Vertiv GL840CL-3048-2MM 2x21U Colocation Cabinet
Overview
The Vertiv GL840CL-3048-2MM is a dual-bay colocation cabinet designed for data center environments where multiple tenants or dense equipment loads share a single rack footprint. Configured as two independent 21U sections within a single enclosure, it gives colocation facilities a practical way to partition space without doubling rack real estate. Available in 30-inch width and 48-inch depth (with 36-inch and 42-inch depth options also available), this cabinet fits established raised-floor layouts while accommodating deep 2-post and 4-post server equipment.
Key Features
- Dual-Bay 2x21U Configuration: Two independent 21U compartments in one footprint means two tenants or two isolated equipment zones share a single cabinet — reducing floor space costs and simplifying PDU and cable routing compared to deploying two separate racks.
- Three Depth Options (36", 42", 48"): The GL840CL-3048-2MM supports 36-, 42-, and 48-inch depth configurations, giving you flexibility to match the cabinet to your deepest equipment. The 48-inch depth accommodates large UPS modules, high-density blade chassis, and full-depth storage arrays without forced cable bends at the rear.
- Multiple Door Configurations: Choose mesh front/rear for maximum passive airflow in high-density deployments, plexi front for visibility without tool access, or solid rear with two integrated fans to direct exhaust out of the cabinet. Matching the door type to your cooling architecture prevents hot-spot buildup at the equipment inlets.
- Two, Three, or Clear Bay Divider Options: The bay count flexibility (Two, Three, or Clear) lets you subdivide the interior to match tenant count or equipment isolation requirements. A clear configuration suits single-tenant deployments where full interior access matters more than partitioning.
- Commercial-Grade Black Finish: The black powder-coat finish is standard across enterprise data center aesthetics — blends into raised-floor environments and does not show wear at high-touch access points the way lighter finishes do.
Integration and Compatibility
The GL840CL-3048-2MM (often searched as GL840CL 3048 2MM) is engineered to integrate with standard 19-inch EIA rack equipment. The dual-bay layout pairs naturally with per-bay PDU provisioning, dedicated patch panels per tenant, and independent cable management channels. The solid-with-fans rear door variant is particularly relevant in row-based cooling environments where rear-door heat exchangers or in-row coolers are part of the thermal design. Consult your Vertiv rack and enclosure portfolio for compatible PDUs, cable managers, and blanking panels that complete the build. For broader colocation and data center infrastructure planning, explore the data center cabinets category. If power distribution within the cabinet is a planning consideration, review rack PDU options for per-bay metering and switching. Integrators planning high-density cable-heavy deployments should also reference structured cable management accessories to maintain airflow and access in the dual-bay layout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the available depth options for the GL840CL-3048-2MM?
A: The GL840CL-3048-2MM is available in 36-inch, 42-inch, and 48-inch depths, accommodating equipment from standard 1U servers to full-depth storage and blade chassis systems.
Q: What door configurations are available on the GL840CL-3048-2MM?
A: Three door options are available: mesh front/rear for passive airflow, plexi front for equipment visibility, and solid rear with two integrated fans for active exhaust management.
Q: How many U spaces are available per bay in this colocation cabinet?
A: Each of the two bays provides 21U of usable rack space, for a combined total of 42U within the single cabinet enclosure.
Q: What bay divider options exist for the GL840CL-3048-2MM?
A: The cabinet supports two, three, or clear bay configurations, allowing operators to partition the interior for multi-tenant use or leave it open for single-tenant high-density builds.
Q: What is the cabinet width on the GL840CL-3048-2MM?
A: The cabinet is 30 inches wide, fitting standard raised-floor tile grids and aisle containment systems designed around the 30-inch rack footprint.
The GL840CL-3048-2MM is one of the more practical solutions I've seen for colocation buildouts where floor space is priced by the square foot — the 2x21U split means you provision two independent tenants or two isolated equipment zones without consuming two separate rack footprints. The 48-inch depth option is the configuration I'd spec for most enterprise deployments; anything housing full-depth blade chassis or large UPS modules needs that clearance at the rear, and trying to force 30-inch-deep equipment into a 36-inch cabinet with rear door fans is an airflow compromise you'll regret in summer.
Technical Highlights:
- Dual 21U Bay Layout: Independent compartments with two, three, or clear divider options let you match the interior geometry to your actual tenant or isolation requirements — not just the theoretical max.
- Solid Rear Door with 2 Fans: Active exhaust from the rear door is the right pick in containment aisles where passive mesh would bleed hot air into a cold aisle. The integrated fans keep you from having to retrofit blanking-panel fan trays later.
- Three Depth Options: The 36"/42"/48" depth range means this cabinet family covers shallow network gear through the deepest compute and storage equipment — order the depth that matches your densest installed SKU, not your average.
Deployment Considerations:
- In raised-floor environments with 30-inch tile grids, confirm that the chosen depth (36, 42, or 48 inches) doesn't overhang adjacent hot-aisle containment panels — the 48-inch config in particular can create clearance conflicts in tight row spacing.
- The solid-rear-with-fans door requires power for the fans; verify that per-bay PDU capacity accounts for the fan draw in addition to IT load before finalizing PDU sizing.
This cabinet is the right fit for colocation providers building out multi-tenant cage rows in established raised-floor data centers, where per-square-foot floor cost justifies the dual-bay partitioning model over individual cabinet deployment.
