Graceful Shutdown

[Anonymous user]

Hi Folks;

I have a SU 3000 & Powerchute business edition. Today the power failed and the batteries were exhausted. Much to my surprise I found that the single server being protected reported in the event logs that it didn't shut down gracefully.

I went into PC Business Ed to check the configuration but I can't make heads or tails of the options. I recall that when I installed the unit I found a simple FAQ on the APC site describing the shutdown process and I beleive this was what I used when I originally set it up. I can't seem to find it anywhere and I've gone through the KB etc and all I can seem to find is info on network shutdown.

Does anyone recall the KB article I saw or can someone post up a link to configuring graceful shutdown for a UPS protecting a single machine?

Thanks very much!

[BillP]

as far as i know, no, there is not one entire document available that encompasses every single piece of software we have and UPS/UPS configuration that we sell along with a walk through on how to set it up - which is what it seems you are looking for.

[Anonymous user]

OK, so just so that we're clear......

After several decades of manufacturing/selling UPS's with an significant emphasis on graceful server shutdown, APC has no documentation whatsoever on actually configuring graceful server shutdown other then the 'tips' in the Powerchute Business edition software?

Good to know that APC has yet to create a document explaining the shutdown stages of their products during a power failure.....

Maybe it's just me but I'm no longer sure that I picked a Winna.... 😉

Message was edited by: marvin-miller

[BillP]

hi marvin,

can i ask what version of powerchute business edition you are using? apparently we don't have any specific guides but the newer versions walk you through some set up when you install it but then the powerchute business edition agent software also has some help in the help file as well as on the main pages/event descriptions to explain what each option means and is for.

so in order to get you in the right spot - do you use the web browser to access the PCBE agent directly via https://127.0.0.1:6547 or http://127.0.01:3052 or alternatively remotely via the IP? or do you use the powerchute business edition console in order to access and configure your set up?

i attached some pictures from the agent view. the console view is when you use the purplish GUI via its own window versus a web browser.

lastly, there are a few posts available to explain some stuff on the forum here. i am not having good luck searching but maybe you will. i know we have explained things like Time on Battery Threshold Exceeded and similar if you're interested.

[Anonymous user]

Hi Winna 🙂

I'm using Business Edition version 9.0.1.606 which I believe is the latest. I use the web browser on that machine to access the settings.
I'm pretty sure APC has several documents about configuring graceful shutdown - I just can't seem to find the KB article that explained the process in more detail or the steps the unit takes during shutdown (and how to configure when it takes them).

Yes, there is a help screen and I do find it pretty useless with respect to configuring/understanding graceful shutdown. That's why the KB article I originally used as a reference for configuring the unit was so helpful. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find anything in the KB other then a million articles on configuring network shutdown.

[BillP]

yeah i searched too and asked the individual who manages PCNS/PCBE tech support what he recommends. essentially, if you install PCBE and forget about it, same with network shutdown too, it should begin a shutdown when the UPS reports a low battery value, which the default is when 2 mins of runtime remain. the other event actions can be configured to shutdown earlier than that if you'd like. then you have all the delays like command file delays and shutdown delays that you add to the end of that timeline.

under server shutdown -> shutdown settings seems to be the next most informative thing.

i will at least pass along the feedback about needing the article since we do have plenty on PCNS it seems.

[Anonymous user]

Yes, it seems to me that if a person can't understand & intelligently configure the UPS shutdown routine it makes the UPS unusable and data loss is going to be absolutely certain when choosing an APC product.

If that seems harsh it's because I know for a fact that over the years volumes of information have been generated by APC with respect to configuring graceful shutdown and the understanding of it.

So, just so we can be clear, APC has no information at all about configuring graceful server shutdown parameters and the company's position is that we should just choose the defaults because that's good enough for all servers no matter the work load or configuration?

[BillP]

no, that is not the company's standpoint. we have chosen default settings since we cant satisfy everyone with the default configuration. the next thing we provide is the help file for for software which can help you understand certain configuration setting options available to you, depending on your setup. so, no, i guess we don't have a step by step specific guide for the number of different configurations you can configure with PCBE but the help file and descriptions are there to try and help. tech support here and via phone or email is also available if you need help to understand certain options or have questions.

i don't want it to seem like we provide the software and NO support with it because that is not the case. no, we might not have a kbase article but it can be something that is created easily or at least requested to those folks that manage it and then we can try to assist you with your specific configuration if the resources we do have don't suffice.

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

That's OK - I appreciate the help that you've tried to provide. I was just advised to look into Eaton - I haven't seen their products in some time but I suspect it would be easier to just change out the APC unit then to spend more time trying and find information on configuring a graceful server shutdown from APC.

Sorry, but you've lost our business.