Middle Atlantic 4in. in. MPR 20A DUPLEX MODULE - M-20A

Middle Atlantic M-20A 20A Duplex MPR Power Module

Overview

The Middle Atlantic M-20A is a 20-amp, 120 VAC duplex power module designed for the MPR (Modular Power Raceway) always-on power distribution system. With a 4-inch depth profile and a pair of 5-20R receptacles on a single 20-amp circuit, the M-20A gives integrators a field-configurable way to add or reconfigure outlet capacity inside an existing MPR chassis — without replacing the whole power strip. If you've ever needed to slot one more powered device into a rack and found yourself working around a fixed power distribution unit, this modular approach is the answer. Explore the full Middle Atlantic power distribution lineup to see how the M-20A fits within the broader MPR ecosystem.

Key Features

• 20A / 120 VAC Single Circuit: A dedicated 20-amp circuit means the two duplex outlets share 20A of capacity — enough headroom for high-draw AV amplifiers, NVRs, or network switches without nuisance tripping. You're not splitting a 15A circuit across four outlets and hoping for the best.
• Dual 5-20R Receptacles (2 Outlets): The 5-20R receptacle type accepts standard 5-15P plugs as well as the 5-20P devices that require a 20A outlet. That backward compatibility means you can run mixed equipment loads on a single module without adapters.
• 4-Inch Depth (10.2 cm): The shallow 4-inch footprint is purpose-built for mid-depth rack enclosures. In equipment racks where rear cable management eats into usable depth, a 4-inch module won't crowd out your patch cables or obstruct airflow paths behind the gear.
• Configurable Power (MPR Modular Architecture): The M-20A slots into Middle Atlantic's MPR chassis, letting you mix and match outlet types, amperage, and circuit counts per rack bay. Reconfiguring power distribution becomes a module swap rather than a rewire — useful when rack populations change between installation phases on large AV or security projects.
• ETL Recognized: ETL Recognition from Intertek signals the module has been independently evaluated against applicable UL safety standards. For commercial AV and security installations where the AHJ requires listed or recognized components in the power path, ETL Recognition covers that box without requiring special variance language in the submittal package. Browse rack power distribution modules to compare ETL-listed options across the MPR line.
• No Isolated Ground: The M-20A does not include an isolated ground circuit. If your install includes sensitive audio equipment or measurement gear with strict ground isolation requirements, verify whether an isolated-ground variant in the MPR family is the right fit. For standard AV, security, and IT rack loads, the absence of isolated ground is a non-issue.
• Not TAA Compliant: The M-20A is not TAA (Trade Agreements Act) compliant. For federal government or GSA-schedule projects with TAA sourcing requirements on power distribution components, confirm compliance before specifying. Commercial enterprise, healthcare, and education installations are unaffected. For TAA-sensitive rack builds, consult the TAA-compliant power distribution options.

Integration & Compatibility

The M-20A is engineered specifically for Middle Atlantic's MPR always-on modular power raceway chassis. It is not a standalone power distribution unit — it requires an MPR host chassis to function. Before ordering, confirm that your MPR chassis supports 20A modules and that your branch circuit wiring is rated for 20A (12 AWG minimum per NEC). Pair the M-20A with complementary rack accessories such as cable management panels and blanking plates to complete the build. The 5-20R outlet format integrates cleanly with standard rack-mount power supplies, NVR/DVR units, managed switches, and AV amplifiers without the need for outlet adapters on most commercial-grade equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the M-20A require a specific Middle Atlantic MPR chassis?

A: Yes. The M-20A is a module designed for Middle Atlantic's MPR (Modular Power Raceway) always-on chassis system. It is not a standalone PDU and requires an MPR host chassis for installation and operation.

Q: What receptacle type does the M-20A use, and what plugs are compatible?

A: The M-20A uses NEMA 5-20R receptacles. These accept both standard 5-15P (15A) plugs and 5-20P (20A) plugs, providing backward compatibility for mixed equipment loads without adapters.

Q: Is the M-20A TAA compliant for government projects?

A: No. The M-20A is not TAA (Trade Agreements Act) compliant. It is not suitable for federal government or GSA-schedule projects requiring TAA-compliant power distribution components.

Q: Does the M-20A include an isolated ground?

A: No, the M-20A does not feature an isolated ground circuit. If your installation requires ground isolation — typically for sensitive audio or measurement equipment — look for an isolated-ground variant within the Middle Atlantic MPR module lineup.

Q: What is the depth of the M-20A and will it fit shallow rack enclosures?

A: The M-20A measures 4 inches (10.2 cm) in depth, making it suitable for mid-depth rack enclosures where rear cable management limits available depth.

Q: What safety certification does the M-20A carry?

A: The M-20A is ETL Recognized by Intertek, indicating it has been evaluated against applicable UL safety standards. This is generally accepted by AHJs for commercial AV and security rack installations.

Marty Allison

The M-20A earns its place in MPR-based rack builds specifically because of the 5-20R receptacle format — a detail that matters more than most integrators initially expect. That NEMA 5-20R accepts both 15A and 20A plugs, so when a client swaps in a higher-draw managed switch or a replacement NVR mid-project, you're not hunting for outlet adapters or pulling a different module. The M-20A handles it as-is.

Technical Highlights:

• 20A Single Circuit: Two outlets share one 20A circuit — appropriate for high-draw rack devices but requires you to track cumulative draw. If both outlets are near fully loaded (approaching 20A combined), circuit balance becomes a real concern, not a theoretical one.
• 4-Inch Depth: At 10.2 cm, this module is dimensioned for mid-depth enclosures. It won't eat into the rear cable management channel on a typical 18–24 inch deep rack, which keeps the build clean and serviceable.
• ETL Recognition: Intertek's ETL mark means you can include this in a submittal package for most commercial AHJs without a special evaluation request. That matters on fast-turn installs where getting the permit approved quickly is as important as the hardware itself.

Deployment Considerations:

• The M-20A requires a Middle Atlantic MPR chassis — confirm chassis model compatibility and available module bays before procurement. A module without a compatible host chassis is non-functional out of the box.
• No isolated ground is present, and the unit is not TAA compliant. Flag both for government or highly sensitive audio bids before the M-20A lands on the BOM.

This module fits best in commercial security and AV rack builds where the MPR chassis is already the power backbone and the installer needs a clean 20A duplex addition — think mid-size surveillance head-end racks, AV control rooms, or IT closets running mixed 15A/20A device populations.