Blanking Panels for Colocation Data Centers
Modular airflow panels that seal unused rack space in shared environments, reduce recirculation, and lower cooling costs. Designed for multi-tenant data centres with tool-free installation and ASHRAE-compliant thermal control.
Why blanking panels are critical for thermal control in shared colocation racks
Blanking panels seal unused U-space in 19” server racks to block recirculated air from mixing with cool intake air. In colocation environments, where multiple tenants share HVAC systems, this simple fix delivers measurable gains in thermal stability, uptime protection, and cooling efficiency.
Hot and cold air mixing across shared cabinet rows leads to erratic inlet temperatures, hardware throttling, and elevated CRAC/CRAH loads. Without airflow barriers, bypass air escapes into empty rack slots and undermines containment strategies. Blanking panels maintain airflow integrity by enforcing the intended pressure paths between hot and cold aisles.
Colocation data centres also operate under strict MSA clauses and uptime SLAs. Facilities must demonstrate adherence to ASHRAE thermal guidelines and reduce cooling waste. EziBlank® blanking panels meet these operational standards while also improving visual consistency across tenant-facing cabinet rows.
Whether you’re onboarding new clients or consolidating partial racks, blanking panels solve the core airflow problem in multi-tenant colocation facilities, without disrupting live infrastructure.
Explore airflow control products designed for colocation
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19″ 6RU Universal Blanking Panel
Price range: $186.00 through $200.00 AUD -
21″ 10SU Universal Blanking Panel for ETSI Rack
Price range: $240.00 through $250.00 AUD -
23″ 6RU Universal Blanking Panel
$250.00 AUD -
19” 6RU Standard Blanking Panel
Price range: $145.00 through $186.00 AUD -
New 19″ 6RU Universal Blanking Panel
How blanking panels improve PUE and reduce CRAC load in colocation zones
Blanking panels reduce unnecessary cooling consumption by stabilising airflow through sealed U-space. This prevents hot air from short-circuiting back into equipment inlets, allowing CRAC units to operate within optimal setpoints and runtime cycles.
In multi-tenant racks, airflow recirculation often leads to overcooling compensation. This not only inflates energy bills but also pushes infrastructure out of compliance with sustainability targets.
When blanking panels are deployed:
- ΔCFM leakage is reduced by up to 30% in mixed-fill racks
- CRAC/CRAH runtime drops due to lower return air temperatures
- Fan speeds are normalised, decreasing hardware stress
- PUE improves measurably, especially in high-density or partial-fill tenant racks
Colocation providers using blanking panels also benefit from deferred capital upgrades. With improved airflow control, racks can support more IT load without triggering cooling capacity expansions.
Select the right type of blanking panel for your rack configuration
Not all colocation environments require the same panel configuration. EziBlank® panels are available in multiple materials and mounting styles to fit your specific rack types and operational demands.
Choosing the right option ensures full coverage, fire compliance, and ease of change during Day-2 operations.
Blanking panel options include:
- Tool-less ABS snap-in panels for rapid installation and high-churn environments
- Screw-in steel or aluminum panels for high-density or secure tenant racks
- Brush-strip panels for cable pass-through with airflow sealing
- Vented panels for cases where controlled bleed is acceptable
- Smart panels with thermal sensors for real-time airflow monitoring
All panel types are EIA-310 19” compliant and compatible with square-hole or cage-nut mounting systems. Sizing from 1U to 7U ensures flexibility across full or partially populated cabinets.
What happens when colocation racks are left unsealed
Leaving U-space open in a shared rack compromises thermal stability for every tenant in that cabinet row. Without blanking panels, hot exhaust air can re-enter intake zones or escape into the cold aisle, throwing off pressure balance and defeating aisle containment.
Unsealed racks lead to performance, compliance, and cost issues, including:
- Hotspots at the top and rear of racks
- Inlet temperature fluctuations that reduce hardware efficiency
- Fan overcompensation, increasing power consumption
- Loss of SLA resilience, especially in Tier III facilities
- Lower system lifespan due to consistent thermal cycling
Whether it’s a partially filled rack or a dynamic Day-2 environment, blanking panels provide a physical, tool-free way to restore airflow discipline without downtime.
Our airflow control services for colocation environments
EziBlank offers more than hardware. Our engineered airflow control service includes on-site assessment, installation, and verification, ensuring your colocation facility meets internal KPIs and third-party audit requirements.
We work directly with colo operators, facilities teams, and infrastructure engineers to scope and implement blanking panel deployments at scale.
Our service process includes:
- Airflow audit and leak mapping using thermal imaging and ΔT scans
- Panel sizing and BoM generation for full or partial racks
- Professional installation in live, tenant-occupied environments
- Compliance alignment with ASHRAE guidelines and MSA airflow terms
- Post-install validation through fan RPM analysis and intake temperature logging
This service is available for colocation sites in North America, Europe, and Asia, with custom programs available for Tier III and GPU-optimised facilities.
