APC by Schneider Electric AR3340W2 NetShelter SX 42U Networking Rack Enclosure
Overview
The APC by Schneider Electric AR3340W2 is a 42U NetShelter SX Generation 2 networking enclosure designed for structured cabling, network switching, and distributed IT infrastructure deployments. At 800mm wide and 1200mm deep, it provides the internal clearance needed to house full-depth network gear — top-of-rack switches, patch panels, and cable management hardware — without the cramped fit that causes airflow and serviceability problems in shallower racks. The white finish suits network equipment installations in environments where visual standards matter, such as structured wiring rooms, NOC buildouts, and security operations centers. For buyers evaluating the broader APC by Schneider Electric catalog, the NetShelter SX line spans multiple depths and U-heights to fit varied deployment footprints.
Key Features
- 42U Capacity: Forty-two rack units of usable vertical space accommodates a full stack of access-layer switches, patch panels, and cable management in a single enclosure — reducing the number of cabinets required in a wiring closet or MDF.
- 800mm Width: The wider-than-standard 800mm frame (vs. the common 600mm) provides side clearance for high-density cable bundles and wider chassis equipment, reducing the need to force cables into tight bends that cause physical damage over time.
- 1200mm Depth: Full 1200mm depth handles deep network chassis and storage appliances without rail extensions. Most enterprise-class top-of-rack switches fit within this depth with room for rear cable management.
- Integrated Cable Management: Factory-included cable management provisions reduce post-installation cabling chaos — a genuine time-saver during moves, adds, and changes when tracing a cable in a disorganized rack can take longer than the actual repair.
- White Finish: The white color coding distinguishes networking enclosures from adjacent power or server cabinets on the floor, supporting visual infrastructure organization in multi-rack environments.
- RoHS Compliance: Restriction of Hazardous Substances compliance supports procurement requirements in regulated facilities and simplifies disposal at end-of-life — relevant for government and healthcare deployments where environmental compliance is audited.
Integration and Compatibility
The AR3340W2 follows standard EIA-310 rack unit spacing, making it compatible with virtually all 19-inch rackmount networking, security, and network video recorder equipment. The 1200mm depth accommodates the rear cable management accessories and blanking panels available across the NetShelter SX accessory family. For installations requiring power distribution within the enclosure, APC's rack PDU lineup mounts directly to the vertical rails. Buyers planning high-density PoE switching deployments should review a PoE switch selection guide alongside enclosure sizing — switch depth and rear-port clearance both affect how comfortably equipment fits within this cabinet's depth. This enclosure does not include a UPS, power distribution unit, or cooling unit — those are ordered separately based on load and airflow requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the rack unit capacity of the AR3340W2?
A: The AR3340W2 provides 42U of usable rack space, suitable for housing networking gear, patch panels, cable management, and associated accessories in a single enclosure.
Q: What are the external dimensions of the AR3340W2?
A: The enclosure is 800mm wide and 1200mm deep. Height corresponds to a standard 42U rack cabinet form factor.
Q: Is the AR3340W2 RoHS compliant?
A: Yes, the AR3340W2 carries RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) compliance, supporting procurement requirements in regulated facilities including government and healthcare environments.
Q: Does the AR3340W2 include a power distribution unit or UPS?
A: No. The enclosure ships as a cabinet only. Power distribution units, UPS systems, and cooling accessories are purchased separately and are available in the APC by Schneider Electric product family.
Q: Is the AR3340W2 compatible with standard 19-inch rackmount equipment?
A: Yes. The NetShelter SX uses standard EIA-310 rail spacing, making it compatible with virtually all 19-inch rackmount networking, switching, and security appliances.
The AR3340W2 is one of those infrastructure choices that determines how much pain you absorb during every future MAC (move, add, change) event. The 800mm width is the spec that matters most here — it is not just a chassis measurement, it is the difference between cable bundles that actually breathe and ones that create a maintenance nightmare within 18 months of initial deployment.
Technical Highlights:
- 800mm Wide Frame: Provides 200mm more horizontal clearance than a 600mm cabinet — that headroom accommodates high-density patch panels with thick cable bundles without forcing 90-degree bends at the rear of the patch field.
- 1200mm Depth: Handles full-depth enterprise chassis without extensions. Most access-layer switches run 400–600mm deep, leaving rear space for structured cable management trays on both vertical rails.
- RoHS Compliance: Relevant specifically for government, healthcare, and EU-export projects where environmental compliance documentation is a procurement line item, not an afterthought.
Deployment Considerations:
- The 800mm width requires floor tile planning in raised-floor data centers — confirm your tile grid accommodates a non-standard cabinet footprint before ordering multiples.
- No cooling, power, or grounding accessories are included. Budget for a matched APC rack PDU and verify your facility's branch circuit amperage before populating the cabinet with switching gear.
The AR3340W2 is best positioned for structured wiring rooms and distributed NOC buildouts where cable density is high, equipment depth varies across vendors, and you need a cabinet that will still look organized three refresh cycles from now — not just on day one.
