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The APC Zone PowerChute Software Help 

PowerChute is APC software that works with APC Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPSs).  It runs on various computer platforms, and there are different versions to suit different models of UPS.

PowerChute has two main functions:

To allow the UPS to communicate with the computer so it can instigate a controlled shutdown of the computer to protect the data and hardware.  This usually happens when the mains power has been lost and the battery backup power is nearly depleted.

To allow the UPS to be monitored and configured from the computer.  This is the way the state of the UPS can be checked and how the various configurable parameters of the UPS can be set.

There are three types of communication link between the UPS and a computer:

USB.  This link allows a simple connection between the UPS and a USB port on the computer.  It is used with most of the low-end UPS units and is increasingly an option on the mid-range units.

Serial.  This link connects the UPS to a serial port on the computer.  There are two versions: Simple Signalling, where high and low conditions on the interface are used to convey basic information and instigate a shutdown, and Smart Signalling, where digital information is exchanged, allowing much more comprehensive monitoring and control.

Network.  This is a link from the UPS into the Local Area Network, and allows communication with associated computers.  This is used with high-end UPSs, but can also be added as an option to most Smart-UPS units by installing a network SmartSlot card.  This method allows a 'one-to-many' link so that one UPS can communicate with multiple computers.  It also allows the UPS to be managed from any network location (subject to security controls), which makes it very useful for unattended sites.

There are a number of different versions of PowerChute, and the appropriate version is supplied when you purchase a UPS.  They can also be downloaded free of charge from the PowerChute page.

Powerchute Personal Edition is designed to work with USB connected UPS units in the Back-UPS CS and RS ranges, and with those ES units that have communications capabilities.

PowerChute Business Edition is used with serial communicating UPS units in the Smart-UPS ranges.  There is also an enhanced 'Deluxe' version that increases functionality that can be purchased as an add-on.

PowerChute Network Shutdown is the version that works with Network connected UPSs.

             Copyright Computer Network Systems Limited 2007

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