Servers are not turning on after power outage

[Anonymous user]

Hello!

I have a problem that during a long power outage my servers are not starting up automatically when the power comes back. My cabling can be seen in the attached image file. The servers have 2 power cordes. 1 cord is connected to a UPS with NMC card installed and manage the shutdown events. The other cord is connected to a different UPS, but that one has no NMC card installed.

I am suspecting that the problem can be that the UPS with no NMC did not drain all the batteries and one of the server PSU did not realized a missing input power event. Is this possible to happen?

I have the following APC's:
APC Matrix-UPS 5kVA (No NMC installed)
SMT3000I (with NMC)
SURTD3000XLI (with NMC)

As far as I understand the Matrix UPS and the others are from different model family and I may not be able to configure a rendundant UPS setup even if I install an NMC in the Matrix UPS.

What are my option here to achieve my goal that the servers can start up automatically.

Thank you,
PG

[BillP]

Hi,

The official answer is the UPS are not of the same family and therefore not compatible.

The unofficial answer is

1. Install PCNS and configure for a single UPS.
2. Stop the PowerChute Service.
3. Edit the pcnsconfig.ini file and add a second UPS to the Network Management Card section. See example below.
4. Change enrolWithNMC = false
5. If not done in the initial configuration in the Shutdown setting set turnoffUps = true
6. Restart the PowerChute Service.
7. Log into each NMC and add the PCNS client to the PowerChute client list.

[NetworkManagementCard]
mode = redundant
IP_1 = 10.0.0.250
port = 80
protocol = http
enrolWithNMC = false
acceptCerts = false
IP_2 = 10.0.0.251

PowerChute will then listen to each NMC and react as configured for redundant UPS even though they are of different families. 

NOTE: The Matrix must have firmware Y or Z to be compatible with NMC. 

[Anonymous user]

Tank you for your answer, we will try out your solution, if indeed our apc setup is the reason for the servers not starting up.

[Anonymous user]

Hello,

We have the following Matrix UPS:
mx5000eu
Display Rev.: 3Z
UPS FW rev: 5ZI

Is this model compatible with you unofficial solution?

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Yes. The Matrix in compatible with the NMC. I do suggest test first before purchasing a new card. You can pull a card from one of the other Smart-UPS and insert it in the Matrix. Test the configuration and if all goes well then purchase a new NMC.