Vertiv MP2-120C 2U Micropod Bypass for Liebert PSI5 UPS, 120V
Overview
The Vertiv MP2-120C is a 2U rack-mount maintenance bypass module purpose-built for the Liebert PSI5-2200RT120 UPS. When your UPS needs servicing, firmware updates, or replacement, the MP2-120C lets you keep downstream equipment live on utility power — no planned outage, no scramble to power-cycle servers, switches, or NVRs mid-shift. For any rack environment running 24/7 loads, that ability to isolate and swap a UPS without dropping power is worth more than almost any other add-on you'll deploy alongside it.
With an NEMA 5-20P input plug and eight NEMA 5-15/20R output receptacles, the MP2-120C (often searched as MP2 120C) wires cleanly into a standard 120V branch circuit and accommodates the full mix of standard and 20A gear you're already running in a 2U footprint. UL1778, c-UL, and ISTA Procedure 1A certifications confirm the unit meets North American safety standards and has passed transit-damage validation — relevant when you're shipping populated racks to remote sites or branch deployments.
Key Features
- Dedicated PSI5-2200RT120 compatibility: The MP2-120C is engineered and listed specifically for the PSI5-2200RT120 — not a generic bypass. That matters because bypass switching sequencing and load ratings are matched to the UPS's internal topology, reducing the risk of transient voltage events during transfer. Don't use a generic PDU in its place and expect the same behavior.
- Eight NEMA 5-15/20R outlets in 2U: Eight mixed-standard receptacles in a 2U chassis gives you enough feeds for a dense 1U server, a top-of-rack switch, an NVR, and ancillary gear — all from a single bypass module. No daisy-chaining, no additional strips cluttering cable management.
- NEMA 5-20P input plug, 16A maximum current: Drawing from a standard 20A branch circuit at up to 16A continuous (the 80% NEC derate is already baked in), the MP2-120C fits comfortably on a dedicated 20A wall or panel circuit without requiring special infrastructure. No hardwiring, no electrician for the initial install.
- 120V / 50–60Hz input and output: Operates on both 50Hz and 60Hz mains — straightforward for North American facilities but also relevant for mixed-frequency environments or sites with generator backup that may momentarily drift from 60Hz during load transfer.
- UL1778 and c-UL listed: UL1778 is the specific North American standard for UPS equipment. Listing under this standard — plus c-UL for Canadian compliance — means the bypass has been independently evaluated for fire and shock hazards, a requirement for most commercial and enterprise data closets under NEC and building codes.
- ISTA Procedure 1A transit certification: ISTA 1A validates the unit survives standard shipping and handling stresses without internal damage. For distributed IT deployments where you're drop-shipping bypass modules to branch sites, this reduces the risk of a DOA unit arriving at a location where there's no on-site technical staff to troubleshoot.
- 2U rack footprint (432 × 89 × 89 mm): A true 2U form factor — 432mm wide, 89mm tall — fits any standard 19-inch rack without side-rail adapters. The shallow 89mm depth leaves generous clearance in short-depth wall enclosures and compact IT cabinets where depth is often the binding constraint.
- Operating temperature 32–104°F (0–40°C): Rated for operation through 104°F ambient — covers most data closets, telecom rooms, and wiring cabinets that lack precision CRAC cooling. If your environment runs hotter than 104°F, address the thermal issue before deploying any rack power equipment, not just this unit.
- 0–95% operating relative humidity (non-condensing): Wide humidity tolerance handles the swing between dry winters and humid summers in facilities without tight climate control — useful in secondary equipment rooms and edge sites where environmental conditioning is minimal.
Integration and Compatibility
The MP2-120C integrates directly into a Liebert PSI5-2200RT120 UPS deployment as a companion bypass. Within the UPS and power protection ecosystem, the Micropod bypass series slots between the UPS and the load, handled entirely at the power-distribution layer — no software configuration, no network management card required. The bypass operates transparently to any NVR, server, or switch connected downstream.
For integrators building out structured rack deployments, pair the MP2-120C with appropriate rack power distribution downstream of the bypass outputs to branch feeds across multiple 1U devices. If you're planning a full rack build, review the broader Vertiv power and thermal catalog for compatible PDUs, enclosures, and monitoring accessories that are validated alongside the PSI5 platform.
Note: The MP2-120C is specifically listed for the PSI5-2200RT120. If your UPS is a PSI5 model rated at 1500VA or below, the correct bypass is the MP2-115A or MP2-115HW. For 3000VA PSI5 deployments, the MP2-130 series applies. Matching the bypass to the correct UPS model is non-negotiable — mismatched bypass modules may not transfer cleanly under load. Consult the power accessories section for the full Micropod lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which UPS models is the MP2-120C compatible with?
A: The MP2-120C is specifically listed for use with the Liebert PSI5-2200RT120. It is not compatible with other PSI5 VA ratings — lower-wattage PSI5 models (up to 1500VA) require the MP2-115 series, and the 3000VA PSI5 uses the MP2-130 series.
Q: What outlets does the MP2-120C provide?
A: Eight NEMA 5-15/20R combination receptacles, which accept both standard 15A and 20A plugs. Input is via an NEMA 5-20P plug on a standard 20A circuit.
Q: What is the maximum current rating of the MP2-120C?
A: 16 amperes maximum. On a 20A branch circuit, 16A represents the standard 80% NEC continuous-load derate — appropriate sizing for around-the-clock operation.
Q: What certifications does the MP2-120C carry?
A: The MP2-120C is UL1778 listed, c-UL listed (Canadian compliance), and ISTA Procedure 1A certified for transit/shipping durability.
Q: What rack space does the MP2-120C require?
A: The MP2-120C occupies 2U in a standard 19-inch rack. Physical dimensions are 432mm wide × 89mm tall × 89mm deep.
Q: What are the operating temperature and humidity limits?
A: Operating temperature range is 32–104°F (0–40°C). Operating relative humidity is 0–95%. Storage temperature extends to -20°C–60°C.
The thing I tell integrators most often about the MP2-120C is this: the eight NEMA 5-15/20R outlets and 16A maximum current rating are sized for a real mid-density rack load — not a light-duty closet shelf. If you're protecting a PSI5-2200RT120 that's actually running at or near capacity, the bypass needs to handle that same load during maintenance transfer, and this unit is built to do exactly that without derating your circuit.
Technical Highlights:
- NEMA 5-20P input, 16A max: Fits a standard 20A branch circuit at the NEC 80% continuous derate — no panel upgrade, no special wiring, just a dedicated 20A circuit from your existing distribution.
- Eight NEMA 5-15/20R outputs: Mixed 15/20A receptacle format means you can plug in standard IEC-to-NEMA cords alongside 20A-rated devices without a second PDU tier — real cable management savings in a 2U footprint.
- UL1778 + c-UL listing: These aren't just checkboxes — UL1778 is UPS-equipment-specific, meaning the evaluation covers transfer behavior and not just electrical safety. For enterprise data closets that require AHJ sign-off, this is the listing inspectors look for.
Deployment Considerations:
- The MP2-120C is exclusively listed for the PSI5-2200RT120 — verify your UPS model number before ordering. The bypass model family branches at VA rating, and a mismatch means the transfer sequencing may not align with your UPS's internal bypass logic.
- At 89mm depth, this unit fits short-depth wall enclosures, but confirm your enclosure's usable depth against the cable bend radius needed for the NEMA 5-20P input — a tight rear clearance can stress the plug collar under rack vibration.
The MP2-120C is the right call for distributed branch IT closets and edge rack deployments where a UPS swap without a planned outage is operationally required — think retail locations, remote school buildings, or small colocation pods where there's no redundant power path and any downtime hits revenue or operations directly.
