CyberPower CPS1220RM 12-Outlet Rackmount Power Distribution Unit
Overview
The CyberPower CPS1220RM is a 1U rackmount power distribution unit designed to consolidate and protect power delivery across surveillance racks, network closets, and security equipment installations. This unit provides 12 NEMA 5-20R outlets (6 front-facing, 6 rear-mounted) on a single 100-125V 20A circuit, eliminating the need for multiple wall outlets and extension cords in space-constrained rack enclosures. The CPS1220RM accepts a standard NEMA 5-20P plug and is built for environments where equipment density and power reliability matter.
Key Features
- 12 NEMA 5-20R Outlets (6 Front, 6 Rear): Provides redundant front and rear access, so you can mix device types (NVRs, network switches, PoE injectors) without wire routing conflicts. Front outlets handle frequently accessed equipment; rear sockets accommodate permanent installations.
- 20A Circuit Breaker: Automatically trips if total load exceeds 20A, preventing overload damage to connected equipment and reducing fire risk — a baseline safety requirement in any professional rack deployment. Resettable, so you don't replace fuses.
- 1U Horizontal Rackmount Form Factor: Occupies just 1.75 inches of rack height (1U standard), leaving nearly all your vertical rack space for cameras, recorders, and switches. Dimensions of 17.25 × 1.75 × 4.75 inches fit any standard 19-inch rack without adapter brackets.
- 15-Foot Power Cord: The 4.6-meter (15-foot) input cord gives you flexibility to position the rack away from the nearest wall outlet, reducing the need for additional extension cables or rewiring existing data-center arrangements.
- Lighted On/Off Switch: Illuminated switch makes it easy to verify power status at a glance, particularly useful in dark server rooms or when troubleshooting power failures. The indicator confirms the unit is live before you plug in sensitive equipment.
- Durable Metal Housing and UL 1449 4th Edition Surge Protection: Metal construction resists damage in racked environments where equipment shifts or vibrates. UL 1449 4th Edition compliance means the internal surge filtering meets current electrical safety standards, protecting against transient voltage spikes — common when utility power quality is marginal or when large inductive loads (air conditioning, motor-driven equipment) cycle on and off nearby.
- RoHS Compliant and 3-Year Limited Warranty: Compliant with Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) regulations, ensuring no lead or cadmium in solder or construction. Three-year manufacturer warranty covers defective breaker trips, outlet wear, or internal surge component failure — a reasonable safety net for this tier of equipment.
- Operating Range: 0–95% Humidity (Non-Condensing), 32–104°F (0–40°C): Operates reliably in typical indoor data-center and warehouse conditions. Non-condensing humidity specification means avoid direct condensation events (e.g., sudden temperature swings); otherwise, this PDU tolerates normal rack-room climate control.
Integration and Compatibility
The CyberPower CPS1220RM integrates seamlessly into any 19-inch standard equipment rack. Its NEMA 5-20P input connector accepts 120V 20A service from any standard U.S. wall receptacle or building power distribution panel. The unit is entirely unfiltered electrical pass-through — it does not condition voltage, regulate frequency, or add UPS battery backup. It is a surge-protected outlet multiplier, not a power-conditioning or standby power device. For deployments requiring continuous power during utility outages, pair this PDU with a separate battery backup system (UPS) upstream, or use a generator-backed building circuit. Typical surveillance racks drawing 5–15A (common for 2–4 NVRs, 2–3 PoE switches, and a network router) operate well within the 20A limit with margin for growth.
What's in the Box
- 1x CyberPower CPS1220RM PDU unit
- 1x Cord Retention Tray (organizes the 15-foot power cable)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I plug the CPS1220RM into a standard 15A household outlet?
A: No. The CPS1220RM has a NEMA 5-20P plug, which requires a dedicated 20A circuit (standard in modern commercial and data-center wiring). A 15A outlet does not have the pin configuration to accept the 20A plug. Check your facility's electrical panel or consult your building electrician to confirm a 20A outlet is available where you plan to install the rack.
Q: What is the warranty on the CPS1220RM?
A: CyberPower provides a 3-Year Limited Warranty covering defects in the surge protector circuitry, circuit breaker, and outlet contacts. Review the warranty documentation for exclusions (damage from lightning strikes, misuse, or modified wiring).
Q: Does the CPS1220RM condition power or provide UPS backup?
A: No. The CPS1220RM is a passive surge-protected outlet distribution unit. It multiplies outlets and protects against transient voltage spikes (UL 1449 4th Edition), but it does not regulate voltage, boost weak signals, or store battery power for use during a blackout. If your surveillance system requires uptime during power loss, install a separate UPS (uninterruptible power supply) upstream of the CPS1220RM, or wire the PDU to a generator-backed circuit.
Q: How much weight does the CPS1220RM add to my rack?
A: The unit weighs 6 lb (2.72 kg), which is negligible for a standard 19-inch rack frame. No additional structural reinforcement is needed. The rackmount brackets are included, and the cord retention tray helps organize cable routing and reduces stress on outlet connectors.
Q: Can I daisy-chain multiple CPS1220RM units on one circuit?
A: Technically yes, but not recommended. Each unit draws its maximum capacity (20A) if fully loaded. Two units on a single 20A breaker would exceed safe operating limits. Instead, run each CPS1220RM to a dedicated 20A circuit, or use a larger PDU if you need more outlets on one circuit.
Q: Is the CPS1220RM NDAA compliant or suitable for federal procurement?
A: The CPS1220RM is a passive surge protector and does not contain logic, software, or communications capability. It is not subject to NDAA Section 889 restrictions (which target IT equipment with communication or storage functions). However, confirm with your federal procurement officer if this PDU is acceptable for your specific contract requirements.
I reach for the CPS1220RM when I'm building out a surveillance rack in a confined space and need to avoid the mess of extension cords and power strips. The split front-rear outlet layout on the CPS1220RM solves a real problem: you can mount your NVR and PoE switches on the front rails and route their power directly to the front outlets without coiling cables down the back of the rack. Meanwhile, the rear outlets handle permanent installations like the network backbone or redundant power feeds for critical gear.
Technical Highlights:
- 20A Circuit Breaker (Hard-Wired): Unlike a plug-in surge strip with a resettable thermal switch, this 20A breaker is a true over-current protection device. If your rack load climbs above 20A—say, an extra PoE injector or a heater unit in winter—the breaker trips hard and stays off until you manually reset it. You get real confirmation that an overload occurred, not just a mysterious shutdown.
- UL 1449 4th Edition Surge Filtering: This standard covers transient voltage suppression better than older 3rd-edition specs. In environments where utility power is noisy (industrial zones, areas with frequent lightning) or where large inductive loads cycle (HVAC systems, motor-driven conveyors), the CPS1220RM's internal MOV (metal oxide varistor) and clamping circuits absorb spikes that would otherwise degrade capacitors inside your NVR or network switch. You're not adding latency or conditioning—just protection against the transients that shorten equipment life.
- 15-Foot Cord Length: 4.6 meters is long enough to position the rack 12–15 feet away from the nearest 20A wall outlet without a second extension cord. In warehouse or retail installations where the electrical panel is across the room, this saves a lot of hassle and reduces the number of separate cable runs you need to manage.
Deployment Considerations:
- NEMA 5-20P Plug Only: Many facilities still have 15A circuits everywhere. Confirm your electrical infrastructure includes a true 20A circuit breaker and outlet before you buy. If the outlet looks like a standard household outlet with one vertical and one horizontal slot (NEMA 5-15R), the 20A plug won't fit. You'll need an electrician to upgrade.
- No Battery, No Conditioning: This is a passive device. If you lose utility power, everything on the CPS1220RM goes dark instantly. For mission-critical NVRs or network switches that need a few minutes to shut down gracefully, add a UPS ahead of this PDU. The CPS1220RM works great as the second stage behind a UPS, not as a replacement for one.
The CPS1220RM shines in retail and warehouse surveillance racks where space is tight, equipment density is moderate (3–4 devices), and you need simple, bulletproof outlet distribution without fancy features. It's not fancy, but it does one job well: keep your rack powered safely with zero complexity.
