StarTech CABSHELF 2U 19-Inch Rack Cabinet Shelf, 16-Inch Deep

Overview

The StarTech CABSHELF is a 2U fixed rack shelf designed for standard 19-inch equipment cabinets, providing a 16-inch-deep, cold-rolled steel platform that supports up to 44.1 lb (20 kg). If you need a reliable surface to stage a DVR, media converter, or any rackmounted device that lacks its own rack ears, this shelf handles the job without requiring custom fabrication or shimming. It mounts directly into any standard server rack or network cabinet using the existing cage nut or screw positions — no drilling, no adapters.

Key Features

• 44.1 lb (20 kg) load rating: Enough capacity to support most NVRs, UPS units, or multi-drive storage appliances that you need to shelf-mount rather than rack-mount. At 44.1 lb, you are not limited to lightweight switches — full desktop-class equipment fits within margin.
• 16-inch usable internal depth (15.7 in / 40 cm): Deep enough for mid-tower-style appliances and most 1U desktop units. If your equipment is deeper than 15.7 inches, measure before ordering — this is a fixed-depth shelf with no extension option.
• 17.4-inch internal width (44.3 cm): Fits equipment up to 17.4 inches wide, which covers virtually all standard 1U and 2U appliances designed for 19-inch racks. Equipment wider than 17.4 inches will not sit flat.
• 2U form factor (3.5 in / 8.8 cm tall): Occupies two rack units, giving clearance above the shelf surface for equipment with taller profiles. In a compact 12U or 18U wall-mount cabinet, two rack units is meaningful real estate — plan your U-count before committing.
• Cold-rolled steel construction: More rigid than sheet aluminum alternatives at equivalent thickness, which matters when the shelf is loaded to the upper end of its rated capacity. The black powder-coat finish resists scratching during cable management work.
• 18.9-inch overall width (48.0 cm): Standard 19-inch rack-mount width with standard ear geometry — fits EIA-310 compliant cabinets and open-frame racks without modification.
• 5.1 lb shelf weight (2.3 kg): Lightweight enough that a single technician can install it without assistance, which speeds up cabinet build-outs considerably.
• Lifetime warranty: StarTech backs the CABSHELF with a lifetime manufacturer warranty — a meaningful commitment for a passive steel component that stays in the rack indefinitely.

Integration and Compatibility

The CABSHELF is compatible with any EIA-310 compliant 19-inch rack or cabinet — open-frame, enclosed two-post, or four-post. It works equally well in data center rows, IDF closets, and security equipment enclosures. Use it to shelf-mount standalone NVRs, analog DVRs, or any device without rack ears alongside your network video recorders and PoE switches. It does not include a sliding mechanism — equipment must be lifted in and out rather than slid. For deployments where frequent access is required, a sliding rail kit may be a better fit. The shelf surface is open steel (no ventilation holes in the platform), so ensure the equipment you place on it has adequate side or rear ventilation and is not solely dependent on bottom airflow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the maximum weight the CABSHELF can hold?

A: The CABSHELF is rated to support up to 44.1 lb (20 kg). Stay within this limit — exceeding the rated load can stress the rack mounting points and the shelf itself.

Q: Will the CABSHELF fit my 19-inch rack or cabinet?

A: Yes. The CABSHELF is designed for standard EIA-310 compliant 19-inch racks. Its overall width is 18.9 inches (48.0 cm) with an internal usable width of 17.4 inches (44.3 cm).

Q: How deep is the usable shelf surface?

A: The internal depth is 15.7 inches (40 cm). Measure your equipment's depth before ordering — equipment deeper than 15.7 inches will overhang the back of the shelf.

Q: Does the CABSHELF slide out for equipment access?

A: No. The CABSHELF is a fixed (non-sliding) shelf. Equipment must be lifted in and out. If frequent front-access is needed, consider a sliding shelf variant.

Q: What is the warranty on the CABSHELF?

A: StarTech provides a lifetime manufacturer warranty on the CABSHELF.

Q: How many rack units does the CABSHELF occupy?

A: The CABSHELF occupies 2U of rack space, with a physical height of 3.5 inches (8.8 cm).

James Everett

The CABSHELF comes up regularly in security and IT rack builds where someone needs to drop in a standalone NVR or an unmanaged appliance that has no rack ears — and the 44.1 lb load rating is the spec I always verify first. At 20 kg, it handles a fully-loaded desktop NVR without drama, but it is not a server tray for dense storage arrays pushing 60–80 lb.

Technical Highlights:

• 44.1 lb capacity: Comfortably supports most commercial NVRs and DVRs — plan your total shelf load including cables, not just the device chassis weight.
• 15.7-inch internal depth: Fits the majority of 1U and compact desktop appliances; verify equipment depth before installation, especially for deep chassis appliances that may overhang.
• Cold-rolled steel at 5.1 lb shelf weight: Rigid enough to avoid flex under rated load, light enough for one-person installation — a practical balance for field cabinet builds.

Deployment Considerations:

• The fixed (non-sliding) design means all equipment access requires lifting in and out — plan your cabinet layout so the shelf is not blocked by patch panels or cable managers that make lifting awkward.
• The shelf platform has no ventilation cutouts; if you are placing equipment that relies on bottom airflow, confirm it has alternate cooling paths before committing to this shelf.

This shelf earns its place in security equipment closets and IDF racks where a DVR or standalone NVR needs a permanent home — particularly in retrofit builds where adding rack ears to existing equipment is not practical.