Why Your Server Rack Needs Blanking Panels?

Each server cabinet or rack has social tech holes designed for cable routing, fan installation, or just for passing the airflow in the right direction. Anyway, the body is not solid but with some holes. Blanking plugs are accessories designed to close these holes when they are not used. Why are tools important? Here are some most significant advantages to using the accessory for your server furniture.

Advantages of Using Blanking Plugs

1. Protection from dust and other debris flying in the air. IT equipment perfectly accumulates dust on its surfaces, which inevitably leads to overheating or other system malfunctions. Dust penetrates through open holes and settles on circuit boards, servers, switches, fans, etc. By closing holes with server cabinet blanking panels, you’ll reduce the level of debris inside your server cabinet.

2. Also, such accessories are an excellent tool to control and regulate airflow. Thus, by adjusting the needed clearance, opening, or closing holes, it is possible to control the amount of air entering the rack.

3. Protection from damage due to unauthorized access or pets/insects penetration inside the enclosure.

4. Saving on cooling costs. Since the air is used and allocated efficiently and the airflow provides the best possible circulation of hot and cold air, the cost for a forced ventilation system is reduced, or even the need to install it disappears.

5. Improved aesthetics. After all, server bodies look more appealing and formal when no empty holes are visible.

Materials for Filler Plug Manufacturing

All server rack blanking panels are produced from two kinds of materials.

Plastic panels are lightweight and versatile. For the production of plastic plugs, an inexpensive polymer is used as a material, due to which the product has a lower cost compared to similar metal products. They do not require additional tools to be mounted; it is convenient to perform maintenance works. But, the issue of durability lags behind.

Metal products are more durable and resistant to damage and shock. Aluminum and steel are the two most popular materials for metal plug production. Their installation requires fastening with screws.

Both materials are resistant to environmental changes, such as temperature or humidity. Plastic models are suitable for short-time use, while metal constructions are better for long-term use.

Plug Sizes

Diverse models of panels are offered on the market. They differ in size to fit any hole. However, most commonly, the size of a blank patch panel is unified to make sure that it will fit most server furniture types. 1U is the average size of a standard plug.

Filler Panels VS Blanking Plugs: Difference

Actually, there is no difference between both terms. A “filler panel” is another name for the “blanking panel”. Both notions are used interchangeably and mean just the same things. Thus, do not get confused when you hear the “filler panel”. Its meaning is pretty clear from the name – the panel is designed to fill in empty space.

How to Select an Appropriate Blanking Panel?

There are different types of products. To pick the needed one, make sure to keep in mind this algorithm:

1. Data center rack layout. Consider how devices are placed and where empty spaces are left. This will help analyze the size and place of mounting the required plugs. It is good if you can examine the cabinet physically in a server room. Yet, a 3D layout can also help to find out all the needed dimensions.

2. Budget. The prices for such accessories differ greatly, depending on the manufacturer, type of material, size, and model. Thus, determine the affordable cost to clearly understand how much money you can spend on this product.

3. Durability. Here, you should read user feedback, and compare the materials used, and their physical properties. Check whether a warranty is provided for goods.

4. Preferences. Here, you should decide the products of what brand you prefer, panels from what material you choose (metal or plastic).

Once you clarify all these points, you’re ready to take action. When looking through offers on the Internet or visiting a retail store, remember that filler panels mean exactly the same. Thus, the choice will be rather wide. The analysis of your needs according to the above-mentioned algorithm will help simplify the search task and speed up the process.

Blanking plugs are an excellent option to improve the security, durability, and efficiency of network hardware. A simple accessory allows for creating the best environment for equipment functioning and coping with many tasks regarding system pollution. Thus, by using filler plugs, system administrators can feel certain about the safety of devices and the datum that they process and store.