Polargy announced new data center blanking panels it says can be installed quickly and easily without requiring the use of any tools.

Called PolarSnap, the panels use Polargy’s patented design that enables them to “hook, swing and snap” onto the IT rack. A panel’s pivot pins slide into a rack’s mounting rail holes, and slide tabs on the opposite side of the panel snap into the opposing rail.

Polargy president Cary Frame said the most common reason data center operators failed to install blanking panels (so important to increasing energy efficiency of the cooling system) was the hassle of installing them.

“This new design makes blanking panel installation quick and easy, and gives racks a clean and professional appearance.”

Each panel has a gasket that seals against the vertical rail to prevent leakage of exhaust air.

The company offers PolarSnap panels in 1U, 2U, 3U, 4U, 5U and 6U sizes. They come in a package of 10.

Blanking panels help prevent cold air in the data center from mixing with hot exhaust air. This enables more precise control of the cooling system and increases its energy efficiency.

Here’s a video of how PolarSnap works.