APC by Schneider Electric AR8126ABLK 17-Inch Pull-Out Rack Keyboard Drawer
Overview
The APC by Schneider Electric AR8126ABLK is a 17-inch pull-out keyboard drawer designed for rack-mounted console access. The slide-out mechanism keeps a full-size keyboard within reach when you need it and tucked out of the way when you don't — a practical consideration in dense equipment rooms where every inch of front-panel real estate matters. It ships in black to match the APC NetShelter enclosure lineup and standard black rack cabinets.
Key Features
- Pull-Out Drawer Design: The slide mechanism extends to give you full keyboard access, then retracts flat against the rack face. In an equipment room shared by multiple technicians, this means no permanently extended trays blocking aisle access or snagging cables during maintenance.
- 17-Inch Keyboard Compatibility: Sized at 17.38 inches to accommodate all standard 17-inch keyboards — covers the vast majority of compact rack keyboards and USB console keyboards used in data center and IDF/MDF environments. Verify your specific keyboard width before ordering if you're running an oversized or ergonomic form factor.
- Black Finish: Matches black rack enclosures and cabinets for a clean, consistent appearance in customer-facing or audited server rooms where aesthetics affect perception.
Integration & Compatibility
The AR8126ABLK is designed for use within standard rack accessory configurations and is compatible with APC NetShelter enclosures. It installs using the included mounting hardware. Confirm your rack's available 1U or drawer-clearance space before installation, and verify that the enclosure's rail spacing matches standard EIA-310 tolerances. For rack KVM switch deployments, this drawer pairs naturally with 1U rack-mount KVM units to consolidate console access in a single bay.
What's in the Box
- 1x AR8126ABLK 17-Inch Keyboard Drawer (Black)
- 1x Installation Guide
- Mounting Hardware
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What keyboard width does the AR8126ABLK support?
A: The AR8126ABLK is sized at 17.38 inches and is designed for all standard 17-inch keyboards. Verify your keyboard's physical width if using a non-standard form factor.
Q: What color is the AR8126ABLK?
A: Black, matching APC NetShelter enclosures and standard black rack cabinets.
Q: Does the AR8126ABLK include mounting hardware?
A: Yes. The package includes the keyboard drawer, an installation guide, and mounting hardware.
Q: Is the AR8126ABLK compatible with non-APC rack enclosures?
A: The drawer is designed for standard rack enclosures. Verify EIA-310 rail spacing compatibility with your specific cabinet before ordering.
The AR8126ABLK covers a specific but recurring gap in rack deployments: console access without a permanently extended keyboard tray. The 17.38-inch width handles standard keyboards, and the pull-out mechanism is the right answer for any rack bay where you need occasional local access — BIOS work, OS installs, emergency console — without dedicating a fixed shelf that eats front-panel space 90% of the time it's not in use.
Technical Highlights:
- 17.38-Inch Drawer Width: Accommodates all standard 17-inch rack keyboards — the dominant form factor for 1U rack console keyboards — without requiring a custom or oversized tray that wastes adjacent bay space.
- Pull-Out Mechanism: Retracts flush when not in use, which matters in multi-technician environments where an extended tray at mid-rack height becomes a cable-snagging and aisle-clearance hazard during routine maintenance cycles.
- Black Finish: Matches APC NetShelter enclosures and most standard black rack cabinets, keeping the installation visually consistent in environments where auditors or clients inspect the physical infrastructure.
Deployment Considerations:
- Confirm your rack enclosure's available front-bay depth and rail spacing against EIA-310 before ordering — the drawer ships with mounting hardware but rail compatibility is your verification step.
- Specific load rating and drawer travel distance are not published in the available evidence — if you're running a heavier-than-standard keyboard or need a specific extension depth, request confirmation from the manufacturer before committing.
The AR8126ABLK is the right call for IDF/MDF closets and equipment rooms where you need occasional direct console access without permanently occupying a 1U shelf — particularly in APC NetShelter-based deployments where aesthetic and mechanical consistency with the enclosure is a stated requirement.
