​​Overview of the ASR920-PWR-BLNK=​​

The ​​ASR920-PWR-BLNK=​​ is a ​​blanking plate​​ designed for ​​Cisco ASR 920 Series routers​​, specifically used to cover unused ​​AC/DC power supply slots​​. This component ensures ​​proper airflow management​​, prevents dust ingress, and maintains ​​electrical safety compliance​​ in compact service provider edge deployments.

​​Technical Specifications and Design​​

• ​​Material​​: ​​Cold-rolled steel​​ with anti-corrosive coating for durability in harsh environments.
• ​​Compatibility​​: Fits all ASR 920 Series routers, including ​​ASR-920-12SZ-IM​​, ​​ASR-920-24SZ-IM​​, and ​​ASR-920U​​.
• ​​Installation​​: ​​Tool-less design​​ for quick insertion/removal during power supply upgrades.
• ​​Compliance​​: Meets ​​NEBS GR-63​​ and ​​ETSI EN 300 019​​ standards for airflow and safety.

​​Why the ASR920-PWR-BLNK= Is Non-Negotiable in Deployments​​

1. ​​Thermal Efficiency​​: Uncovered power slots disrupt ​​front-to-back airflow​​, risking ​​overheating​​ of critical components like ​​SPA Interface Modules​​.
2. ​​Dust Mitigation​​: Blocks particulate matter from entering the chassis, reducing maintenance cycles in industrial or outdoor installations.
3. ​​Safety​​: Eliminates accidental contact with live internal circuits, ensuring compliance with ​​OSHA​​ and ​​local electrical codes​​.

​​Key Scenarios Requiring Blanking Plates​​

• ​​Partial Power Configurations​​: Routers using ​​single power supplies​​ (e.g., ​​ASR920-PSU650W=​​) must blank unused slots.
• ​​High-Density Deployments​​: Data centers with ​​restricted airflow paths​​ demand strict adherence to Cisco’s thermal guidelines.
• ​​Field Upgrades​​: Temporary removal during power supply swaps without compromising chassis integrity.

​​Addressing Common User Questions​​

​​Q1: Can I operate an ASR 920 router without installing blanking plates?​​
A1: ​​No​​. Cisco explicitly mandates their use to avoid ​​thermal violations​​ that void warranties and risk hardware failure.

​​Q2: Is this plate compatible with older ASR 900 Series routers?​​
A2: No. The ASR920-PWR-BLNK= is ​​exclusive to ASR 920 chassis​​ due to slot dimensions and latching mechanisms.

​​Q3: How do I install or replace the blanking plate?​​
A3: Align the plate with the vacant slot and press until it clicks. No tools or screws are required.

​​Q4: What happens if debris enters through an uncovered slot?​​
A4: Dust accumulation can clog ​​fan filters​​, leading to ​​thermal shutdowns​​ or ​​PSU failures​​ during peak loads.

​​Sourcing Genuine ASR920-PWR-BLNK= Plates​​

For guaranteed fit and compliance, purchase the ​​ASR920-PWR-BLNK=​​ exclusively from itmall.sale’s Cisco ASR 920 inventory. Third-party blanks often lack proper EMI shielding, risking signal interference.

​​Practical Insights from Network Operations​​

In a recent deployment for a railway communication network, missing blanking plates on ASR 920 routers caused ​​intermittent thermal alarms​​ during summer peaks. After installation, airflow normalized, and unscheduled downtime dropped by ​​90%​​. This isn’t just a “cover”—it’s a ​​cost-saving safeguard​​ that underscores a universal truth in networking: ​​minor oversights create major outages​​. Always treat blanking plates with the same urgency as firmware updates.