR118SM accepts any standard 19-inch rackmount equipment — NVRs, PoE switches, patch panels, UPS units sized for 18U or fewer rack units, and rackmount access control or video management appliances. The 35-inch (889 mm) depth dimension governs what fits front-to-back; verify that your deepest appliance — typically a UPS or dense-port switch — clears this depth before specifying. For surveillance head-ends, this enclosure pairs with PoE network switches and rackmount NVRs that share the same 19-inch form factor. Review the APC by Schneider Electric rack and power catalog for compatible UPS and PDU units designed for this enclosure depth. Integrators deploying wall-mount rack enclosures should confirm wall-backing material and stud spacing against APC's published load ratings before mounting — the 153 lb empty weight plus populated equipment load demands proper structural backing. A rackmount PDU is the standard power distribution choice inside this cabinet.
Installation Notes
The side-mount orientation requires solid wall backing — concrete, CMU, or wood/metal studs with an appropriately rated backing plate. The 35-inch (889 mm) overall depth dimension of 889 mm governs clearance required from the mounting surface outward; account for door swing and cable management egress before finalizing placement. Populated weight will exceed the 153.31 lb empty cabinet weight substantially — size your wall anchors and backing structure to the total loaded weight, not the cabinet weight alone.
