Rack Panels

Rack panels, also known as a rack plate or mount panel, are accessories that form part of a standardised 19-inch server rack.You can use them to house hardware like network servers, modems, and other electronic equipment to keep your server room neat and organised.

They are typically used when an unused section or side needs a patch up or requires blanking off, or when equipment needs to be protected from dirt and dust. They also lend a finished look to the rack unit, while allowing sufficient airflow through the inclusion of vents in the design.

Specific types include blanking panels (rack blanking panel, server blanking panel, server rack blanking panel) for unused space, vented rack panels for airflow, and patch panels (or panel rack) for cable management. Rack panels can be used in several rack configurations, but they are most popular when used with 19-inch server racks.

RS Australia offers an extensive range of these accessories. We stock a large selection of rack panels, including new and popular products from leading manufacturers including Rittal, Schroff, Schneider Electric, and our own trusted brand RS PRO.

Uses of Rack Panels

Once the rack has been built and the equipment properly housed, the rack panels can be added. They provide a barrier between the equipment and the outside.

Fill Unused Space: Rack panels are essential for filling empty slots or sections within a server rack.
Improve Airflow: By covering unused areas, rack panels help direct airflow efficiently through your server rack. Specifically designed vented rack panels promote proper circulation, preventing hot spots and keeping equipment cool.
Protect Equipment: Rack panels create a physical barrier between your sensitive equipment and the outside environment. They shield devices from dust, dirt, and accidental damage, helping to extend their lifespan.
Provide a Professional Finish: Installing rack panels gives your server rack a clean, finished, and professional appearance.
Secure Mounting: Engineers typically mount rack panels using their flanged edges, often called 'ears', fastening them to the rack frame with screws and fixings.

Types of Rack Panels

The major difference between the different rack panels in the market is due to the materials that are being used to manufacture the rack panels. They can be made from a fibre composite, plastic, glass, or metals such as steel and aluminium.

Metal rack panels are very durable, while glass rack panels allow you to look at the equipment that is mounted inside without the need to remove the panel. Plastic or fibre composite rack panels are a good all-purpose option to patch up rack frames and save cost.

Blanking Panels & Server Blanking Panels

Blanking panels, also known as server blanking panels or server rack blanking panels, are solid rack panels designed to fill unused vertical spaces in a server rack.

Features: Solid construction, available in various U sizes .
Benefits: Improve airflow by preventing hot air recirculation between active and unused rack spaces, boosting cooling efficiency.
Use Cases: Ideal for data centres, server rooms, and any server rack setup where unused space needs covering for optimal thermal performance and a neat aesthetic.

Vented Rack Panels

Vented rack panels are designed with perforations or mesh patterns across their surface. They promote necessary airflow while still protecting equipment.

Features: Perforated or mesh design, mounts directly into the server rack.
Benefits: Help maintain optimal operating temperatures for active equipment by allowing hot air to escape and cool air to enter.
Use Cases: Ideal for racks housing high-heat equipment, servers, and network devices that require enhanced ventilation.

Patch Panel Racks

A patch panel rack (or simply patch panel) is a rack-mounted hardware unit that contains a number of ports, allowing for the organisation and routing of network cables.

Features: Multiple ports (e.g., RJ45, fiber optic), rack-mountable design.
Benefits: Organise and route network cables efficiently, reducing clutter and simplifying network changes and troubleshooting.
Use Cases: Essential for structured cabling in IT environments, data centres, and telecommunication rooms where frequent connections and disconnections occur.

Rack Mount Panels & Server Rack Plates

Rack mount panels, also referred to as a server rack plate or general rack plate, provide a flat surface for mounting custom hardware or non-rack-mountable equipment into a server rack.

Features: Solid or pre-drilled surfaces, mounts into standard 19-inch racks.
Benefits: Support hardware installation and modifications, offering flexibility for mounting various components that do not have their own rack-mountable chassis.
Use Cases: Custom server builds, mounting small devices, installing indicators, switches, or connectors (e.g., XLRs) that require panelisation.

Rack Side Panels & Server Rack Cover Plates

Rack side panels, or server rack cover plates, are designed to enclose the sides of an open-frame server rack or to replace removable panels on enclosed cabinets. They also act as a server panel to secure and enclose the sides of the rack.

Features: Solid metal construction, often lockable.
Benefits: Protect equipment from dust and physical contact, restrict unauthorised access, and secure the sides of the rack.
Use Cases: Improve overall rack security, enhance airflow management by directing air, and provide a clean, finished appearance in data centres or industrial settings.

Rack Panel Sizes & Compatibility

Rack panels should be the right size for their rack frame, which is why when you are selecting a panel for your rack, you should not brush aside the considerations of the panel's dimensions.

Rack panels need to be the correct size for their rack frame. When selecting a panel for your rack, you should not overlook the panel's dimensions. Choosing the correct U size ensures a proper fit and optimal use of rack space within your server rack setup.

Standard Rack Dimensions

Rack panels are measured in rack units (RU), also known as U (Unit). One U or 1U equals 1.75 inches or 44.45mm in height. These sizes are typically displayed as 1U, 2U, 3U, 4U, and so forth.

The standard width of a server rack that accommodates rack panels is 19-inch (conforming to the EIA-310 standard), compatible with most servers and networking components. Common depths range from 24 inches to 48 inches, varying based on equipment size and cabling requirements.

Different U sizes can be combined in the same rack for greater flexibility. For example, installing a 1U patch panel above a 2U server allows efficient use of all available vertical rack space.

Custom rack panel sizes are also available, although they usually come at an additional cost.

How to Choose the Right Rack Panels

Selecting the right rack panel ensures your server rack setup is organised, well-protected, and performs optimally. Carefully consider these factors for the best fit:

Size: Measure your rack’s open vertical space in U before purchasing. Larger panels (3U, 4U) are ideal for covering bigger gaps or mounting larger equipment. Smaller panels (1U, 2U) are useful for airflow management and filling smaller spaces in your server rack.
Check rack frame depth and mounting hole patterns: Ensure your rack panel fits your rack’s depth and mounting hole patterns. Compatibility with 19-inch standard frames and specific hole types (square, round, or threaded) guarantees a secure and stable installation.
Material Selection: Evaluate the pros and cons of different materials. Metal rack panels offer durability, while plastic options are lightweight and cost-effective. Glass panels provide visibility of internal equipment, each suited to different environments and needs.
Panel Function: Choose based on your specific requirement. Use a blanking panel for covering unused space and directing airflow, a vented rack panel for cooling, or specialised security panels for restricted access. Consider patch panel racks for cable organisation.
Future-Proofing: Plan for expansion within your server rack. Leaving space for additional equipment or patch panels prevents costly reconfigurations later and allows your infrastructure to grow seamlessly.
Security: Consider the security level required. Opt for lockable rack panels or those designed to secure equipment against tampering, protecting valuable server hardware from unauthorised access.

Mistakes to Avoid when Buying Rack Panels

Making the wrong choices when selecting rack panels can compromise your server rack’s efficiency, organisation, and security. Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure optimal performance:

Overlooking airflow requirements: Not using vented rack panels where needed can lead to hot spots and overheating, significantly reducing equipment lifespan. Proper airflow management is essential for cooling sensitive server hardware.
Choosing incorrect sizes or incompatible materials: Selecting the wrong U size creates gaps that disrupt airflow and compromise aesthetics. Using incompatible materials can lead to instability, inadequate protection, or issues with 19-inch rack standards.
Neglecting cable management: Not including patch panel racks or other cable management rack panels can result in cluttered wiring. This hinders airflow, makes troubleshooting difficult, and increases the risk of cable damage or accidental disconnections.
Ignoring security needs: Failing to use lockable rack panels or dedicated security panels leaves your equipment vulnerable. Unauthorised access or tampering risks data integrity and physical damage to valuable servers within the rack.
Not planning for future expansion: Failing to consider future growth can lead to early system limitations. Not leaving spare U space means expensive reconfigurations or needing additional server racks sooner than anticipated, impacting scalability.

Industry Applications of Rack Panels

Rack panels are essential for optimizing space, organization, and equipment protection across a wide range of industries. They provide crucial functionality within server racks and enclosures, ensuring efficient and secure operations.

Data Centers: Rack panels are vital for cooling optimization, often using blanking panels to direct airflow and vented panels for heat dissipation in server racks. They contribute to efficient cable management and comprehensive equipment protection.
Telecommunications: In telecommunication hubs, patch panel racks are fundamental for organizing and routing complex network cables. They simplify connectivity changes and streamline troubleshooting for active network components.
Corporate IT & Industrial: Rack side panels and server rack cover plates protect equipment from dust, physical contact, and unauthorised access in corporate IT offices or industrial control rooms. A server panel or cover plate ensures an organised and secure appearance.
Energy & Utilities: Rack panels provide protection for sensitive control, monitoring, and communication equipment in energy infrastructure and utility plants. They shield devices from harsh environmental factors, ensuring reliability and integrity in critical operations.
Warehouses: In modern warehouses, rack panels help organise and protect networking equipment, surveillance systems, and industrial controls mounted in server racks. They prevent dust ingress and accidental damage, maintaining operational continuity.
Universities: Educational institutions utilise rack panels in IT labs, research facilities, and administrative server rooms. They aid in organizing diverse equipment, enhancing security for valuable assets, and maintaining a tidy learning or research environment.

Your Trusted Rack Panel Supplier & Manufacturer in Australia

RS is your trusted partner for high-quality rack panels in Australia. We offer a comprehensive selection from world-leading manufacturers like Rittal, nVent SCHROFF, and Schneider Electric. Our extensive stock includes various rack panel types like blanking panels, vented rack panels, and patch panel racks. Explore our vast range to find the ideal rack panel or server rack blanking panel to complete your server rack setup.

Ordering your rack panels from RS is simple and straightforward. Find the specific rack panel you need, add it to your basket, and proceed to online checkout. Business account customers can use quick order functions or set up parts lists. We also accept orders via phone, email, or fax for your convenience.

Beyond our rack panels, you'll find a wide selection of other enclosures and racking components to complete your server rack. These include DIN rails, plinths, and other server cabinet accessories. Find out more about our nationwide doorstep delivery on our Delivery Page.