Blank Cover Panels - Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch 10K User Manual

Mounting the Switch

Blank Cover Panels

Blank cover panels are provided with your switch and are used to cover empty CMM, CFM and NI slots
as well as empty power supply bays. These cover panels play an important role in chassis airflow and
temperature management. If your switch is not fully populated and blank cover panels are not installed
over empty slot locations, airflow is affected.
When blank cover panels are missing, air does not take the direct route from the air intake vents, up
through the chassis module compartment, and out through the exhaust plenum as intended. Instead, a
portion of the airflow is allowed to escape through the front module compartment of the chassis. As a
result, normal airflow is disrupted and an extra task is placed on the fan trays to cool the chassis.
Cover panels also provide protection for module processor boards and other sensitive internal switch
components by closing off a chassis that is not fully populated.
Note. Because they regulate airflow and help protect internal chassis components, blank cover panels
should be installed over empty module slots and power supply bays at all times.
page 2-8
Effects of Missing Blank Panels on Chassis Airflow
OmniSwitch 10K Hardware Users Guide
Chassis and Power Supplies
August 2015