Middle Atlantic Slim 5 Series 14RU Open-Frame Rack — 26in Depth

The Middle Atlantic Slim 5 Series 14RU Open-Frame Rack is engineered for professional environments where reliability, flexibility, and efficient use of space matter most. Built from sturdy steel with a lightweight yet durable design, this 14U rack frame delivers wide front-to-back access that makes installation, maintenance, and cable management straightforward. With a 26-inch (660 mm) depth, it accommodates a broad range of standard 19-inch equipment, from media servers and network gear to AV processors and patch panels. The Slim 5 Series is shipped ready-to-assemble, enabling rapid deployment without sacrificing structural integrity or long-term performance. Whether you run a high-demand studio, control room, or portable rig, this open-frame rack is designed to keep equipment accessible, organized, and secure while supporting scalable configurations.

• Rugged open-frame design: Maximizes accessibility for quick installations, effortless maintenance, and efficient cable routing, helping technicians reach every component with ease.
• Generous 14RU capacity: Provides ample vertical space for mounting multiple 19-inch devices, enabling flexible space planning and future upgrades without crowding.
• 26-inch (660 mm) depth: Optimized for a wide range of equipment depths, giving you compatibility with servers, AV gear, patch panels, and other standard rack-mounted hardware.
• Strong steel construction: Delivers reliable support for heavy equipment while maintaining a lightweight profile that is easier to handle during deployment.
• Bolt-together, ready-to-assemble system: Streamlines shipping and on-site assembly, ensuring a solid, factory-like fit when components are joined and tightened.

Technical Details of Middle Atlantic Slim 5 Series 14RU Open-Frame Rack

• RU Capacity: 14RU
• Depth: 26 in (660 mm)
• Frame Type: Open-frame rack
• Construction: Steel
• Assembly: Bolt-together, ready-to-assemble

How to install Middle Atlantic Slim 5 Series 14RU Open-Frame Rack

• Unpack the components and verify all hardware included in the shipment. Check for any signs of transit damage and ensure you have the required tools for assembly (typically standard wrenches or a socket set).
• Lay out the frame pieces on a clean, level workspace. Identify the front and rear sections as indicated by the frame markings to ensure proper alignment during assembly.
• Assemble the main frame by joining side panels and cross members using the supplied bolts. Tighten evenly in a star pattern to keep the frame square and rigid, then verify dimensions with a tape measure to prevent twisting.
• Once the frame is square, install any optional or built-in mounting rails or accessories according to your hardware plan. Align 19-inch equipment with standard mounting holes and secure them with appropriate hardware, ensuring devices are firm but not over-torqued.
• Carefully place the assembled rack where it will be used, level it on the floor or mount it in a rack cabinet if applicable, and perform a final check for stability. Route cables neatly with ties or organizers to maintain airflow and accessibility, and perform a functional test to confirm equipment remains secure after cabling and power connections are made.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Slim 5 Series 14RU Open-Frame Rack used for?
The Slim 5 Series 14RU Open-Frame Rack is designed to hold standard 19-inch equipment in a sturdy, open-frame solution that prioritizes accessibility and ease of installation. It is well-suited for AV studios, post-production suites, data centers with compact footprints, and mobile production setups where space is at a premium and frequent access to gear is necessary.

What does 14RU mean?
RU stands for rack units, a standardized measure of vertical space in a rack. 1RU equals 1.75 inches (44.45 mm). Therefore, 14RU provides 24.5 inches of vertical space for mounting equipment, allowing a balanced mix of servers, storage, networking gear, and patch panels within a single frame.

Is the frame bolt-together?
Yes. The Slim 5 Series 14RU Open-Frame Rack is designed to be bolt-together, ready-to-assemble. This approach simplifies shipping and installation while maintaining a strong, stable framework once assembled. Following the included hardware and instructions helps ensure a precise, durable build.

Is 26 inches deep sufficient for 19-inch equipment?
A 26-inch depth is a common specification that covers a wide range of standard 19-inch equipment, including many servers, audio-visual processors, switch gear, and patch panels. Always verify the depth requirement of each device, including rear cable management, to ensure full clearance and airflow when installed in the Slim 5 Series frame.

Can I install heavy equipment in this rack?
The Slim 5 Series is built from strong steel and rated to support typical 19-inch equipment used in professional environments. When installing heavier devices, distribute weight evenly, secure devices properly to mounting rails, and ensure the overall frame remains level and stable to preserve performance and safety.

How do I manage cables efficiently in this open-frame rack?
Take advantage of the open-frame design to route cables with ample clearance behind front-mount devices. Use cable ties, Velcro straps, and cable organizers to maintain clean, unobstructed pathways. Plan for future expansions by leaving extra slack in low-traffic areas and labeling cables at their terminations for quick identification during maintenance.