Middle Atlantic Custom Wide Shelf — 7 RU, 20.5" Deep, Textured

The Middle Atlantic Custom Wide Shelf is a purpose-built mounting solution for professional AV, audio, and IT rack installs. Designed to work in standard 19" enclosures, this 7U shelf is precisely cut to provide a perfect opening for the face of the component being mounted, delivering a clean, professional look with a snug, secure fit. The textured finish resists wear and fingerprints in busy rack rooms, while the rugged steel construction delivers lasting support for a range of equipment. Built to work seamlessly with the RSH custom rackmount concept, this shelf makes it possible to install virtually any component without modification, ensuring your rack remains tidy, accessible, and easy to service.

• The 7 RU (7U) wide shelf is optimized for depth and space planning in standard 19" racks, giving you ample room for devices, cabling, and front-panel controls while maintaining a streamlined footprint.
• Custom-cut opening aligns precisely with the face of the mounted component, delivering a neat, professional appearance and preventing gaps or misalignment that can collect dust or obstruct airflow.
• The textured finish stands up to daily rack-room use, reducing visible wear, fingerprints, and scratches, so your installation looks good even after years of servicing and reconfigurations.
• With a deep 20.5" profile, the shelf accommodates a wide variety of components while preserving front-to-back access for cable management, labeling, and maintenance tasks.
• Designed for standard 19" enclosures, this shelf installs quickly using common rack hardware, enabling fast deployments, upgrades, and rearrangements without needing custom tooling or modifications.

Technical Details of Middle Atlantic Custom Wide Shelf, 7 RU, 20.5"D, Textured

• RU: 7U
• Depth: 20.5 inches
• Finish: Textured
• Enclosure compatibility: Standard 19" racks
• Material: Steel (rugged, durable construction)
• Use case: Fixed wide shelf designed for a variety of components in professional racks

How to Install Middle Atlantic Custom Wide Shelf, 7 RU, 20.5"D, Textured

Before you begin, confirm your enclosure is a standard 19" rack and has at least 20.5" of available depth. Gather the mounting hardware that matches your rack rails and the shelf’s mounting holes. If your enclosure uses side rails with captive screws, you may need to use the screws supplied by the rack manufacturer, or compatible replacements:

Step 1: Power down and disconnect all equipment in the rack, then remove any obstructing devices to create clear space for the shelf installation. Ensure the area behind the enclosure is clear for cable routing and ventilation. This helps prevent accidental cable damage and promotes airflow once the shelf is in place.

Step 2: Inspect the shelf and identify the mounting holes or brackets that align with your enclosure's front rails. The custom-cut opening should face forward, aligning with the device face you intend to mount. If needed, lightly rotate or adjust the orientation to ensure the face of the component sits flush with the rack face for a clean, professional appearance.

Step 3: Align the shelf with the front rails of the 19" enclosure. Make sure the shelf sits evenly and that the mounting holes line up with the corresponding rails. If your rack uses adjustable rails or U-spacers, position them to maintain stability and prevent tilt or movement under load.

Step 4: Secure the shelf using the appropriate rack screws or fasteners. Tighten gradually and evenly, taking care not to overtighten, which could strip threads or distort mounting points. Confirm that the shelf is firmly attached and does not shift when gently tested by hand.

Step 5: Reconnect cables, route them neatly along the shelf’s edges, and reinstall any components. Take advantage of cable management opportunities behind the face opening to keep power, data, and control lines orderly and accessible for maintenance or future upgrades. Finally, perform a quick system power-on test to verify proper operation and clearance around the new installation.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the purpose of a 7U wide shelf in a 19" rack? A: A 7U wide shelf provides a stable mounting platform for larger or multiple components within a standard 19" rack, freeing valuable rail space while offering dedicated room for face openings and cable management.
• Q: Does this shelf require modification to fit a component? A: No. It is designed as part of the RSH custom rackmount family to provide a precise, face-mitting opening for the mounted device, enabling a clean, professional installation without cutting or modification.
• Q: How does the textured finish benefit rack environments? A: The textured coating resists wear, fingerprints, and minor abrasions common in busy racks, helping the shelf retain its appearance and reducing the need for frequent cleaning or refinishing.
• Q: Is the shelf compatible with all 19" enclosures? A: It is designed for standard 19" racks, offering broad compatibility with many brands and models. Always verify depth and mounting hole configuration for your specific enclosure.
• Q: What should I consider about depth (20.5 inches) when planning installation? A: The 20.5" depth supports a wide range of components and allows room for front-to-back cable management, but ensure your enclosure has sufficient internal clearance and ventilation to prevent overheating and to accommodate any rear cable routing.
• Q: Can I install multiple devices on this shelf? A: The 7U shelf can host one larger device or multiple smaller devices, depending on their dimensions and mounting footprint. Ensure you maintain adequate clearance for airflow and servicing access.