Blanking panels

Blanking panels in our range are mostly steel blank panels for 19-inch server racks and network cabinets, with a few blind panels and one PCI slot cover also listed. They suit anyone who needs to close empty rack units and keep airflow tidy. Brands include LANVIEW, EFB-Elektronik, ALLNET and Cisco.

How to choose a blanking panel

Height in rack units. Count the empty units in your rack and buy panels that fill them exactly. Our range includes 1U, 2U, 3U and 4U panels, with 4U the most frequent among those with specifications listed. Several smaller panels give you more flexibility than one large one when you add equipment later.

Rack standard. Most server and network racks use the 19-inch standard, but check your cabinet before ordering. Panels made for other mounting systems will not sit flush or hold securely in a standard rack.

Material and finish. Steel is the usual choice because it is rigid and does not sag across the opening. Most panels in our range are steel, and one is listed as SPCC, a cold-rolled steel. Black suits the majority of racks, and a white option is also available if your cabinet is light-coloured.

Fixing method. Some panels use cage nuts and screws, while others clip in without tools. Screw fixing holds firmly in busy server rooms, and tool-free clips make it quicker to change a layout. Make sure the panel matches the mounting holes in your rack.

Product type. The category includes a PCI slot cover, which closes an opening at the back of a computer case and does not fit a rack. Read the title and the rack capacity before ordering so you get the right kind of panel.

Brands we carry

• DIGITUS: a network and rack brand of ASSMANN Electronic, known for cabling, patch panels and server cabinets that its panels are designed to match.
• StarTech.com: known for connectivity products and rack accessories used in server rooms and AV installations.
• APC: part of Schneider Electric and widely known for UPS systems and NetShelter rack enclosures.
• Cisco: a leading network equipment maker, so its panels are mainly relevant to racks built around Cisco switches and routers.

Also in our range: LANVIEW, EFB-Elektronik, ALLNET, INLINE and VALUE.

Blanking panels FAQ

What is a blanking panel used for?

A blanking panel covers an empty rack unit in a server rack or network cabinet. It stops hot exhaust air from flowing back to the front of the equipment. It also gives the rack a neat finish and keeps cables and empty mounting space out of sight.

How do I know what size blanking panel I need?

Measure the gap in rack units (U), where one unit is 44.45 mm of height. A 2U gap needs a 2U panel, or two 1U panels. Our range covers 1U to 4U, so most common gaps can be filled exactly.

Do blanking panels really improve cooling?

Yes, blanking panels help cooling by keeping cold and hot air streams separate inside the rack. Without them, warm air can recirculate through open gaps and reach the intake of nearby equipment. The effect is most noticeable in densely filled racks with front-to-back airflow.

Are blanking panels universal across rack brands?

Panels for 19-inch racks generally fit any rack that follows the standard, whatever the brand. The main differences are the fixing method and the panel thickness. Check that your rack uses the mounting type the panel is designed for before ordering.