Middle Atlantic Face PLT 1 7/16IN Opng 50 - 500SP-17/16

Middle Atlantic 500SP-17/16 Rack Face Plate with 1-7/16 Inch Custom Opening

Overview

The Middle Atlantic 500SP-17/16 is a rack-mount face plate designed specifically for installations where a clean, finished panel is needed with a precise 1 7/16 inch cutout opening. Whether you are routing cables, accommodating a specific connector, or blanking unused rack space with a controlled pass-through, this plate gives integrators a purpose-built solution rather than a field-modified blank. It ships as part of the broader Middle Atlantic rack accessories line — a catalog built around structured, professional rack builds.

For integrators managing dense rack accessory configurations in security head-end rooms, IT closets, or AV equipment racks, off-the-shelf blanks rarely match the specific opening size a custom cable bundle or connector block requires. The 500SP-17/16 (often searched as 500SP 17/16) solves that by providing a factory-finished opening at exactly 1 7/16 inches — no field cutting, no rough edges, no makeshift workarounds.

Key Features

• 1 7/16 Inch Custom Opening: The cutout is factory-sized to 1 7/16 inches, which means you get a clean, finished edge around whatever cable or connector passes through — no burrs, no uneven cuts, and a professional result that holds up to client walkthroughs and inspection.
• Rack Mount Form Factor: Designed for standard rack mounting, this plate installs into any compatible rack rail just like a standard blank panel. That means no special hardware or adaptation — it drops into place and secures with your existing rack fasteners, keeping the installation timeline tight.
• Finished Face Plate Aesthetic: In security and AV head-end racks where clients and auditors see the front of the cabinet, a finished face plate signals a professional build. This is the difference between a rack that looks engineered and one that looks assembled in the field.
• Purpose-Built for Custom Rack Openings: The 500SP-17/16 exists specifically for installations where a standard blank will not work and a field modification would compromise the finish. If your design calls for a specific cable routing point or connector access at rack level, this is the correct component to specify.
• Middle Atlantic Ecosystem Compatibility: As part of the Middle Atlantic rack accessory family, this plate is designed to integrate cleanly with rack enclosures and panel systems from the same line. Consistent build quality across components means no fitment surprises at installation.
• Reduces Field Modification Risk: Field-cutting blanks introduces the risk of metal debris inside the rack — a hazard for electronics. Specifying a factory-cut plate like the 500SP-17/16 eliminates that risk entirely and keeps the installation compliant with professional rack build standards.

Integration & Compatibility

The 500SP-17/16 is a passive rack accessory compatible with standard rack rail configurations. It is relevant in any application where a structured rack build requires a specific pass-through opening — security operations centers, network closets, broadcast racks, and AV head-end installations. Pair it with a rack cable management solution to route and organize cables cleanly through the opening. For planning a complete rack build, reference a rack planning guide to confirm unit spacing and panel placement before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the exact opening size on the 500SP-17/16?

A: The factory cutout measures 1 7/16 inches — precision-cut at the factory for a clean, finished edge.

Q: What rack size does the 500SP-17/16 fit?

A: The 500SP-17/16 is a rack-mount face plate. Confirm your rack's rail spacing and unit height against Middle Atlantic's product documentation to verify fit before ordering.

Q: Can I use the 500SP-17/16 to route cables through a rack panel?

A: Yes — the 1 7/16 inch opening is designed for exactly this purpose, providing a finished pass-through for cables or connectors without field modification.

Q: Does the 500SP-17/16 require special hardware to install?

A: No. It is a standard rack-mount face plate that installs with standard rack fasteners into compatible rack rails.

Q: Is the 500SP-17/16 a blank panel or does it have a functional component built in?

A: It is a passive face plate — no active components. Its function is to provide a finished, factory-cut opening in a rack panel for cable routing or connector access.

James Everett

The detail that separates a professional rack build from a field hack is often something as simple as a face plate. The Middle Atlantic 500SP-17/16 gives you a factory-finished 1 7/16 inch cutout — the kind of spec that matters when you need a specific pass-through size and cannot afford the debris risk or rough edges that come from cutting a blank in the field.

Technical Highlights:

• Factory-Cut 1 7/16 Inch Opening: Precision cutout eliminates field modification — no metal shavings inside the rack, no uneven edges, no compromise on finish quality at client walkthrough.
• Standard Rack Mount: Installs into any compatible rack rail with standard fasteners — no adapters, no special tooling, no added installation time.
• Purpose-Built Rack Accessory: Designed as a Middle Atlantic rack accessory, it integrates cleanly into structured rack builds where consistent panel finish is a requirement, not an afterthought.

Deployment Considerations:

• Verify the 1 7/16 inch opening against the actual connector or cable bundle diameter before specifying — the opening size is fixed at the factory and cannot be field-adjusted.
• Confirm rack unit height and rail compatibility with Middle Atlantic's documentation before ordering; this plate is rated for rack mount but unit height is not specified in available evidence.

The 500SP-17/16 is the right call for security head-end rooms and AV equipment racks where the rack front is visible to clients or subject to inspection — anywhere a field-cut blank would undercut the professionalism of an otherwise clean installation.