Middle Atlantic Custom Wide Shelf, 7 RU, 20.5" D, Anodized

Elevate your rack installations with the Middle Atlantic Custom Wide Shelf, a purpose-built solution designed to pair perfectly with standard 19" enclosures. This 7 RU shelf delivers robust support for a wide range of equipment while maintaining a clean, professional look that matches the rest of your rack system. Its anodized finish offers exceptional durability, resisting wear and corrosion even in demanding environments such as broadcast suites, data centers, or busy editing rooms. The real strength of this shelf lies in its RSH custom rackmount design, which is engineered to be custom cut for the exact opening needed by the component facing you. That means you can install a diverse lineup of gear without fiddling with awkward spacers or nonstandard front panels—the result is a neat, trimmed installation every time.

From a layout perspective, space inside a rack is precious. The 7 RU height provides a versatile balance between footprint and accessibility, giving you ample room to accommodate taller modules, remove and replace equipment without obstruction, and keep essential cabling tucked neatly behind the unit. When paired with a 20.5" depth, this shelf supports deeper devices and generous rear cabling while preserving sufficient clearance for cooling airflow. The combination of 7 RU and 20.5" depth makes this shelf an ideal choice for AV integrators and IT professionals who demand reliable mounting that won’t compromise performance or aesthetics. With the anodized surface, your rack retains a uniform, professional appearance across all components, helping to convey a polished, enterprise-grade image to clients and users alike.

• Custom-fit, flush mounting with RSH opening: The RSH (Rack Shelf) design is at the heart of this product. It is custom-cut to provide a precise opening tailored to the face of the component being mounted. This eliminates gaps, reduces the risk of front-panel misalignment, and ensures a clean, flush front when the gear is in place. The result is a professional, museum-quality rack that looks as good as it performs. No more improvising with generic shelves or fabricating faceplates—the RSH approach delivers a reliable, ready-to-install solution for virtually any 19" device.

• 7 RU height for flexible rack configurations: Measuring 7 RU in height, this shelf offers substantial vertical space without monopolizing the entire rack. It’s perfect for mounting moderately tall cards, power supplies, or compact modules while still leaving room for patch panels, cabling, and airflow management. The 7 RU footprint is a staple in professional environments, providing a stable platform that supports future upgrades without forcing wholesale rack reconfiguration. This height makes it easier to plan a scalable rack layout that can grow with your evolving technology stack.

• Generous 20.5" depth to accommodate deep equipment: A deep, 20.5" depth gives you the room needed for large-depth equipment, rear connectors, and robust cabling management behind the front face. The extra depth helps reduce cable stress and allows for cleaner routing, which in turn supports better airflow and cooling efficiency. It also helps prevent connector interference with adjacent modules, ensuring that your gear remains accessible and serviceable after installation. For systems with dense component footprints, the depth of this shelf is a practical advantage that translates into reliable operation and easier maintenance.

• Durable anodized finish for long-lasting resilience: The anodized surface is more than cosmetic—it provides real-world benefits in terms of wear resistance and corrosion protection. This finish stands up to repeated mounting and removal, pencil-cuts, and routine rack maintenance without losing its luster. A uniform anodized appearance ensures that the shelf blends seamlessly with other anodized or painted components in the rack, delivering a cohesive, professional aesthetic across your installation. In high-traffic environments, the finish helps maintain a clean, consistent look even after years of use.

• Professional-grade reliability and standard 19" compatibility: Built to integrate within standard 19" enclosures, this shelf depends on Middle Atlantic’s proven RSH approach to deliver dependable, repeatable results. It’s designed to work with a wide range of equipment from diverse manufacturers, provided the devices fit within the 19" rack footprint. The result is a scalable, modular solution that simplifies upgrades and expansions while keeping a tidy front profile and consistent rack geometry with other Middle Atlantic components.

Technical Details of Middle Atlantic Custom Wide Shelf, 7 RU, 20.5 Depth, Anodized

• Product type: Custom Wide Shelf (RSH) for 19" racks
• Rack height: 7 RU
• Depth: 20.5 inches
• Finish: Anodized
• Compatibility: Standard 19" enclosure rails compatible with RSH mounting approach

How to install Middle Atlantic Custom Wide Shelf, 7 RU, 20.5" D, Anodized

Before you begin, verify that you have a standard 19" rack and that there is available space at the desired location. Remove any clutter and power down equipment you may be mounting to avoid injury or equipment damage. The installation process is straightforward and is designed to maximize stability and airflow while delivering a precise, flush front appearance.

1) Align the shelf with the rack rails. Position the shelf so that its front edge sits flush with the rack’s front mounting plane. Because this is a custom wide shelf using the RSH concept, the opening is tailored to the front face of the equipment you intend to mount. Ensure the component’s faceplate aligns with the shelf opening for a seamless, professional look.

2) Secure the shelf to the rack. Use appropriate rack screws that match your enclosure’s front rails. Tighten the screws evenly to avoid warping the shelf or misaligning the front edge. If you are unsure about the correct hardware, consult your enclosure’s documentation or use screws recommended for 19" rack mounting. Do not overtighten, which could distort the shelf or rails and compromise fit.

3) Install the equipment. Carefully place your component onto the shelf, ensuring it sits squarely and that its connectors line up with back-of-rack ports. Check that front panels remain flush and that the equipment does not protrude beyond the rack’s front plane. This is particularly important for devices with protruding connectors or large bezels, as the precise RSH opening is designed to accommodate these features without crowding adjacent gear.

4) Manage cables and airflow. Route power and data cables behind the shelf, keeping a clear path for airflow to prevent heat buildup. Avoid tightly bending cables at the front edge, and use cable ties or management accessories to maintain organization. A tidy cable arrangement not only looks better but also improves accessibility during maintenance and reduces the risk of accidental disconnects.

5) Inspect and test. Once mounted, inspect the installation for stability and alignment. Power up the system and verify that all connectors function correctly. Confirm that there is no interference with neighboring components and that the shelf remains securely fastened over time. If vibrations or movement are observed, re-tighten mounting screws and check for loose rails or misaligned equipment. A properly installed Custom Wide Shelf should provide years of reliable performance with minimal service interventions.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What equipment is compatible with the Middle Atlantic Custom Wide Shelf?

  A: It is designed to work with standard 19" rack enclosures using the RSH mounting concept, allowing a wide range of components to be installed without modification. The precise opening matches the face of the mounted device, delivering a clean, flush front appearance.

• Q: What is the benefit of the 7 RU height?

  A: The 7 RU height provides a balance between rack density and accessibility, leaving room for cables, patch panels, and cooling while still accommodating taller modules. It supports scalable rack configurations and easier future upgrades.

• Q: How does the 20.5" depth affect installation?

  A: The deeper shelf accommodates larger equipment and more complex rear cabling, improving cable management and airflow behind the front panel. It reduces risk of cable strain and helps maintain clean front-face alignment.

• Q: Is the shelf finish durable?

  A: Yes. The anodized finish provides enhanced wear resistance and corrosion protection, ensuring a long-lasting professional look even in demanding environments.

• Q: Do I need special tools to install this shelf?

  A: In most cases, standard rack screws and common hand tools are sufficient. Follow your enclosure’s mounting guidelines and refer to the RSH installation guidance for best results.