An electronics storage area is often the last “room” people think about when adding systems to their homes. Granted, it’s an easy spot to forget with visions of bright, beautiful, big screens dancing in your head. However, don’t let equipment storage go by the wayside. It’s crucial that you create a special space for all the processors, amplifiers, and other components that’ll give your home the brainpower and horsepower it needs. Placed in a dedicated storage area, the equipment will be safer, run more efficiently, and be easier to service. Whether you’ll store the equipment in a closet, a cabinet or a utility room, the area will need proper shelving, ventilation and power products to keep your system running smoothly.

Superior Shelving
A good shelving system can make all the difference when it comes to the well-being of your electronic gear. Equipment racks engineered specifically for electronics will often feature openings to promote natural airflow and heat dissipation to prevent the gear from overheating. Equipment racks often also feature channels through which cabling can be routed. When placed in these channels, the wiring stays neat and orderly.

Depending on where you plan to store your gear, it may be impossible to reach the backs of the equipment. In this case, it’s wise to invest in a rack that can be rolled out from the wall or cabinet so that you or your home systems contractor can easily hook up new cabling and service the gear.

Size does matter when it comes to your equipment rack. Be sure that the rack you select has enough room to hold all your current gear—and then some. Should you add a new component to your system, you’ll be grateful for the extra space. Who knows? You may even want to go with two racks. Your home systems contractor will be able to help you determine the right dimensions for your rack. It’s a decision that should be made early in the installation process so that your cabinet or wall cavity can be sized appropriately.

While it may be tempting to tuck everything into a rack, consider keeping equipment like DVD players and CD players out, especially if you’re planning on putting the rack in the basement or some other remote area. This arrangement will preclude trips downstairs every time you want to pop in a disc.

Keep in mind that it’s perfectly acceptable to have more than one storage area. In fact, it’s often preferable that you do. That way, you can put the equipment that you sometimes need to interact with, such as your audio/video components, in a closet close to your media room. The equipment that you never need to touch, such as lighting control processors and security panels, can be hidden away in a utility room. 

As great as they are at holding electronic gear, racks are about as visually appealing as a pile of rocks. However, they can be jazzed up by framing them with millwork or a beautiful glass door. You may not want to go to the expense of fancy add-ons if your rack will sit in a closet, but these decorative options are worth exploring if you plan on storing your equipment in the family room, hallway or some other living space.

Need to Vent
Specialty racks do a good job at circulating the heat generated by electronic equipment. However, unless you build a ventilation system into your storage area, the hot air won’t be able to escape, turning your storage area into a sauna. Warm air naturally rises, so give it a place to go by carving out an opening at the top of your cabinet or closet door. Help push the air to the top by adding an opening at the bottom of the cabinet or door where the cool air can enter.

Unfortunately, natural ventilation is sometimes not enough. In such cases, mechanical fans can be added to draw out the hot air and exhaust it to the outdoors, the attic or an unused portion of the house. Many of these ventilation systems activate automatically when the temperature of the equipment reaches a certain preset. Your home systems contractor will be able to recommend and install a system that’s right for your equipment area.

Power to the Products
No matter where you’re going to put your electronic equipment, it’s going to need electrical power to operate. All these products will require a lot of juice, so have an electrician install a dedicated 20-amp circuit for the space.

In addition to supporting the heavy electrical load required by your home systems equipment, make sure that the power coming into your storage area is strong, clean and safe. Believe it or not, the current that enters your home from the power lines on your street is often “dirty,” meaning it contains noise and interference. Those lines may also carry electrical surges. A power conditioner can protect your sensitive equipment from those electrical anomalies, enabling them to perform their best and survive damage from surges, spikes and lightning strikes. Another useful component found in some power conditioners is built-in battery backup. This will ensure that your systems keep running when the power goes out.

Some newer models of power conditioners also feature technology that can actually minimize the amount of energy your equipment consumes. Anyone who’s trying to live a greener lifestyle should definitely check out these types of power conditioners.

Suggested Reading:
Venting Your Home Theater Equipment
IR and RF: Control Hidden Equipment
A/V Equipment Rack Basics

About the Author:
Lisa Montgomery - Contributing Writer

Lisa Montgomery has been writing about home technology for 15 years, with a focus on the impact of electronics on a modern lifestyle.