What is a blanking panel?

• A. A decorative panel.
• B. Filler panel for empty rack spaces to prevent recirculation of hot air to the cold aisle.
• C. A panel to route fiber.
• D. A magnetic door latch.

Answer: (B)

Blanking panels fill empty rack spaces to block bypass airflow and prevent hot air from recirculating into the front of the rack, helping the cold air from the aisle actually reach the equipment’s intakes. By keeping the hot exhaust from servers from sneaking into the front of neighboring devices, they improve cooling efficiency, reduce hotspots, and help maintain stable cold-aisle temperatures. They’re not decorative, aren’t used to route fiber, and aren’t a door latch; their specific purpose is to seal unused rack spaces so airflow moves where it should. Install them flush with the rack front in every empty unit to maximize their benefit.