Middle Atlantic ERK-44-F-EXT3 Rack Front Extension Frame — 44U, 3" Depth Gain

Designed for professional AV, broadcast, and data environments, the Middle Atlantic ERK-44-F-EXT3 Rack Front Extension Frame adds essential depth and flexibility to your 44U rack. This rugged, black steel extension is built to endure daily use while preserving the door aesthetics and security you rely on. By adding 3 inches of usable depth to the front of the rack, it improves cable routing, front-access clearance, and overall management of hardware like power distribution units, patch panels, and front-facing equipment. Compatible with existing doors that can be reused, the ERK-44-F-EXT3 is an efficient solution for increasing rack capacity without sacrificing performance or security.

• 3" depth gain for front of rack: Adds substantial usable space to the front, greatly improving cable management, front-accessibility, and accommodating larger front-mounted devices while preserving clearances for rear cabling and airflow. This depth extension helps you organize power, data, and signal lines more effectively and reduces tangling during service or swaps.
• 44U rack height compatibility: Specifically designed for standard 44U rack configurations, ensuring seamless integration with common rack rails and mounting patterns. The extension frame aligns with existing hardware, maintaining structural integrity and consistent alignment with doors, panels, and the front bezel for a clean, professional look.
• Stackable for additional depth: When you need even more room, ERK-44-F-EXT3 can be stacked or paired with additional extensions to reach greater depths, enabling highly customized installations in studios, control rooms, or data centers. This modular approach supports evolving gear needs without replacing the entire rack enclosure.
• Electrical and cable pass-through knockouts: Includes thoughtfully placed knockouts to support clean electrical and cable routing. These pass-through features reduce strain on cables and improve organization, making it easier to route power, data, and video cables from front to back while maintaining safety and compliance.
• Door-compatible and reuse-friendly: Designed to work with existing doors, allowing you to reuse door hardware when upgrading or expanding your rack. This preserves the visual consistency of the enclosure, minimizes downtime, and simplifies installation by leveraging established door mounting and alignment.

Technical Details of Middle Atlantic ERK-44-F-EXT3

• Rack height: 44U
• Finish: Black
• Construction: Steel
• Depth addition: Adds 3 inches of usable depth to the front of the rack
• Stackability: Can be stacked for additional depth
• Knockouts: Electrical and cable pass-through knockouts included
• Door compatibility: Compatible with existing doors, which can be reused
• Model: ERK-44-F-EXT3
• Brand: Middle Atlantic

how to install Middle Atlantic ERK-44-F-EXT3

• Prepare the rack: Confirm your enclosure is a 44U rack and identify the location where the front extension will attach. Inspect the rails and door mounting areas to ensure alignment with the existing hardware.
• Remove or prepare doors: If desired, detach the front doors or have them ready to reuse with the extension frame. Keep any mounting screws and hardware in a labeled container for easy reassembly.
• Align the extension frame: Position the ERK-44-F-EXT3 so that mounting points line up with the rack posts. Verify that the 3" depth extension will clear any front-mounted devices and that the door frame will still align with the enclosure opening.
• Secure mounting: Fasten the extension frame to the rack using the pre-drilled mounting points and appropriate hardware. Ensure all fasteners are tightened evenly to maintain frame rigidity and to support the added weight of front equipment.
• Install knockouts and route cables: Use the provided electrical and cable pass-through knockouts to guide power, data, and signal cables. Plan routes to minimize cable tension and to maintain orderly bundles, leaving adequate slack for serviceability.
• Reinstall doors or finalize enclosure: Reattach existing doors if you removed them, or adjust the door mounting to accommodate the new depth. Check that the doors align cleanly with the frame and that there is no interference with cables or equipment.
• Load equipment and test: Begin with smaller front-mounted devices to confirm fit and clearance, then gradually add gear up to the 44U capacity. Power up the rack and test for proper airflow, cable organization, and access to front controls and rear connections.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What does the ERK-44-F-EXT3 add to my rack? A: It adds 3 inches of usable depth to the front of a 44U rack, allowing more room for front-mounted equipment, improved cable routing, and better access during maintenance, while still preserving compatibility with existing doors.
• Q: Can I stack multiple ERK-44-F-EXT3 extensions? A: Yes. The design supports stacking for additional depth, enabling tailored configurations to fit larger or growing equipment footprints without replacing the entire rack system.
• Q: Are there knockouts for power and cables? A: Yes. The extension frame includes electrical and cable pass-through knockouts to streamline wiring and organization at the front of the rack.
• Q: Will the doors still fit after installing the extension? A: The ERK-44-F-EXT3 is designed to be compatible with existing doors and can be reused, ensuring consistent aesthetics and security with your enclosure.
• Q: What materials is the extension frame made from? A: The frame is constructed from durable steel with a protective black finish, built to withstand the rigors of everyday rack activity in professional environments.