Liebert MPX User Manual
Liebert® MPX™ Rack Power
Distribution Unit
User Manual - Global Applications
Technical Support Site
If you encounter any installation or operational issues with your product, check the pertinent section of
this manual to see if the issue can be resolved by following outlined procedures. For additional assistance,
visit https://www.VertivCo.com/en-us/support/.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Safety Instructions 1
1 Introduction 3
1.1 MPX™ PRC: Power and Communication Bus 4
1.1.1 Mounting features 6
1.2 MPX™ PEM: Power Input 6
1.2.1 Connecting the MPX™ IPC for variable capacity models 8
1.3 MPX™ BRM: Power Output 9
1.4 RPC-1000™ and RPC2™ Communications Modules 11
1.4.1 RPC-1000 Communications Module 11
1.4.2 RPC2™ Communications Module 12
1.4.3 Accessing information on the RPC BDM 13
2 Installation and Assembly 15
2.1 Installing the MPX™PRC in a Rack 15
2.1.1 Preparing the Liebert MPX rack PDUfor mounting 15
2.1.2 Attaching brackets 16
2.2 System Assembly 18
2.2.1 Installing an MPX™ PEM onto the MPX™ PRC 18
2.2.2 Installing an MPX IPC to a variable capacity MPX PEM 22
2.2.3 Installing an MPX™BRMto an MPX™PRC 23
2.2.4 Installing a communications module 26
2.2.5 Installing optional temperature and humidity sensors 27
2.2.6 Installing an optional RPC™ BDM 27
3 System Functional Test 31
3.1 Assembly Checklist 31
3.2 Functionality Test 31
4 Operating and Configuring Rack PDUCards 33
4.1 Configuring Rack PDUCards 33
4.1.1 Configuring the RPC2 communications module 33
4.1.2 Configuring the RPC-1000™ communications web card 34
4.1.3 Indicators 35
4.2 Operating Rack PDUCards 36
4.2.1 Connecting to the rack PDUcards 36
4.3 Operation without Rack PDUCards 36
5 Maintenance 37
5.1 No User-Serviceable Parts 37
6 Troubleshooting 39
6.1 Liebert MPX Rack PDU 39
6.1.1 MPX™ PEM indicators and LEDs 39
6.1.2 MPX BRM indicators and LEDs 40
6.2 RPC-1000™ Communications Web Card Basic Troubleshooting 42
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6.2.1 Basic troubleshooting 42
6.2.2 Array configurations 43
6.2.3 Restarting or resetting 43
Appendices 45
Appendix A: Agency Approvals 45
Appendix B: Dimensional Drawings 47
Appendix C: Recycling, Compliance and Modifications Information 49
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
The following components are covered in this safety section:
• Liebert® MPX™ Power Rail Chassis (PRC)
• Liebert® MPX™ Power Entry Module (PEM)
• Liebert® MPX™ Branch Receptacle Module (BRM)
• Liebert® MPX™ Input Power Cord (IPC)
• Liebert® RPC-1000™ Communications Module
• Liebert® RPC2™Communications Module
Saving These Instructions
WARNING!
The MPX rack PDUcontains hazardous voltage that creates a risk of arc flash and electric
shock resulting in equipment damage, injury or death. Follow the warnings and cautions in this
document to avoid serious injury or death from electric shock.
Read this manual
This manual contains important safety instructions. Read all safety, installation and operating instructions
before installing a Liebert® MPX™ rack PDU. Adhere to all cautions and warnings on the unit and in this
manual. Upon installation, follow all operating and user instructions.
Installation location
Install the Liebert MPX rack PDUin a restricted-access location controlled and monitored by a responsible
authority where access is only possible through the use of a tool, lock and key or other means of security.
Operate the Liebert MPX rack PDUonly in an indoor environment within an ambient temperature range
of 32°F to 140°F (0°C to 60°C) with a relative humidity of 5% to 95%, non-condensing. Install it in a clean
environment, free of conductive contaminants, moisture, flammable liquids, gases and corrosive
substances.
Qualified personnel
Vertiv strongly recommends that the MPX PEM be installed only by an individual who has been properly
trained and qualified to perform electrical work.
Only allow personnel who understand the precautions in this manual into the Liebert MPX rack PDU’s
restricted access location.
Safety-critical applications
Do not use the Liebert MPX rack PDU for safety-critical situations. It is designed to deliver power to
information technology and telecommunication equipment, and is not intended for use with life support
or other critical devices. If you are uncertain about its application, consult your local dealer or your Vertiv
representative.
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MPXPEMinstallation
WARNING! The connectors on the bottom of the MPXPEMare energized with hazardous
voltage when it is connected to power.
WARNING! Connect input power only after the MPX PEM is properly installed on the MPX PRC
and the MPX IPC is properly connected to the MPX PEM.
WARNING! The MPXPEM is not hot swappable. Never remove an MPXPEM from the power
distribution unit while input power is connected. Disconnect power before unlocking the
connector screws that attach the MPXPEM to the MPXPRC.
WARNING! Connect only one MPX PEM to an MPX PRC. Failure to comply can result in serious
injury or equipment damage.
Module cover removal and foreign objects
With exception of the communications module cover on the MPX PEM module, never open or remove the
cover of any Liebert® MPX™ rack PDU.
Never insert a foreign object into an MPX module, particularly into the MPXPRC, with the exception of the
RPC-1000™ and RPC2™ communications modules. Each module has a small hole between the display and
sensor RJ45 connectors to reset the card.
MPXmodule service
Do not attempt to service the Liebert MPX rack PDUs. The modules do not contain user-serviceable parts.
If you need support or have questions about your Liebert MPX rack PDU, contact Vertiv™ Technical
Support or your local Vertiv representative.
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1 INTRODUCTION
The Liebert® MPX™ is an adaptive rack power distribution unit (PDU) built with modular and scalable
components that can be installed and reconfigured on-site to meet varying input and output power
connectivity needs. For optimal flexibility, ensure that the modules match the power requirements of the
application. Failure to do so could result in damage to the Liebert MPX rack PDUand connected
components. The Liebert MPX adaptive rack PDU family consists of the following components:
• MPX™ Power Rail Chassis (PRC) - distributes intermodule power and communications and
serves as the mounting base for all Liebert MPX rack PDUcomponents.
• MPX™ Power Entry Module (PEM) - delivers power to the Liebert MPX rack PDUand includes
provisions for remote and local communication options. Detachable and non-detachable cord
models are available.
• MPX™ Input Power Cord (IPC) - a detachable input power cord required for some models of
MPX PEM. A variety of single- and three-phase plug types are available.
• MPX™ Branch Receptacle Module (BRM) - distributes overload-protected output power to user
loads. The hot swappable design allows for field reconfiguration with a choice of receptacle
type, quantities and monitoring/control performance.
• RPC-1000™ and RPC2™ communications modules - optional network interface cards that
provide network connectivity, monitoring and control capabilities to rack PDUs from a single
network connection and serve as a rack accessory integration point. The communications
modules can be installed in the MPXPEMcommunications card slot.
NOTE: The RPC-1000 and RPC2 communications modules cannot be used together in an array
configuration.
NOTE: Effective December 1, 2016, Vertiv ended distribution of the RPC-1000 communications module.
If you purchased an RPC-1000 communications module and the extended warranty on or before
December 1, 2016, the last effective day of the extended warranty is December 1, 2021, or before,
respective to your purchase date. After this date, Vertiv no longer supports the RPC-1000
communications module.
The Liebert MPXrack PDUalso comes with an optional display module:
• RPC Basic Display Module (RPC BDM) - optional display for local monitoring of Liebert MPX
rack PDUs. It is equipped with a supplied Ethernet cable. However, if the mounting location is
not within reach of the supplied cable, a longer field-supplied cable may be used.
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Figure 1.1 Liebert® MPX™ Rack PDUAssembly Diagram
Table 1.1 MPX Assemblies
ITEM DESCRIPTION
1 MPX PRC
2 MPX PEM
3 Rack PDU Card communications module (RPC2)
4 MPX BRM (threeshown connected)
1.1 MPX™ PRC: Power and Communication Bus
The MPX™ PRC is the fundamental building block of the Liebert MPX rack PDU. Power and
Communications buses are integrated into the length of the MPX PRC. The MPX™ BRM and MPXPEM
lock onto the MPX PRC to facilitate power input and output, monitoring and management, depending on
the type of module.
The MPX PRC is available in different lengths to accommodate a single MPXP PEM and up to seven MPX
BRMs. The MPX PRC has five power bus channels that allow you to connect the MPX PEM and MPX BRM
modules to up to three phases of line, neutral and protective earth. The communication bus allows the
Liebert RPC, MPX PEM and MPX BRM modules to communicate with each other.
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The MPX PRC has a module connector T-slot for securely attaching the MPX PEM and MPX BRM modules
via two latching screws. Spacer covers are available to reserve unused sections of the MPX PRC’s surface
for future expansion.
WARNING!
Connecting multiple MPX PEMs to one MPX PRC can cause equipment damage, injury or
death. Connect only one MPX PEM to an MPX PRC. Connecting more than one MPX PEM
could cause cross-conduction. Cross-conduction can cause upstream overcurrent protective
devices (OCPD) to trip or the resulting short circuit current to exceed the OCPD Ampere
Interrupting Capacity (A.I.C.) ratings.
Items 1 and 2 in the following figure show the top and side view of the MPX PRCto illustrate how to
properly seat the component on the MPX rack PDU.
Figure 1.2 MPX PRC Components
Table 1.2 MPX PRC Components
ITEM DESCRIPTION
1 MPXPRCtop view
2 MPXPRCside view
3 MPXPRCend cap
4 Communication bus
5 Module connector slot
6 Power bus
7 Rail connector T-slots to accommodate spring nuts for mounting
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1.1.1 Mounting features
The back of the MPX™ PRC features T-slots running the length of the unit. These can be used for
mounting the assembled units in racks.
1.2 MPX™ PEM: Power Input
WARNING! The MPX rack PDUcontains hazardous voltage that creates a risk of arc flash and
electric shock resulting in equipment damage, injury or death. The power conductors on the
bottom of the MPX PEM are energized with hazardous voltage whenever the MPX PEM is
connected to power.
WARNING! This unit must be properly and securely installed on the MPX PRC before power is
applied. If the MPX PEM is not installed on the MPX PRC, live conductors will be exposed.
WARNING! Vertiv strongly recommends that the MPX PEM be installed only by an individual
who has been properly trained and qualified to perform electrical work.
WARNING! Connecting two MPX PEMs to one MPX PRC can cause equipment damage, injury
or death. Only connect one MPX PEM to an MPX PRC. Connecting more than one MPX PEM
can cause cross-conduction. A cross-conduction willresult in an upstream OCPD trip, and may
result in a short circuit current that exceeds the OCPD A.I.C. ratings.
The MPX PEM securely fastens to the MPX PRC to deliver polyphase power from the power supply cord to
the power bus. You can install the Liebert® RPC2™ communications module in the MPX PEM to monitor
and configure the communication bus.
The North American MPX PEM models are available with variable-capacity or fixed-capacity. The
European models are available with fixed-capacity only. The power supply cords for both configurations
are available in a variety of single- and three-phase NEMA, Schuko and IEC plug styles and ratings.
You must connect a detachable MPX™IPCto the power inlet on the variable-capacity models. (See
Connecting the MPX™ IPC for variable capacity models on page 8.) The power input ratings are
determined by the plug type. An MPX IPC can be exchanged for an MPX IPC with a different plug type
and rating (single phase, three-phase or ampacity) to adapt it for a different power service configuration.
NOTE: For fixed capacity, the North American models support up to 60 A (48 A) per phase and the
European models support up to 63 A per phase. For variable capacity, the North American models
support up to 30 A (24 A) per phase and the European models support up to 32 A per phase.
All models, except the elementary model, provide power metering of the polyphase inputs, including
individual line voltages and currents, total kilowatts (kW) and total kilowatt hours (kW-h). Additionally,
individual line current alarm and operation status are supported. Elementary models of the MPX PEM are
available only in Europe and are not equipped with power metering capability.
Other important features include:
• Input phase LEDs to indicate the operational status of each phase of input power.
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• Audible alarms that indicate an overcurrent condition. You can test or silence the audible
alarm by pressing the A la r m Silen ce/T e s t button. The audible alarm can be tested by
momentarily pressing the button when an alarm condition is not pending or active.
• The Silence/Test button is also used during troubleshooting to confirm the communications
module is communicating with each MPX™BRM (see Restarting or resetting on page 43).
You can reestablish communication with all the modules and reset the MPX™PEM by pressing
and holding the alarm silence button for more than 5 seconds when no active alarm condition
is present. During an MPXPEM reset, the unit's input phase LEDs become dark. The MPXPEM
reset function takes approximately 30 seconds. When complete, each MPXBRM displays a
numeric value within its Branch Numeric Indicator display window. The MPXPEM reset
function does not interrupt critical power to the MPXPEM or any of the MPXBRM modules.
Item 1 and 2 in the following figure shows the variable-capacityMPXPEMand the fixed-capacity
MPXPEM. The variable-capacity MPXPEMhas quick-connect couplings for a power input cable, while the
fixed-capacity model is equipped with a hard-wired power input cable.
Figure 1.3 MPX PEM Features
Table 1.3 MPX PEM Features
ITEM DESCRIPTION
1 Variable-capacity MPXPEM
2 Fixed-capacity MPXPEM
3 RPC2 communications module
4 Latch screws
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ITEM DESCRIPTION
5 Input phase power indicators
6 Alarm Silence/Test button
7 Quick-connect couplings for power input cable (variable-capacity models)
8 Hard-wired power input cable (fixed-capacity models)
Network port used for:
9
10
11 Display port used to plug in the optional RPC BDM
12 Port for optional Liebert® SN sensor accessories
13 Command Line Interface (CLI) Serialconsole port
• Plugging in the Local Area Network (LAN) via an Ethernet cable (not included)
• Creating a rack PDU array by interconneting additional rack PDUs
Link port used for:
• Local configuration throughinterconnection to a computer
• Creating a rack PDU array by interconnecting additionalrack PDUs
1.2.1 Connecting the MPX™ IPC for variable capacity models
The MPX IPC is a detachable input power cord that permits changing the input power configuration of
variable capacity models of the MPX™ PEM. These changes must be made during planned outages. For
detailed installation steps, see the Liebert® MPX™ PEM Quick Installation Guide (SL-20821 Rev6/5901624-501A).
The MPX IPC is offered only for North American (UL-listed) models. A variety of single- and three-phase
NEMA and IEC plug types are also available. The MPX IPC is not compatible with the fixed-capacity
MPXPEM.
WARNING! Do not connect the MPX IPC to input power until the MPX PEM is attached to the
MPX PRC and the MPX IPC is attached to the MPX PEM. If the MPX PEM is not connected to
the MPX PRC, conductors with live hazardous voltage are exposed when power is connected.
Exposed conductors with hazardous voltage can create a risk of arc flash and electric shock
which can result in equipment damage, injury or death.
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Figure 1.4 MPX IPC Clamp
Table 1.4 MPX IPC Clamp
ITEM DESCRIPTION
1 MPXIPC retention clamp to prevent accidental disconnection (included with MPXIPC assembly)
2 Quick connect power coupling
3 Integrated snap locks
1.3 MPX™ BRM: Power Output
The MPX BRM provides output power distribution to user load equipment. MPX BRMs are available with a
variety of combinations of output receptacles such as NEMA, IEC, Schuko and other regional types that
are overcurrent-protected by 100% rated hydraulic-magnetic circuit breakers.
MPX BRMs are hot-swappable to allow installation without powering down the Liebert MPX rack PDU. All
MPX BRMs include an alphanumeric LED that uniquely identifies the individual module. Each MPXBRM's
unique identification is assigned by the RPC2 communications module.
North American and European MPXBRMunits are available in the following models:
• Elementary - provides power distribution only; power metering and alarming are not supported.
• Branch Monitoring - provides power distribution and branch power metering, including
voltage, current, Watt and VA power, energy and power factor.
• Receptacle Management - provides the same features as the branch monitoring models, plus
power metering, including crest factor, on/off control, current alarming and operational status
of individual receptacles. The receptacles can be turned on or off remotely and programmed
for automatic power-on sequencing.
MPXBRMfeatures include:
• An alphanumeric LED to identify the module.
• The alphanumeric LED display on the branch monitoring and receptacle management models
shows operational status of the branch current condition.
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• A magnetic hydraulic circuit breaker. If necessary, the circuit breaker can be manually opened
by inserting a flat-blade screwdriver into the integrated reset slot. Open circuit breaker
detection causes the alphanumeric LED to flash on the Branch Monitoring and Receptacle
Management models.
• Color-coded labeling to clearly identify the output-phasing configuration (L1-L2, L2-L3, L3-L1,
L1-N, L2-N or L3-N) of the MPX™BRM receptacles. Voltage phasing is determined by the
power blade configuration on the bottom of each MPX BRM. The voltage phasing, for example,
"L12", flashes three times on the alphanumeric LED display when the module is first attached.
• IEC C13 receptacle types support attachment of optional retaining clips to provide strain relief
for the load's power supply cord.
The Branch Monitoring models provide current alarming and operational status of the branch. The unit
displays an “o” for an overcurrent condition and a “u” for an undercurrent condition. The Receptacle
Management models include additional LEDs for each receptacle to alert you of the operational status of
the receptacle (on or off).
Figure 1.5 MPX BRM
Table 1.5 MPX BRM
ITEM DESCRIPTION
1 Latch screws
2 LEDbranch numeric indicator
3 Color-codedreceptacle phase label
4 Receptacle on/off indicators (Receptacle Management units only)
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ITEM DESCRIPTION
5 Receptacles
6 Branch-rated circuit breaker (100% rated)
1.4 RPC-1000™ and RPC2™ Communications Modules
NOTE: Effective December 1, 2016, Vertiv ended distribution of the RPC-1000 communications module.
If you purchased an RPC-1000 communications module and the extended warranty on or before
December 1, 2016, the last effective day of the extended warranty is December 1, 2021, or before,
respective to your purchase date. After this date, Vertiv no longer supports the RPC-1000
communications module.
The Liebert MPX rack PDU can be centrally managed, locally and remotely, via either the RPC-1000 or
RPC2 communications modules. Refer to the following documents for more information:
• Liebert® RPC™ Web Card User Manual (SL-20825)
• Liebert® RPC2™ Communications Module Installer/User Guide (590-1380-501A)
You can control the Liebert® MPX™rack PDUand attached devices through the communication module's
web interface. For systems connected to an Ethernet network, the web interface uses Simple Network
Management Protocol (SNMP). The communications module also serves as the connection point for
multiple support capabilities and devices including:
• RPC Basic Display Module (RPC BDM)
• Various optional environmental sensors
• “Sibling” connections to other Liebert MPX or Liebert MPH rack PDUsystems
For North American MPXmodels, the RPC-1000 or RPC2 communications modules are field-installed in
the MPX PEM slot. European MPXmodels are equipped with factory-installed communications modules on
monitored MPX PEMs.
1.4.1 RPC-1000 Communications Module
The RPC-1000 communications module is equipped with two RJ45 jacks for connecting to external
devices and requires no custom cables. See the following figure and table for port descriptions.
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Figure 1.6 RPC-1000™ Communications Module
Table 1.6 RPC-1000 Communications Web Card Port Descriptions
ITEM PORT DESCRIPTION
Used for:
1 Network
2 Display Used to connect the optional RPC BDM.
3 Sensor Used to connect optional Liebert® SN sensor accessories.
4 Link
5 Not applicable RPC-1000 Communications web card
• 10/100 Mbps LAN connection via an Ethernet cable (not included).
• Creating an optional rack PDUarray by interconnecting additional Vertiv rack PDUs.
Used for:
• Local configuration throughinterconnection to a computer.
• Creating an optional rack PDUarray by interconnecting additional Vertiv rack PDUs.
1.4.2 RPC2™ Communications Module
The RPC2 communications module has three RJ45 jacks for connecting to external devices and requires
no custom cables. See the following table for port descriptions.
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Figure 1.7 RPC2™ Communications Module
Table 1.7 RPC2 Communications Module Port Descriptions
ITEM PORT DESCRIPTION
1 Serial Used for the RS232 serialconsole using the CLI
2 USBMicro-AB Used for the USB memory stick
3 Sensor Used to connect optional Liebert® SN sensor accessories
4 Display Used to connect the RPC BDM
Used for:
5 Link
6 Network
7 Reset button access hole Used to reboot or reset the module to its factory default settings
• Local configuration throughinterconnection to a computer
• Creating an optional rack PDUarray by interconnecting additional Vertiv rack PDUs
Used for:
• 10/100/1000 Mbps LAN via an Ethernet cable (not included)
• Creating an optional rack PDUarray by interconnecting additional Vertiv rack PDUs
1.4.3 Accessing information on the RPC BDM
The RPC BDM is an optional local display that shows monitored data from all connected Liebert® MPX™
and Liebert MPH rack PDUsystems. You can access display information from a navigation switch on the
RPC BDM. The switch is located beneath the Vertiv logo on the RPCBDM. It is connected by a cable to the
communications module which allows you to locate the display for a local reading.
The RPCBDMcomes with a connector cable and mounting provisions. You can connect up to four rack
PDUs in a rack PDUarray to a single display.
For detailed BDM operation instructions, see the Liebert® RPC2™ Communications Module Installer/User
Guide.
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