How to set up Powerchute and a LAN connected UPS?

[Anonymous user]

I have a IBM UPS1500THV, this seems to be a rebranded APC SMARTUPS, with a APC 9617 Network Management Card.

The UPS is connected to my network only and not with a serial cable. Is Powerchute of any use in this configuration because it only seems to detect USB or Serial connected devices. Or needs the Network Management Card be setup differently so Powerchute will detect it?

[BillP]

you need to know the IP address of that network management card and the software that communicates with the AP9617 is PowerChute Network Shutdown. this works over the network with the AP9617 to perform graceful shutdowns.

if you don't need anything attached for graceful shutdown, then you don't need PowerChute because the management card is what allows you to monitor the UPS status, configure email alerts, etc.

[Anonymous user]

I installed PCNS and the UPS or NMC is recognized. What do I need for a gracefull shutdown?

[BillP]

its up to you from here. with a default configuration, the PowerChute Network Shutdown client will shutdown when the UPS has a low battery, which by default is when 2 minutes of runtime is remaining. if your server(s) need more time to shutdown, then you change change settings between the NMC and the individual powerchute clients.

http://www.apcmedia.com/salestools/PMAR-8RNKEY_R0_EN.pdf may help a little bit.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

By default, PCNS would shutdown the PC where it is installed when the UPS has entered the low battery state. There are other UPS Events that can be used or configured for Graceful Shutdown. The PCNS help file is one good resource and offers explanation as well with regards to the stuff that you can set.