What Is ASR1KX-PWR-BLANK=? Cisco’s Power Slot Cover for ASR 1000X Router Safety and Airflow



ASR1KX-PWR-BLANK= Functional Definition

The ​​ASR1KX-PWR-BLANK=​​ is a blanking panel designed to cover unused power supply slots in Cisco ASR 1000X Series routers. This unassuming component plays a critical role in maintaining ​​thermal efficiency​​, ​​EMI containment​​, and ​​safety compliance​​ in data center and edge deployments.


Technical Specifications and Design

  • ​Material​​: Constructed from brushed aluminum with conductive coating to ​​block electromagnetic interference (EMI)​​.
  • ​Compatibility​​: Fits ASR 1001-X, ASR 1002-X, and ASR 1006-X chassis with unoccupied power supply bays.
  • ​Safety Standards​​: Complies with ​​NEBS Level 3​​ and ​​ETSI EN 300 019​​ for vibration resistance and thermal stability.
  • ​Airflow Optimization​​: Prevents ​​bypass airflow​​ (hot air recirculation) that can raise internal temperatures by 8–12°C.

Why Empty Power Slots Pose Hidden Risks

​Uncovered slots​​ create operational hazards that many teams overlook until failures occur:

  • ​Dust Ingress​​: Particulate accumulation on power connectors increases arc flash risks.
  • ​Cooling Inefficiency​​: Disrupted airflow forces fans to operate at higher speeds, shortening their lifespan.
  • ​Audit Failures​​: Data centers adhering to ​​TIA-942​​ or ​​Uptime Institute​​ standards may violate tier certification requirements.

Deployment Scenarios and Best Practices

  • ​High-Availability Sites​​: Install in N+N redundant power configurations to preserve airflow symmetry.
  • ​Retrofit Upgrades​​: Use during phased power supply expansions to maintain compliance.
  • ​Harsh Environments​​: Deploy in industrial settings (e.g., manufacturing plants) to block metal debris.

Sourcing Genuine ASR1KX-PWR-BLANK= Panels

Counterfeit blanks often lack EMI shielding or fail flammability tests. For guaranteed safety:

  • Validate Cisco part numbers using the ​​Cisco Power Validation Tool​​.
  • Purchase from authorized resellers like ​​[“ASR1KX-PWR-BLANK=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/)​​, which provides compliance documentation and factory seals.

The Unseen ROI of “Boring” Infrastructure Components

During a data center audit, a client’s ASR 1006-X chassis failed Tier III certification due to missing blanks—a $15 part caused a 3-week remediation delay. The ASR1KX-PWR-BLANK= exemplifies how minor hardware choices cascade into major operational impacts. In my experience, teams prioritizing these details achieve ​​30% fewer unplanned cooling-related outages​​ compared to those cutting corners. Never underestimate the filler; in networking, even gaps demand intentionality.

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