Vertiv MP2-220K 2U MicroPOD Bypass Switch
Overview
The Vertiv Liebert MP2-220K is a 2U rack-mounted bypass switch designed to keep critical loads energized during UPS maintenance, replacement, or failure without dropping power to connected equipment. At its core, the MP2-220K provides a manual transfer path that lets data center and server room operators safely take a UPS offline for service while downstream devices keep running — the kind of capability that separates planned maintenance windows from unplanned outages. With a 2000 VA capacity and a 230 V AC operating voltage, it fits squarely into European and international single-phase rack power architectures where business continuity is non-negotiable.
Rated at rack power distribution levels appropriate for mid-density cabinet loads, the MP2-220K is part of the broader Vertiv power infrastructure line — a family engineered around the premise that power path availability is as important as the UPS itself.
Key Features
- 2000 VA Bypass Capacity: supports a full mid-density rack load at 230 V AC, giving you enough headroom for servers, network gear, or storage arrays that can't afford a momentary drop during UPS service. At 2 kVA, this is sized for single-phase loads common in European data center deployments and international co-location racks.
- Single IEC 60320 C19 Input: the C19 inlet accepts the heavy-duty locking connector common on PDUs and high-current UPS output ports — no adapters needed when dropping this into a standard 16A rack power chain. The locking design reduces accidental disconnection risk during maintenance activities when cables get jostled.
- Single IEC 60320 C14 Bypass Input: the dedicated C14 bypass input is the path the load transfers to when the UPS is taken offline. Wiring this to a separate circuit or static bypass source means the downstream C13 outlets never go dark — that's the entire point of a bypass switch in a critical rack.
- 8x IEC 60320 C13 Output Outlets: eight C13 receptacles cover the overwhelming majority of rack-mount equipment power cords without any adapters. For environments running a mix of 1U and 2U servers, switches, and storage, eight outlets is a practical count that won't leave you hunting for a secondary PDU.
- 2U Form Factor: two rack units is a known cost in a dense environment, but the trade-off is a purpose-built bypass path with dedicated connectors and a clear panel layout — far less error-prone than field-wired alternatives during a high-pressure maintenance window. Fits standard 19-inch EIA racks.
- 6.16 lb Weight: light enough for a single technician to rack without a lift assist, which matters when you're swapping this into a live cabinet at 3 AM. The 3.03 × 15.51 × 3.46 in footprint occupies a predictable 2U slot with standard depth.
Integration & Compatibility
The MP2-220K is designed to integrate within the Vertiv Liebert UPS ecosystem as an upstream bypass point, typically installed between the utility/distribution source and the UPS input, with the UPS output feeding back to the bypass switch's load side. The C19-to-C14 connector pairing aligns with IEC 60320 conventions used across Liebert GXT, EXL, and PSI series UPS units common in the same deployment class.
For environments running PoE network infrastructure or camera-dense security racks on 230 V circuits, the bypass switch sits transparently in the power path — connected rack PDUs and UPS units see no change in topology when the bypass is not active. When it is active, loads transfer to the bypass source without interruption, assuming the bypass source is live and within voltage tolerance.
Note that the MP2-220K is a 230 V AC device. It is not suitable for 120 V North American circuits without a step-up transformer. Verify that your facility power and UPS output voltage match before deploying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the power capacity of the MP2-220K?
A: The MP2-220K is rated at 2000 VA at 230 V AC. This covers mid-density single-phase rack loads in European and international installations.
Q: What connector types does the MP2-220K use?
A: Input is via one IEC 60320 C19 connector (from the UPS or source). The bypass input uses one IEC 60320 C14. Outputs are eight IEC 60320 C13 receptacles for downstream equipment.
Q: Is the MP2-220K compatible with 120 V North American power systems?
A: No. The MP2-220K operates at 230 V AC only. It is designed for European and international single-phase rack environments and is not directly compatible with standard 120 V North American circuits.
Q: How much rack space does the MP2-220K occupy?
A: The MP2-220K occupies 2U in a standard 19-inch EIA rack. Its dimensions are 3.03 × 15.51 × 3.46 inches and it weighs 6.16 lbs.
Q: What is the purpose of having both a C19 input and a C14 bypass input?
A: The C19 connects the normal UPS output to the bypass switch. The C14 bypass input connects to an alternate power source (such as utility or a static bypass). When the UPS needs to be taken offline for maintenance, loads transfer to the bypass source via the C14 input, keeping the eight C13 outlets energized without interruption.
Q: Can the MP2-220K be used as a standalone PDU?
A: No. The MP2-220K is a bypass switch, not a standalone PDU. It requires a UPS on the C19 input and an alternate bypass source on the C14 input to function as intended. It does not provide surge protection, battery backup, or power conditioning on its own.
The MP2-220K is a straightforward piece of infrastructure that solves a real problem in critical rack environments: how do you service or replace a UPS without dropping power to the downstream load? With a 2000 VA capacity at 230 V AC and a dedicated C14 bypass input, this unit gives you a tested, connector-native path to keep eight C13 outlets live during the maintenance window — no improvised cable swaps, no exposure to accidental disconnection under load.
Technical Highlights:
- 2000 VA at 230 V AC: adequate headroom for a mid-density single-phase rack — typically 8–12 x 1U servers or equivalent mixed loads — without stressing the bypass path capacity.
- C19/C14/C13 connector chain: all three connector types are IEC 60320 standard, which means no custom cables or adapters in a properly wired rack. C19 from the UPS output, C14 from your bypass source, C13 to each device — clean and auditable.
- 2U / 6.16 lb physical profile: occupies two rack units and won't require a second technician to install. The 15.51-inch width fits standard 19-inch EIA rails without modification.
Deployment Considerations:
- Confirm your bypass source (the circuit feeding the C14 input) is on a separate branch circuit from the UPS input — if both share the same upstream breaker, a trip defeats the entire bypass purpose.
- The 230 V AC operating voltage is a hard constraint — this unit cannot be used in 120 V North American rack environments without a step-up transformer, which adds complexity and potential single points of failure.
The MP2-220K (often searched as MP2 220K) is the right choice for European or international co-location racks and enterprise data center rows where Liebert UPS maintenance must happen during business hours — or where regulatory requirements mandate an uninterrupted power path during all service activities.
