How to properly unplug a PDU??

[GarrisonHale_apc]

Hello,

We have a large number of APC AP8xxx power strips that need to be relocated however during the unplugging some of them bricked. I was able to flash new os/firmware and they came back.

My question is how to orderly shut down a PDU before unplugging it? Is turning the outlets off and flipping the breakers enough? I was not able to find any command who will power off the PDU itself.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Hi GarrisonHale,

Disconnecting the load and then flipping the breakers should be enough. I have seen rare cases where the firmware does need to be re-flashed after the power outages generally this is in cases where the PDUs are already quite old 7-8 years plus.

-Gavan

[Senadibm_apc]

Hello,

We have been experiencing the same issue. At least 10% need to be reflashed after disconnecting and recently even that was impossible due to no more serial devices allowed per company’s policy.

I assume this happens during (un)plugging where the heavy cable plug needs to be “shaken” left-right in order to be released, so causing power surges.

Yes the power strips AP8xxx are quite old but this should not be the reason for this if there is some proper way to disable them completely before disconnecting.