Apparatus for telecommunications equipment

An apparatus and method for servicing a telecommunications device that utilizes pin connectors connecting electronic modules to the backplane. A catch basin module is insertable into a slot in the telecommunications device in which at least one of the electronic modules would normally be disposed. The catch basin module includes a rear wall having a window, the window being dimensioned to surround a group of pin connectors disposed on the backplane. The catch basin module also includes a bottom surface disposed below the window which projects out from the catch basin module and abuts the backplane under the pin connectors when the catch basin module is inserted into the slot. When pins in the pin connectors are pushed out of the pin connectors from a rear side of the backplane, the pins fall onto the bottom surface of the catch basin module and do not fall into the chassis of the telecommunications device. A new pin may be easily inserted into the front of the backplane through the interior of the catch basin without fear of damaging either adjacent electronic module or the backplane.