Middle Atlantic Side Panels for 45U, 36" Deep R4 Racks — Steel, Black, 1 Pack

Designed to perfectly complement Middle Atlantic’s renowned R4 rack systems, these Side Panels deliver professional-grade protection, airflow management, and a clean, unified appearance for your critical infrastructure. Crafted from sturdy steel and finished in a durable black coating, they’re built to endure the rigors of data center, studio, or AV installations. Whether you’re expanding an existing 45U cabinet or outfitting a new R4 rack lineup, these panels help seal off unused space, minimize dust ingress, and provide a polished, integrated look that mirrors the precision standards of Middle Atlantic products.

With a focus on compatibility, reliability, and ease of installation, the Side Panels are conceived to fit snugly with 36" deep Middle Atlantic R4 racks that accommodate expansive equipment layouts. The panels’ robust construction supports long-term use in busy environments where equipment uptime matters, while their understated black finish blends seamlessly with most equipment rails and cabinet interiors. These panels are a practical choice for installers seeking a professional, turnkey solution that protects sensitive gear and maintains a tidy, professional presentation from the front to the rear of the rack.

Beyond aesthetics, the panels play a functional role in supporting effective server and equipment management. They help define a dedicated space for cable routing and airflow, contributing to better thermal performance and easier maintenance. In environments where rack organization is critical—broadcast studios, post-production facilities, data centers, and IT closets—the Middle Atlantic side panels offer a simple, reliable upgrade to your rack configuration. When paired with other Middle Atlantic rack accessories, they contribute to a cohesive system designed for efficiency, noise reduction, and streamlined serviceability.

Customers who invest in these side panels often value the balance between rugged construction and maintainable accessibility. The steel build provides long-term stability, while the black finish is resistant to scuffs and scratches that can accumulate in high-traffic spaces. Installation is straightforward, and the panels are designed to integrate with existing mounting hardware used for R4 racks, minimizing the need for additional tools or custom components. If you’re upgrading a legacy setup or configuring multiple R4 racks for a larger installation, these side panels offer a cost-effective way to elevate the overall quality and appearance of the system.

• Durable steel construction for lasting performance. These side panels are built to stand up to the demands of active rack environments, providing solid protection for rear equipment installations. The steel composition ensures rigidity, reduces the risk of warping, and helps preserve the integrity of cable management channels inside the rack. This durability is essential for installations where hardware is frequently accessed for maintenance, upgrades, or reconfiguration, ensuring reliable service life even in high-use settings.
• Black powder-coated finish for aesthetic cohesion and protection. The finish not only looks sleek but also resists corrosion, chipping, and wear from routine handling. The understated black appearance blends seamlessly with most rack interiors and equipment, delivering a professional, uniform look across the entire enclosure. Aesthetic consistency is especially valuable in studios, control rooms, and data centers where visual presentation matters as much as performance.
• Designed for 45U rack height and 36" deep R4 racks. These panels are specifically sized to complement Middle Atlantic R4 rack configurations, ensuring a secure fit with standard 45U cabinets and 36" deep enclosures. Proper fitment helps maintain structural stability, reduces gaps that can accumulate dust, and supports consistent airflow management for attached equipment, making maintenance and upgrades smoother over time.
• One-pack convenience for straightforward upgrades. Each purchase includes a single side panel, letting you tailor your setup incrementally or replace a single panel as needed without disturbing the entire enclosure. This is ideal for projects where only one side requires replacement or where a modular approach to rack customization is preferred, allowing for flexible growth as equipment needs evolve.
• Simple, tool-light installation to minimize downtime. The panels are designed for straightforward mounting with standard rack hardware, enabling quicker transitions during upgrades or reconfigurations. Minimal tools and steps mean you can protect your gear and restore service sooner, which is especially important in time-sensitive environments where even brief downtime can impact operations.

Technical Details of Middle Atlantic Side Panels, 45 RU, 36"D R4 Racks

• Product type: Side panel for 45U rack height, 36" depth
• Material: Steel
• Finish: Black powder coat
• Rack compatibility: Middle Atlantic R4 series 45U racks
• Pack size: 1 panel per package
• Dimension notes: Explicit dimensions provided by spec include 45U rack height and 36" depth compatibility; panel thickness is designed for rigidity while remaining serviceable during upgrades (exact thickness approximately 0.6" in the original specifications)

How to Install Middle Atlantic Side Panels

• Identify the correct side panel for your 45U, 36" deep R4 rack unit and ensure you have the compatible mounting hardware from Middle Atlantic or your authorized distributor.
• Power down and unplug any equipment within the rack if you are performing a replacement or upgrade. Remove any currently installed side panels if applicable to prepare for installation.
• Align the side panel with the rack’s vertical mounting rails, making sure the panel’s fastener holes line up with the rail slots or mounting brackets.
• Secure the panel using the appropriate screws or mounting hardware designed for your R4 rack. Tighten evenly to avoid warping the panel and ensure a snug, vibration-free fit.
• Verify a proper seal and fit along the side of the rack, then re-route cables as needed to accommodate the new panel and restore airflow paths. If you encounter any alignment issues, double-check compatibility with your specific R4 model and consult the product manual for torque specifications and hardware recommendations.

Frequently asked questions

• What material are the side panels made from? The panels are constructed from steel for durability and rigidity, designed to withstand the wear and tear of active data centers, studios, and IT rooms.
• What is the finish on the panels? The panels come with a black powder-coated finish, offering corrosion resistance and a professional appearance that matches most rack interiors.
• How many side panels come in a package? Each purchase includes 1 panel, providing a convenient option for selective replacement or incremental upgrades.
• Which racks are these panels compatible with? They are designed for Middle Atlantic 45U R4 racks with a 36" depth, making them a precise match for that family of enclosures.
• Do these panels affect ventilation or cable management? The side panels help seal the sides of the rack, reducing dust intrusion and offering a clean, unified appearance. When used in conjunction with other Middle Atlantic vented or perforated accessories, airflow can be managed to maintain proper cooling while still benefiting from a tidy, organized cabinet.