Middle Atlantic L5-FLATFR-23LDW Flat Frame Rack Enclosure, 12RU 23-Inch Wide
Overview
The Middle Atlantic L5-FLATFR-23LDW is a 12RU open flat frame designed for integrators who need a rigid, ventilated rack structure without the bulk of a full enclosure cabinet. At 21.93 inches wide and 28.31 inches deep, it fits cleanly in AV equipment rooms, security head-end closets, and command center millwork where a closed cabinet would restrict airflow or cable access. TAA compliance and US origin make it a straightforward choice for government and federal operations procurement without additional paperwork.
Key Features
- 12RU Usable Capacity: Twenty-one inches of usable height (21 in / 53.3 cm) accommodates a full stack of 1U and 2U devices — NVRs, network switches, patch panels, and power distribution — without crowding. Plan your rack layout before ordering; 12RU fills up fast on dense security head-ends.
- 25.53-Inch Usable Depth: The 25.53 in (64.9 cm) usable depth clears most 1U and 2U rack-mount equipment including deep NVRs and UPS units that run 20–24 inches. The overall frame depth is 28.31 in (71.9 cm), so account for rear cable management and wall clearance when roughing in the space.
- 70 CFM Passive Airflow: The open flat-frame design passes 70 CFM of ambient airflow across mounted equipment — meaningful for rack-mount NVRs and switches that throttle under thermal load in sealed cabinets. No fans to maintain or fail, but the room HVAC needs to handle the aggregate heat load of whatever you install.
- 10-32 Rack Rail Threading: Standard 10-32 threaded rails accept the vast majority of commercial rack-mount equipment without adapter strips. Verify your equipment uses 10-32 rather than M6 cage nuts before finalizing the BOM.
- Monitor Mounting Support: The frame supports monitor mounting — useful for operator consoles, video wall sub-frames, or dedicated display positions in command center buildouts without requiring a separate monitor arm structure.
- TAA Compliant, US-Manufactured: Built in the USA with TAA compliance verified, the L5-FLATFR-23LDW qualifies for GSA Schedule purchases and federal facility deployments where Trade Agreements Act compliance is a contract requirement — not available for international shipment.
- 107 lb Shipping Weight: At 107 lbs (48.5 kg) boxed, plan for two-person installation. Factor freight class and lift-gate requirements into delivery logistics for upper-floor installations without dock access.
Integration and Compatibility
The L5-FLATFR-23LDW (often searched as L5 FLATFR 23LDW) is part of Middle Atlantic's Middle Atlantic L5 Series furniture and rack system. It integrates with rack enclosure accessories including side panels, doors, and top covers if a partially enclosed configuration is needed post-installation. The 10-32 rail system is compatible with standard rack-mount network video recorders, managed PoE switches, and patch panels common to security rack builds. Pair with a rack-mount PDU or UPS to complete the power distribution layer. Review the rack planning and capacity guide to size the frame correctly against your equipment list before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the L5-FLATFR-23LDW TAA compliant?
A: Yes. The L5-FLATFR-23LDW is TAA compliant and manufactured in the USA, making it eligible for GSA Schedule and federal procurement vehicles that require Trade Agreements Act compliance.
Q: What rack rail threading does the L5-FLATFR-23LDW use?
A: The frame uses standard 10-32 threaded rack rails. Confirm your rack-mount equipment uses 10-32 hardware rather than M6 cage nuts before finalizing your build.
Q: Can the L5-FLATFR-23LDW be shipped internationally?
A: No. This product is not available for international shipment per manufacturer specification.
Q: Does the L5-FLATFR-23LDW support monitor mounting?
A: Yes. The frame includes monitor mounting support, making it suitable for operator console buildouts and command center configurations where an integrated display position is needed.
Q: What is the usable rack depth on the L5-FLATFR-23LDW?
A: Usable depth is 25.53 inches (64.9 cm). The overall frame depth is 28.31 inches (71.9 cm). Plan rear cable management and wall clearance against the full 28.31-inch dimension.
The L5-FLATFR-23LDW sits in a specific niche: you need rigid 10-32 rail structure and 25.53 inches of usable depth for deep NVRs or UPS units, but a full closed cabinet would choke airflow or block rear cable access in a millwork bay. The open flat-frame format passes 70 CFM of ambient air across the equipment stack without any fan infrastructure — that matters when you're mounting heat-generating NVRs and switches in a finished AV or security console.
Technical Highlights:
- 25.53 in Usable Depth: Clears most 1U/2U NVRs and rackmount UPS units that run 20–24 inches deep — the spec that rules out shallower frames on security head-end builds.
- 70 CFM Passive Airflow: Open-frame design sustains 70 CFM ambient throughput; no fan modules to maintain or replace, but room HVAC must handle aggregate equipment heat load.
- TAA / US-Origin: Manufactured in the USA, TAA compliant — eliminates a compliance step on GSA Schedule and government facility contracts without sourcing a separate compliant alternative.
Deployment Considerations:
- At 107 lbs shipping weight, budget for two-person delivery and installation — upper-floor runs without freight elevator access need advance coordination.
- This frame does not ship internationally; confirm domestic delivery address before placing government or multi-site orders with overseas staging locations.
The L5-FLATFR-23LDW is the right call for command center millwork and government security head-ends where TAA compliance, deep usable clearance, and open-frame ventilation are all non-negotiable in the same footprint.
