Middle Atlantic 1RU Half Rack Shelf - 11.5 Inch Depth

Engineered for professional AV setups, the Middle Atlantic 1RU Half Rack Shelf combines sturdy construction with practical design to keep your gear organized and accessible. Built for reliability in demanding rack environments, this shelf fits cleanly into standard 19" racks and provides a dedicated space for AV components, controllers, power strips, and essential accessories. With its sleek black powder coat finish, it blends seamlessly with any equipment rack while delivering the durability and performance that Middle Atlantic is known for in broadcast, education, corporate, and entertainment installations.

Whether you’re expanding a control room cabinet, outfitting a compact rack system, or updating an AV cart, this 11.5 inch deep, 1U tall shelf is the right choice for optimizing space, improving airflow, and simplifying cable management. The design emphasizes easy installation and maintenance, so technicians can quickly add or rearrange gear without sacrificing stability or aesthetics. In short, it’s a practical solution for organizing equipment in a clean, professional rack environment.

The Half Rack Shelf is ideal for AV gear and related accessories that fit within an 11.5" depth. It provides a stable platform for devices such as small audio processors, compact media players, small-form-factor power distribution units, and test equipment. The shelf helps keep items level, reduces the risk of accidental tipping, and makes future upgrades or swaps straightforward. With its robust construction and rack-mount compatibility, it’s a dependable foundation for your AV workflow.

• The 1U rack height preserves valuable space in the rack, allowing you to stack multiple components efficiently while maintaining clear access to front-panel controls and rear connections. This configuration is especially beneficial in dense installations where every inch of rack space counts, enabling you to maximize functionality without overbuilding your cabinet.
• At 11.5 inches of depth, the shelf strikes a balance between accommodating mid-sized devices and preserving room for cabling, air circulation, and quick-access ports. The generous depth supports a wide range of AV equipment, small form-factor servers, Blu-ray players, media players, and high-density power strips, ensuring you don’t have to crowd gear or compromise on performance.
• Crafted from durable steel with a black powder coat finish, the shelf offers long-lasting strength, resistance to wear, and a professional look that remains attractive through daily use and routine maintenance. The finish also helps protect against scratches and corrosion in demanding environments such as broadcast rooms, classrooms, and production suites.
• The standard 19" rack compatibility means this shelf integrates smoothly with existing rack systems and furniture. It’s designed to mount securely with common rack hardware, rails, and mounting ears, providing stable support for your devices while keeping cables organized and easy to access during servicing or reconfiguration.
• Versatility is at the core of this shelf: it supports a wide range of AV components, peripheral gear, and cable-management accessories. Its simple, uncluttered profile helps improve airflow, reduce heat buildup, and maintain a tidy, professional presentation across your rack ecosystem.

Technical Details of Middle Atlantic 1RU Half Rack Shelf - 11.5 Inch Depth

• Product type: 1U half rack shelf
• Depth: 11.5 inches
• Height: 1U
• Width: 19 inches (standard rack width)
• Material: Steel
• Finish: Black powder coat
• Rack compatibility: Standard 19" rack rails
• Intended use: For AV equipment, peripherals, and cable management
• Installation orientation: Front-accessible surface designed for quick loading and unloading

How to Install Middle Atlantic 1RU Half Rack Shelf

• Power down and unplug all equipment to prevent accidental electrical risk during installation. Clear the rack area and ensure you have the necessary mounting hardware compatible with your rack rails.
• Open the rack rails and align the shelf’s front mounting holes with the corresponding holes in the rack’s front rails. Confirm that the 1U height and depth align with the available space in your cabinet or wall-mount enclosure.
• Insert mounting screws through the rack’s front ears into the shelf’s mounting holes and tighten evenly. Use a screwdriver or power driver with care to avoid overtightening, which can damage rails or mounting points.
• Place your AV equipment or accessories on the shelf, verifying that the total depth does not exceed 11.5 inches and that weight is distributed evenly. If necessary, add anti-slip mats or padding to prevent shifting during transport or vibration.
• Route cables neatly behind the equipment and along the rack rails. Label connections for easy service and maintain clear airflow around the devices to prevent overheating. Close and secure the rack doors or panels, then test power and connectivity to confirm proper operation.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What is the height of this shelf in rack units?

A: The shelf is 1U tall, designed to fit into standard 19" racks while leaving space for adjacent components and cable management.

Q: What depth does the shelf accommodate?

A: The shelf provides 11.5 inches of usable depth, offering ample room for AV gear, power distribution, and cables without crowding or protruding from the rack.

Q: Is this shelf compatible with all 19" racks?

A: Yes, it is designed for standard 19" rack rails commonly used in professional AV installations, making it suitable for most rack-mount enclosures and wall-mount cabinet setups.

Q: What is the finish and why does it matter?

A: The shelf features a black powder coat finish for durability and a professional appearance. The coating helps resist scratches, corrosion, and wear in busy rack environments while complementing other equipment finishes.

Q: Does mounting hardware come with the shelf?

A: The product description notes that it is rack-mountable, but mounting hardware compatibility can vary by vendor. Check your rack’s rails and use appropriate screws and hardware designed for your specific cabinet to ensure secure installation.

Q: Can I use this shelf for non-AV equipment?

A: While it is designed with AV equipment in mind, the shelf can support a variety of 1U devices, small form-factor components, or related accessories as long as the overall weight and dimensions stay within the 11.5" depth and 1U height specifications.

Q: How does this shelf improve airflow?

A: By providing a dedicated, unobstructed surface within the rack, the shelf helps maintain airflow around devices and cables. Leaving space behind and around the equipment reduces heat buildup and supports reliable operation in long-term use.