Middle Atlantic EC-3 3U Rack Mount Chassis
The Middle Atlantic EC-3 is a 3-rack-unit steel chassis built for integrators who need a no-frills, correctly-sized enclosure to house rackmount gear in AV, security, and IT infrastructure closets. At 6 inches deep and 19 inches wide, the EC-3 (often searched as EC 3) fits shallow-depth rack bays where full 14–16 inch chassis would foul cable runs or door clearance — a common constraint in wall-mount enclosures, podiums, and control room furniture. If your gear is shallow and your rack space is tight, this is the chassis to reach for first.
Key Features
- 3 Rack Units (5.25 in. H): Three RU of vertical space handles most single-board processors, small AV switchers, cable management panels, and blank filler applications. Three RU is the sweet spot between wasted empty space and oversizing your chassis footprint — you're not giving up rack real estate unnecessarily.
- 19-Inch Standard Rack Width: At exactly 19 inches wide, the EC-3 drops into any standard EIA-310 rack or cabinet without shimming, custom hardware, or adapters. Compatible with open-frame racks, enclosed cabinets, and wall-mount rack panels running standard rail spacing.
- 6-Inch Depth (15.2 cm): The shallow 6-inch profile is the defining spec here. Most rackmount security processors, patch panels, small UPS units, and fiber termination gear runs 5–8 inches deep. A 6-inch chassis keeps those devices fully accessible without using a deep cabinet. In a 12-inch-deep wall-mount enclosure, this is one of the few chassis that fits with room for cabling behind.
- Two Mounting Points: The EC-3 ships with two rack-rail mounting points — one on each side — which is the standard minimum for secure rack installation. Tighten both evenly to keep the chassis square in the rail; uneven torque on a steel chassis will rack the frame over time.
- Black Brushed and Anodized Finish: The black powder-coat-style brushed and anodized steel finish resists fingerprints and minor abrasion better than bare steel or painted finishes. In equipment rooms where the rack faces client visibility — boardrooms, reception, lobbies — a uniform matte black finish reads as deliberate and professional rather than improvised.
- All-Steel Construction: Steel gauge construction provides the rigidity needed to support gear installed in the chassis without flex or vibration-induced connector loosening. Lighter aluminum alternatives may be adequate for static display gear, but steel is the right call where vibration or rack mobility is a factor.
Integration and Compatibility
The EC-3 integrates into any standard 19-inch EIA rack environment. The 3 RU × 6-inch-deep form factor is well-matched to shallow wall-mount rack enclosures, podium racks, and equipment furniture bays commonly specified alongside security camera and access control infrastructure. Integrators running rackmount accessories in tight AV or security closets will find the 6-inch depth accommodates most media converters, fiber patch panels, small NVR appliances, and structured wiring components without requiring a deep-depth enclosure. For broader infrastructure planning, review network video recorder sizing and rack and enclosure options to confirm bay depth and RU availability before specifying the EC-3 in a multi-component rack build. Middle Atlantic's full rack chassis line offers deeper and wider variants if your gear profile requires additional clearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What rack unit size is the Middle Atlantic EC-3?
A: The EC-3 is a 3U chassis, standing 5.25 inches (13.3 cm) tall. It occupies 3 rack units of vertical space in any standard 19-inch EIA rack.
Q: How deep is the EC-3 chassis?
A: The EC-3 is 6 inches (15.2 cm) deep. This shallow profile makes it suitable for wall-mount enclosures and podium racks where full-depth chassis (14–16 inches) would not fit.
Q: Will the EC-3 fit a standard 19-inch rack?
A: Yes. The EC-3 is 19 inches (48.3 cm) wide and is designed for standard EIA-310 19-inch rack rails. No adapters or shimming required.
Q: How many rack rail mounting points does the EC-3 use?
A: The EC-3 uses 2 mounting points, one on each side rail. Standard practice — secure both evenly to keep the chassis square under load.
Q: What is the finish on the EC-3?
A: Black brushed and anodized steel. It provides abrasion and fingerprint resistance compared to painted finishes, and presents a consistent matte black appearance in client-facing equipment rooms.
Q: Is the EC-3 suitable for shallow wall-mount rack enclosures?
A: Yes. At 6 inches deep, the EC-3 is specifically well-suited to shallow wall-mount rack panels and enclosures where standard-depth chassis would not clear the door or rear panel. Confirm your enclosure's usable interior depth before ordering.
The spec that matters most on the EC-3 is the 6-inch depth — and it's the one integrators underestimate until they're standing in front of a wall-mount enclosure with a 14-inch chassis that won't close the door. I specify the EC-3 specifically for shallow-bay situations: podium racks, recessed wall panels, and AV furniture with 8–10 inch interior clearance. Three rack units at 5.25 inches tall gives you a real panel, not a filler plate, without committing four or five RU to a single enclosure.
Technical Highlights:
- 6-Inch Depth: At 15.2 cm, this chassis fits inside wall-mount enclosures where typical 14–16 inch chassis physically cannot go. Measure your enclosure's usable interior depth before ordering — 6 inches is a hard number.
- 19-Inch EIA-Standard Width: Drops into any standard rail set at 48.3 cm wide. No rail adapters, no shimming, no guessing — it fits the same rail hardware you're already running.
- Black Brushed and Anodized Finish: More durable than painted steel in high-touch equipment rooms. Resists abrasion from cable pulls and rack maintenance without showing wear the way gloss or matte paint does.
Deployment Considerations:
- Two mounting points is the minimum for a secure installation — torque both rail screws evenly. Uneven fastening on a steel chassis will induce a slight twist that makes front-panel gear alignment harder over time.
- The 6-inch depth is the entire value proposition here — if your gear runs deeper than that, you need a different chassis. Measure component depth including connector overhang before specifying.
The EC-3 is the right call for security integrators building out shallow wall-mount rack bays in retail locations, school security closets, and corporate lobby AV racks — anywhere the enclosure depth is a real constraint and 3 RU of clean, standard-width steel chassis is what the job actually needs.
