Filler Blanking Panels 101

A guide to the essentials of filler blanking panels.

Filler Blanking Panels: To Buy, Or Not to Buy

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Filler blanking panels are an important part of just about any server rack for a variety of reasons. While many believe that filler panels are purely for aesthetic purposes, they're actually vital in promoting good airflow and assisting in keeping rackmounted IT equipment at acceptable temperature levels. Equipment that has been rackmounted cools itself by pulling ambient air from the room around it. If the pre-heated exhaust air is allowed to recirculate into the equipment, overheating can occur. Filling in the blank rack spaces of your enclosure can prevent the recirculation of the hot air, while at the same time adding to the stability of the rack and blocking easy access.

Greed is Good? Are blanking panels just another way for companies to make money?

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Not at all! Blanking panels are necessary for managing airflow in a hot/cold aisle server room. If cost is an issue, you may consider plastic panels, which are less expensive than metal panels. But whether you use plastic, metal, or even your own creative solution, just be sure to cover up those holes!

The age old question... Does size matter? Are big gaps the only ones that need to be filled?

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Absolutely not! All open rack space holes need to be filled! Just a 1u gap can let in warm air, forcing the fans to work harder and increasing energy usage, as well as raising the temperature of both the rackmounted equipment and the server room in general.

Isn't installing blanking panels a pain?

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Let's face it, this is the truth. Even so, it's still worth the effort! Plastic filler panels snap in and out of square-hole racks, making installation faster when filling 1u and 2u spaces. For a bit of additional security, metal panels can be screwed into place and come in sizes as large as 6u, so you don't have to install multiple smaller panels if you have consecutive U-spaces to fill.

Did you know...?

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...Studies have shown that the proper use of airflow management filler blanking panels can reduce the operating temperature of rackmounted IT equipment by over 20°F.

...When filler blanking panels are added, the same server inlet air temperature can be obtained with a higher air conditioner discharge temperature; this leads to less dehumidification and higher A/C efficiency.

Now you know, and knowing is half the battle!

Where do baby filler blanking panels come from?

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A LOT of places! Great Lakes Case, Kendall Howard, Middle Atlantic and Upsite Technologies are just a few of the companies that manufacture filler blanking panels, typically out of either steel, aluminum or plastic. Each different material has its benefits. Steel is the most heavy duty and durable, providing a bit more security and sturdiness. Aluminum, in contrast, is lighter weight. Both steel and aluminum panels are made in sizes of 1u to 6u. Plastic filler panels are excellent for when you don't have to worry about security or strength and are typically tool-less, making them the simplest to install and remove. Plastic panels only come in 1u and 2u sizes.

What kinds of filler blanking panels are there?

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Metal filler blanking panels come in a variety of styles, most notably as flat, flanged, solid and vented or perforated. Flat panels are more for aesthetics than anything, as they allow small amounts of air to seep in between the panels and equipment. Flanged filler panels have a small lip on the top and bottom, adding extra support and strength to both the panel and the server rack or enclosure to which it's mounted. Solid panels, just as they sound, are a single piece of metal that restrict airflow and prevent anything from getting through. Vented - or perforated - panels are usually used in audio/visual or music applications, where some ventilation is desired but controlled.

Surely there's more than that.

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Okay, you got me. Light blocking filler blanking panels are perforated and have a light blocking material over the openings, allowing for airflow while visually concealing wiring or empty space. If you have multiple connections within your rack that need to be maintained, punched panels have been punched with holes to accommodate various connectors. Upsite Technologies' HotLok blanking panels are specifically engineered to avoid high temperature intake air by controlling the ability of hot exhaust air to reach the front of IT cabinets. HotLok blanking panels provide a 99.97% effective seal in cabinets!