Middle Atlantic RAP29 Slim 5 Series 29U Rear Access Panel
Overview
The Middle Atlantic RAP29 is a rear access panel purpose-built for the Slim 5 rack series, covering a full 29 rack units of rear-facing real estate. If you're building out a clean, enclosed rack infrastructure — AV systems, security head-end equipment, or structured cabling environments — this panel closes off the back of the enclosure without eliminating the ability to service cables or equipment from behind. At just 1.27 inches deep (3.2 cm), the RAP29 adds negligible footprint in tight installations where every inch matters.
For integrators sourcing from the Middle Atlantic catalog, this panel fits directly into the Slim 5 enclosure family workflow: the rack goes in, equipment gets mounted, and the rear panel drops on last to clean up the installation before handoff.
Key Features
- 29U Coverage (52.15 in / 132.5 cm tall): A single panel covers the entire rear span of a 29U Slim 5 rack — no patchwork or gap-filling. That 52.15-inch height is exact-fit for the enclosure, so you're not shimming or trimming field cuts on a finished installation.
- Slim 1.27-inch Depth (3.2 cm): Wall recesses, closet builds, and back-to-back rack rows all benefit here. The panel adds less than 1.5 inches to the rear envelope of the enclosure, which matters when you're working in a mechanical room with 2 inches of clearance behind the rack.
- 18.95-inch Width (48.1 cm): Matches the Slim 5 series footprint exactly. No overhangs, no alignment guesswork — the panel sits flush and secure when properly mounted to the enclosure.
- Black Wrinkle Powder Coat Finish: The textured wrinkle finish is the standard Middle Atlantic equipment aesthetic. In customer-facing spaces — boardrooms, reception areas, server closets with glass doors — the consistent finish across rack and panel matters more than most integrators initially plan for. Wrinkle coat also hides minor surface contact marks that gloss finishes won't.
- Slim 5 Series Compatibility: The RAP29 is designed specifically around the Slim 5 base series geometry. If your rack family is something other than Slim 5, verify before ordering — Middle Atlantic produces rear access panels for multiple rack families, and cross-series fitment is not guaranteed.
Integration & Compatibility
The RAP29 is a direct fitment accessory for Middle Atlantic rack enclosures in the Slim 5 series at 29U capacity. It's the correct rear panel for integrators building out enclosed rack systems for security, AV, or IT infrastructure where a finished rear appearance and basic rear access are both requirements. Before specifying, confirm the host rack is a Slim 5 series unit — Middle Atlantic's product line spans multiple enclosure families with different depth profiles and rear panel geometries.
For installations where cable management is a priority, pair the RAP29 with an appropriate rack cable management solution before closing the rear panel. Running structured cabling after the panel is installed adds time and risk of cable damage. Plan the rear panel as the last step in the rack build sequence, not the first.
If your project involves a 29U rack and you're evaluating total system cost and layout, review a rack planning guide to confirm rear access requirements before finalizing your enclosure spec — some deployments benefit from a vented rear door rather than a solid access panel, depending on thermal load.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What rack series is the RAP29 designed to fit?
A: The RAP29 is built specifically for Middle Atlantic's Slim 5 series enclosures. It is not a universal rear panel — confirm your host rack is a Slim 5 unit before ordering.
Q: How many rack units does the RAP29 cover?
A: The RAP29 covers 29 rack units. At 52.15 inches (132.5 cm) tall and 18.95 inches (48.1 cm) wide, it spans the full rear of a 29U Slim 5 enclosure.
Q: How deep is the RAP29?
A: The panel is 1.27 inches (3.2 cm) deep — a very low-profile addition to the rear of the enclosure, suitable for space-constrained installations.
Q: What finish does the RAP29 use?
A: Black wrinkle powder coat, which matches the standard Middle Atlantic equipment finish and provides a consistent appearance across the rack enclosure.
Q: Can the RAP29 be used with non-Slim 5 Middle Atlantic racks?
A: The RAP29 is specified for the Slim 5 base series. Middle Atlantic produces rear access panels for multiple rack families — cross-series compatibility is not confirmed for this model. Verify your rack series before purchasing.
I spec the RAP29 on Slim 5 builds where the client wants a finished enclosure without the bulk of a hinged rear door — that 1.27-inch depth is the deciding factor when the rack sits in a wall niche or a low-clearance closet. It's a straightforward panel, but getting the series match right matters: this part is dimensioned to the Slim 5 geometry, not Middle Atlantic's full product line.
Technical Highlights:
- 52.15-inch panel height: Covers all 29U in a single piece — no stacked partial panels, no exposed gaps at the top or bottom of the enclosure rear.
- 1.27-inch depth: Adds under 1.5 inches to the rear footprint, which directly affects whether the rack clears a wall or fits in a recessed bay. Confirm your clearance math before the rack goes in.
- Black wrinkle powder coat: Matches Middle Atlantic's standard enclosure finish, so panel and rack look like a single unit — relevant on customer-visible installations where a mismatched matte or gloss panel stands out.
Deployment Considerations:
- Install the RAP29 as the final step in the rack build sequence. Running or re-routing cables after the rear panel is on adds time and creates abrasion risk on cable jackets near sharp edges.
- The RAP29 is a solid panel — it does not provide rear ventilation. In high-density thermal environments, evaluate whether a vented rear door is more appropriate before specifying this panel. The Slim 5 series supports both options.
Best fit for security head-end closets, AV equipment rooms, and structured cabling builds where a clean finished appearance is part of the project deliverable and the rack sits in a space-constrained location that rules out a deeper rear door assembly.
