Gear article
Adam Hall Heavy Duty Black 19" Rack Strip 20U
The Adam Hall Heavy Duty Black 19" Rack Strip 20U is a structural component designed for the construction of 19-inch equipment racks and flightcases. Fabricated from robust steel, it provides 20 units (20U) of vertical mounting space for standard rack-mountable audio and networking hardware.

Overview and Construction
The Adam Hall Heavy Duty Black 19" Rack Strip 20U is a professional-grade component intended for DIY rack building or the customisation of existing flightcases. The strip is manufactured from high-gauge steel, ensuring it can support the weight of heavy power amplifiers, signal processors, and patch bays without warping or bending. Its black finish provides a discrete, professional appearance that blends with standard studio and touring hardware.
Measuring 20 units in height, this strip provides approximately 890mm of mounting space. It is designed to be installed in pairs, allowing the user to create a standard 19-inch frame. The strip serves as the primary attachment point between the equipment and the external enclosure.
Hole Configuration and Mounting
A defining feature of this specific model is the inclusion of three attachment holes per unit (U) of space. While standard rack rails occasionally feature two holes per U, the triple-hole configuration offers significantly greater flexibility. This allows for:
- Secure mounting of half-unit equipment or non-standard height devices.
- Better alignment for equipment with slightly varied mounting hole placements.
- Increased stability for high-vibration environments such as mobile touring racks.
The holes are designed to accommodate standard cage nuts and screws, though the strip itself is a passive rail requiring appropriate hardware for final assembly.

Applications
This rack strip is primarily utilised by flightcase manufacturers and studio technicians. In a studio environment, it is often installed into timber cabinetry to create permanent, ventilated enclosures for outboard gear. In live sound and touring applications, it is typically riveted or bolted into the interior of a flightcase to provide a shock-resistant mounting frame for portable equipment rigs.
Comparison to Alternatives
Within the Adam Hall ecosystem, users can choose between different lengths and weights. While this 20U model is suitable for mid-sized mobile racks or small studio desks, Adam Hall also produces 45U variants for full-height server or studio racks. Compared to 'U-shaped' panels or single-hole strips, the heavy-duty triple-hole design is preferred for professional applications where structural integrity is a priority. For lightweight needs, aluminium variants exist, but the steel construction of this 20U strip remains the standard for durability.
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Frequently asked questions
- What material is the Adam Hall 20U Rack Strip made from?
- The rack strip is constructed from heavy-duty steel. This ensures longevity and the ability to support heavy professional audio equipment without structural failure.
- How many mounting holes are provided per rack unit?
- This model features three holes per unit of space (1U). This configuration offers greater flexibility for different equipment types compared to standard two-hole rails.
- What is the total height capacity of this rail?
- The rail provides 20U of mounting space. One rack unit (1U) is standardly 1.75 inches (44.45 mm), making the total usable height approximately 35 inches or 890 mm.
- Can this strip be used in a flightcase?
- Yes, it is specifically designed for both custom studio racks and the installation of 19-inch mounting points within flightcases. It is a common component for mobile touring rigs.
- Is the finish of the rack strip durable?
- The strip features a black finish designed for professional aesthetics and durability. It is intended to resist scratching during the mounting and unmounting of equipment.
- Does the rack strip come with mounting screws or cage nuts?
- Generally, rack strips are sold as individual components without mounting hardware. You will need to purchase standard M6 cage nuts and screws separately to attach your gear.
- How is the rack strip attached to the enclosure?
- The strip typically features pre-drilled holes along its spine. These allow it to be riveted, bolted, or screwed into the side walls of a timber rack or a flightcase shell.
- What is the width of the equipment that can be mounted?
- The strip is designed for the standard 19-inch (482.6 mm) rack format. When installed correctly in pairs, it will accommodate all standard 19-inch rackmount hardware.
- Why would I choose a heavy-duty steel strip over an aluminium one?
- Steel provides superior strength and rigidity, which is essential for heavy items like power amplifiers or drawers. Aluminium is lighter but may flex under extreme weight.
- Are there larger versions available if 20U is not enough?
- Yes, Adam Hall manufactures various lengths, including a 45U single black rack strip for full-height installations. You can also find double-sided variants for more complex builds.
- Can I cut the 20U strip to a shorter length?
- While it is made of heavy-duty steel, it can be cut to a shorter length using appropriate metal-cutting tools like a hacksaw or angle grinder if a custom height is required.
- What other accessories are compatible with this rack strip?
- It is compatible with all standard 19-inch accessories, such as the Adam Hall 1U Rack Cradle, 3U Steel Rack Drawers, or the Trojan Pro 1U Sliding Rack Drawer.
