A separated back plane design within a server rack is provided which allows for the hot-swapping of a control module board. The separated back plane design consists of a base plane board and a control module board which connects to the base plane board. The base plane board can draw power from a power supply and can connect a number of electrical components which are not significantly susceptible to damage or failure. The control module board can consist of a number of other electrical components, which are susceptible to damage or failure. The control module board connects to the base plane board, and can be removed during failure of the control module board. When the control module board is removed from the base plane board, the base plane board and its functions continue to operate, and power need not be shut off in order to replace the control module board.