Middle Atlantic CFR-10-20 10RU Cabinet Frame Rack
Overview
The Middle Atlantic CFR-10-20 is a 10-rack-unit open-frame cabinet rack built for integrators who need a compact, high-strength mounting solution in tight equipment rooms, back-of-house AV closets, or security head-end enclosures. At 18.44 inches tall and 20 inches of usable depth, it fits where full-height racks cannot — without sacrificing the structural integrity you need for real equipment loads. The CFR-10-20 (often searched as CFR 10 20) ships factory-new from US production and carries TAA compliance, making it a straightforward pick for government and federally funded projects. Explore the full Middle Atlantic rack and enclosure line for companion products.
Key Features
- 250 lb UL-Listed Load Capacity: The UL-verified 250 lb (113.4 kg) rating means you can stack a dense mix of NVRs, switches, and power distribution without engineering guesswork. That UL listing is third-party verified — not a self-declared spec, which matters on commercial and institutional bids.
- 10 RU / 17.5 in Usable Height: Ten rack units of usable space handles a mid-sized surveillance or AV head-end: a 4-channel NVR, a PoE switch, a UPS, and a patch panel fit with room to spare. The 17.5-inch usable height confirms real usable space after rail offsets.
- 20-Inch Usable Depth: Full 20 inches of usable depth accommodates most 1U/2U rackmount appliances without bracket extensions or cable-management compromises. Pair this with rack cable management accessories to keep the install clean.
- Steel Construction, Flat Black Powder Coat: The all-steel frame with flat black powder coat holds up in mechanical rooms and utility spaces where aluminum frames dent and cheaper finishes chip. The powder coat also reduces glare in camera-monitored spaces — a small but real detail on surveillance installs.
- 10-32 Rack Rail Threading: Standard 10-32 tapped rails mean your standard cage nuts, rack screws, and most commercial equipment mounting hardware drop right in — no adapters, no specialty hardware orders.
- TAA Compliant, USA Origin: Manufactured in the USA and TAA compliant, so it qualifies for GSA schedules and federal procurement without a country-of-origin waiver. If your project has Buy American or TAA requirements, this clears those gates.
- Compact Footprint, 17.8 lb Frame: At 17.8 lbs unloaded, two technicians can position and secure the CFR-10-20 without material handling equipment. The 19.25-inch width fits standard 19-inch rack bays and wall-mount brackets.
Integration and Compatibility
The CFR-10-20 is an in-cabinet rack frame — it mounts inside an existing enclosure rather than standing alone. Confirm your enclosure's interior clearance against the 18.44-inch overall height and 19.25-inch width before ordering. The standard 10-32 rail system is compatible with the overwhelming majority of 1U and 2U commercial rackmount gear: network video recorders, managed PoE switches, UPS units, patch panels, and access control appliance hardware. For a complete head-end build, review network video recorders and PoE switches that fit this rack form factor. For wall-mount or free-standing configurations, Middle Atlantic offers companion enclosure products in the same CFR family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Middle Atlantic CFR-10-20 TAA compliant?
A: Yes. The CFR-10-20 is TAA compliant and manufactured in the USA, making it eligible for GSA schedule procurement and federal projects with TAA or Buy American requirements.
Q: What is the load capacity of the CFR-10-20?
A: The CFR-10-20 carries a UL-listed load capacity of 250 lbs (113.4 kg). This is a third-party verified rating, not a self-declared specification.
Q: What rack rail type does the CFR-10-20 use?
A: Standard 10-32 tapped rails. Most commercial rackmount equipment, cage nuts, and rack screws are compatible without adapters.
Q: Will the CFR-10-20 stand alone, or does it require an enclosure?
A: The CFR-10-20 is an in-cabinet rack frame designed to mount inside an existing enclosure. It is not a freestanding open-frame rack. Verify your enclosure's interior dimensions against the 18.44-inch height and 19.25-inch width before ordering.
Q: How many rack units of usable space does the CFR-10-20 provide?
A: Ten rack units (10 RU) with 17.5 inches of usable height. This is distinct from the overall 18.44-inch frame height, which includes structural rail offsets.
Q: What is the country of origin for the CFR-10-20?
A: The CFR-10-20 is manufactured in the USA.
The CFR-10-20 fills a specific gap I run into regularly: you need a structured rack mount inside an existing enclosure, but a full-height 14RU or 16RU frame is physically impossible and overkill. The 10 RU format at exactly 20 inches of usable depth handles a real-world mid-tier surveillance head-end — NVR, PoE switch, UPS, and patch panel — without forcing you into a larger cabinet footprint.
Technical Highlights:
- UL-Listed 250 lb Capacity: At 250 lbs verified by UL, you have substantial margin above any realistic 10RU equipment load. This rating holds up on commercial bids and institutional RFPs that require third-party load verification.
- USA Manufacture + TAA Compliance: Both conditions are confirmed for this SKU. On GSA or federal agency projects, that eliminates a common last-minute compliance scramble at closeout.
- 10-32 Rail Threading: Universal across commercial rackmount equipment. No cage nut adapters, no proprietary hardware. Every NVR, switch, and appliance you're likely to spec mounts directly.
Deployment Considerations:
- The CFR-10-20 is an in-cabinet frame, not a freestanding rack. Measure your enclosure's interior before ordering — the 19.25-inch width and 18.44-inch overall height are your critical fit dimensions, not the 17.5-inch usable height.
- At 17.8 lbs unloaded and a 20-inch depth, this frame positions and installs as a two-person job in confined utility closets. Factor access clearance into your site survey, especially for retrofit enclosure installs.
The CFR-10-20 is the right call for security integrators building compact surveillance head-ends inside existing enclosures on government, education, or commercial facilities projects where TAA compliance and a verifiable load rating are non-negotiable line items.
