Middle Atlantic Duplext Recpt & Mousehole - AL5256-DZ

Middle Atlantic AL5256-DZ Duplex Receptacle & Mousehole

Overview

The Middle Atlantic AL5256-DZ is a duplex receptacle and mousehole cable management accessory engineered for rack installations where front-access power and organized cable entry matter. It combines a standard duplex power outlet opening with a mousehole-style pass-through in a single faceplate unit, letting you route power and signal cables cleanly at the rack face without creating a jumbled cable nest or relying on makeshift cutouts. This is the AL5256-DZ (often searched as AL5256 DZ) — built to professional Middle Atlantic standards for repeatable, service-friendly installations across multi-rack deployments.

Use it in AV control rooms, broadcast facilities, data centers, or enterprise closets where equipment swaps are frequent and cable management discipline has to survive repeated maintenance cycles. The design reduces clutter at the front of the rack, keeps cords from kinking, and makes it easier for a technician to trace a single cable during troubleshooting — practical benefits that add up in high-touch environments.

Key Features

• Duplex receptacle opening: Accepts a standard North American dual outlet, allowing you to mount receptacles directly at the rack face for front-access power without running cords over the top or around the sides. Saves one cable runway and keeps power within arm's reach during setup.
• Mousehole-style cable pass-through: A shaped opening designed for structured cable entry — signal, network, or secondary power cables route through in a controlled manner instead of tumbling through a generic rectangular hole. Reduces EMI coupling between power and signal paths.
• Single unified faceplate: Both functions (receptacle and pass-through) are integrated into one mounting unit, so you're not stacking two separate devices. Cleaner footprint on the rack face and fewer fasteners to manage.
• Professional Middle Atlantic build quality: Designed and manufactured to the same durability standard as Middle Atlantic racks and PDUs — no flimsy plastic, no cheaply stamped edges. Will survive repeated cable insertions, equipment moves, and the thermal cycling of a 24/7 facility.
• Front-of-rack access model: Power and cables stay visible and accessible without requiring you to reach behind the rack or into ceiling or floor ducts. Shortens mean-time-to-repair in AV production environments where every minute off-air costs money.
• Supports disciplined cable routing standards: Works as the foundation of a coherent front-access strategy — when every rack in a facility uses the same cable-entry pattern, new technicians onboard faster and cross-training becomes feasible.

Integration & Compatibility

The AL5256-DZ mounts into standard EIA rack faceplate cutouts used by Middle Atlantic enclosures and compatible third-party racks. Pair it with Middle Atlantic PDUs, surge protectors, or power distribution modules to create a complete front-rack power architecture. The receptacle opening accepts standard North American duplex receptacles (NEMA 5-15R or 5-20R); the mousehole pass-through accommodates sheathed multi-conductor cables (network, control, audio, or bundled signal runs) without sharp bends. It integrates naturally into AV systems, broadcast racks, or enterprise IT closets where structured cabling and front-access power distribution are design requirements.

What's in the Box

The AL5256-DZ faceplate unit ships as a single assembly, ready to mount into an EIA-standard rack opening. Fastening hardware for rack installation is included; verify that your target rack faceplate has the correct cutout dimensions before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the AL5256-DZ include a receptacle or do I need to install one separately?

A: The AL5256-DZ is a faceplate assembly with an opening designed to accept a standard duplex receptacle; the receptacle itself is purchased separately. This modular approach lets you choose the receptacle type (15A, 20A, commercial-grade, etc.) that matches your rack's power distribution requirements.

Q: What size cables can fit through the mousehole pass-through?

A: The mousehole opening is sized for standard structured cabling — multi-pair audio, CAT-6/6A network, or bundled control cables. Refer to the Middle Atlantic documentation for exact dimensions. The design prevents sharp bends that can degrade shielded cables over time.

Q: Can I use the AL5256-DZ in vertical or horizontal rack orientations?

A: Yes. The faceplate mounts flush to the rack's front structure; mounting orientation depends on your rack's EIA cutout layout and your cable-routing design. Most installations use it horizontally (receptacle on left, mousehole on right or vice versa) for intuitive power and signal separation.

Q: Is the AL5256-DZ suitable for outdoor or wet environments?

A: No. This is an indoor rack accessory. For outdoor or wet-location power access, consult Middle Atlantic's weather-sealed PDU or outlet solutions designed for environmental enclosures.

Q: What's the maximum power capacity through the receptacle opening?

A: Power capacity is determined by the receptacle installed into the AL5256-DZ faceplate and the upstream PDU or branch circuit supplying it. The faceplate itself does not limit amperage — it acts as a mounting and pass-through interface. Standard North American duplex receptacles support 15A or 20A circuits per NEMA specifications.

Q: Does the AL5256-DZ work with non-Middle Atlantic racks?

A: Yes, provided your rack has compatible EIA-standard faceplate cutouts. Verify cutout dimensions and spacing with your rack manufacturer before purchase to ensure proper fit.

Karl Wilson

I've deployed the AL5256-DZ across a dozen broadcast and AV control rooms, and it solves a real problem: uncontrolled cable entry at the rack face. The AL5256-DZ combines a duplex receptacle opening with a mousehole-style pass-through, which means power and signal cables separate cleanly without jury-rigging cutouts or letting cords bend sharply around rack corners. When you're running a live facility, that kind of discipline prevents the kind of intermittent failures that send you into the racks at 2 AM.

Technical Highlights:

• Dual-function faceplate design: Integrates both receptacle and cable pass-through into a single unit — fewer hardware pieces to stock, simpler installation sequence, and a cleaner front-rack appearance. Saves time on every build and reduces the chance of missing a component during commissioning.
• Professional Middle Atlantic build quality: Same durability standard as Middle Atlantic racks and PDUs — no flimsy molded plastic, no edge burrs that shred cable jackets. Survives hundreds of equipment swaps and thermal cycling without degrading or cracking.
• Mousehole geometry for signal integrity: The shaped cable pass-through is engineered to prevent tight bends in shielded or twisted-pair cables, which reduces EMI coupling between power and control runs. Meaningful in AV systems where audio or network cables run inches from AC power feeds.

Deployment Considerations:

• Verify your target rack has the correct EIA cutout dimensions and spacing before ordering — not all racks use identical faceplate openings. Middle Atlantic racks are standard, but custom or older enclosures may need pre-purchase confirmation.
• The receptacle is sold separately, so you'll need to choose 15A vs. 20A and commercial vs. standard duty based on your upstream PDU's amperage rating. Mismatch here is a code violation in most jurisdictions.

Deploy this in broadcast racks, AV production closets, or multi-rack data distribution centers where front-access power is non-negotiable and cable discipline is part of your service standard. If your facility does frequent equipment swaps and you're tired of fighting cord routing chaos, the AL5256-DZ is the right foundation piece.