Middle Atlantic DLBX 5RU Active DVR Lock Box
Overview
The Middle Atlantic DLBX is a 5-rack-unit steel DVR lock box built for deploying recorders and NVRs in exposed or semi-public locations — lobbies, retail back offices, stairwells, and wall-mount closets where you need both physical security and enough airflow to keep equipment from throttling. At 23.87 in wide and 28.24 in deep with a usable depth of 26.75 in, the DLBX accommodates full-depth rackmount hardware that standard shallow wall enclosures simply can't fit. Sourced factory-new and TAA compliant, it's a straight answer for federal, state, and local government projects that enforce Section 889 and trade-agreement procurement rules.
Browse the full Middle Atlantic rack and enclosure catalog for companion products in this line, or see all rack enclosures and wall-mount cabinets for competitive comparisons.
Key Features
- 5 RU / 11.34 in Exterior Height: Five rack units of usable space (11.07 in usable interior height) is enough for a standalone NVR, a PoE switch, and a patch panel — the typical three-component edge recorder stack. You're not compromising on what goes inside.
- 26.75 in Usable Depth: Most wall-mount DVR boxes top out around 18–20 in of usable depth. At 26.75 in, the DLBX fits full-depth 1U recorders and switches without shimming or forcing cables at the rear. If your recorder has rear-mounted drive bays, this is the spec that matters.
- 95 CFM Active Airflow at 115 VAC: The built-in fan assembly moves 95 CFM — active (powered) cooling, not passive venting. For a sealed steel enclosure running continuous-record hardware in a non-air-conditioned space, active cooling is the difference between stable operation and premature drive failure. The 115 VAC fan means you're plugging into standard North American power; no step-down transformer required.
- 100 lb Weight Capacity: Rated for 45.4 kg of equipment load. A loaded NVR with 8 drives plus a PoE switch typically comes in well under 50 lb — so you have meaningful headroom. This matters if you're mounting the enclosure on drywall anchors versus a stud or structural wall section; verify your wall substrate against the 100 lb rating before installation.
- Wall and Rack Mount: The DLBX ships ready for both wall-surface mounting and integration into a larger open frame or rack structure. If your installation later expands to a full rack bay, the enclosure can migrate without replacement.
- 23.87 in Width (Standard Rack Width): At 23.87 in exterior width, this fits within a standard 19-in rack bay when rack-mounted, while the full exterior width accommodates the standard EIA rackmount rail spacing inside. No non-standard hardware needed.
- TAA Compliant, Manufactured in Mexico: TAA compliance means this enclosure qualifies for GSA Schedule purchases and most federal contract vehicles. Country of origin is Mexico — a TAA-designated country — so there's no exception or waiver required. Document this at bid time; contracting officers will ask.
- Steel Construction, Black Finish: Steel housing resists casual forced entry and provides a professional, low-profile appearance in finished spaces. The black powder-coat finish doesn't stand out in server rooms or back-of-house retail environments.
Integration and Compatibility
The DLBX is designed as a physical enclosure, not a managed device — it integrates with any 19-in rackmount NVR, DVR, switch, or UPS that fits within its 5 RU / 26.75 in usable depth envelope. Pair it with a PoE network switch and an NVR for a self-contained edge recorder node. The 115 VAC fan draws power from the local AC circuit; factor that load into your circuit planning alongside the recorder and switch draw.
For high-density or multi-enclosure deployments, reference the rack and enclosure planning guide to size your wall substrate, conduit paths, and power distribution before committing to a mounting location. The 100 lb capacity is a hard ceiling — overloading a wall-mount enclosure is a common field mistake with real liability consequences.
The steel lock box form factor also pairs well with video surveillance NVRs and standalone recorders that need physical protection in semi-public areas like retail floors, school hallways, and transit facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Middle Atlantic DLBX TAA compliant?
A: Yes. The DLBX is TAA compliant and manufactured in Mexico, a TAA-designated country. It qualifies for GSA Schedule and most federal procurement vehicles without a waiver.
Q: What is the usable depth inside the DLBX?
A: The DLBX provides 26.75 inches (67.9 cm) of usable depth — enough for full-depth 1U rackmount NVRs, switches, and recorders with rear-mounted drive bays.
Q: Does the DLBX require external power for its cooling fan?
A: Yes. The DLBX is an active enclosure with a built-in fan that runs on 115 VAC. You'll need to connect it to a standard North American AC outlet or power strip inside the enclosure.
Q: How much equipment weight can the DLBX support?
A: The DLBX is rated for up to 100 lbs (45.4 kg) of equipment. Verify your wall mounting substrate can handle this load — stud or structural backing is strongly recommended over drywall anchors alone.
Q: Can the DLBX be rack-mounted as well as wall-mounted?
A: Yes. The DLBX supports both wall-surface mounting and rack integration, giving you flexibility if your installation expands to a full rack bay later.
Q: How much airflow does the DLBX provide?
A: The built-in active fan assembly moves 95 CFM at 115 VAC — sufficient for continuous-record NVR and switch loads in non-air-conditioned spaces.
The spec I keep coming back to on the DLBX is the 26.75 in usable depth. Most integrators don't think about enclosure depth until they're on-site with a full-depth recorder and a box that's three inches too shallow — and then they're making a second trip. The DLBX was clearly sized for real surveillance hardware, not a thin-client appliance.
Technical Highlights:
- 95 CFM Active Cooling: Powered fan cooling in a sealed steel box is non-negotiable for 24/7 recorders. Passive venting in a closed enclosure in a warm utility closet is how you shorten drive life by 30–40%.
- 100 lb Load Rating: Headroom matters. A loaded 4U NVR with drives plus a 1U PoE switch typically lands around 40–55 lb total — leaving real margin within the 100 lb ceiling without doing per-component math on every job.
- TAA Compliance, Mexico Origin: Government integrators bidding on federal, state, or municipal contracts will appreciate the clean TAA documentation. Mexico is a designated country — no exceptions to file, no last-minute compliance questions at closeout.
Deployment Considerations:
- The 115 VAC fan needs a live AC circuit inside the enclosure. Plan a power strip or PDU in your one RU of overhead — don't assume the fan is self-contained from a power perspective.
- At 28.24 in total depth, wall clearance behind the enclosure is a real constraint in shallow utility rooms or stairwell landings. Measure twice before you commit to a location — especially if conduit enters from the rear.
The DLBX is the right call for retail chain deployments where a single NVR per location needs to live in a back-of-house area accessible to staff but not to the public — the steel construction and lock provide the deterrent layer that open racks don't.
