APC Powerchute Business - S2D Shutdown

[Craig_W]

Just completed setting up S2D (2 node cluster) and need to setup my UPS (x2) to safely shutdown the cluster before powering off physical servers. Has anybody got a similar setup to me using APC Powerchute Business, and is able to share their setup, scripts etc. I've done some reading around, but with something like UPS power downs would be nice to have some visibility of tried and tested methods!

 

Cheers

[Chris_Cook]

From memory, we have ours set to shutdown the server after a period of time. Then we use the settings in hyper-v to save and startup the virtual servers as appropriate. You can set a delay in hyper-v to get the order correct. Its only been used a couple of times, but seems to work.

 

Our UPSs are then set to email us via our cloud-based helpdesk if they detect problems. Our main switch rack is also protected by a ups so emails can still get through.

[Craig_W]

Thanks. Are you using S2D and how are you safely shutting the cluster down?

 

Cheers

[dmartin1018]

Watching this with interest as I'm about to replace our UPS solution. Think we are going to go for APC smart UPS and use powerchute to shut stuff down. I've been quoted for a UPS which will keep it ticking over for 20 mins which is enough time to get it all shut down properly. The cheaper one was 4 mins but by the time the VMs and cluster have powered down, you're cutting it fine with the hosts.

[DrBeaker]

Watching this with interest as I'm about to replace our UPS solution. Think we are going to go for APC smart UPS and use powerchute to shut stuff down. I've been quoted for a UPS which will keep it ticking over for 20 mins which is enough time to get it all shut down properly. The cheaper one was 4 mins but by the time the VMs and cluster have powered down, you're cutting it fine with the hosts.

 

Ask them how much the data is worth when it gets corrupted to a underpowered UPS and incomplete shutdown, when they want to cheap out on the UPS.

[Chris_Cook]

We don't use S2D so that might change things. I think from memory, the startup and shutdown settings for VMs are still in HV manager or Fail over manager. There is a save state option as well, that might save you some time.

 

I would echo the comments on the UPS. Get as much runtime as possible. Then you are covered for short outages, or if you get nuisance tripping of the breakers - you have some time to turn it back on without doing the whole shutdown thing. Also, remember your batteries will deteriorate over time - 4 mins now might only be 2 in a couple of years time. Plus you can guarantee that windows will try and update at that point.

 

It doesn't look hard to shut down a cluster with Powershell:

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/failover-clustering/how-to-properly-shutdown-a-failover-cluster-or-a-node/ba-p/371857?advanced=false&collapse_discussion=true&search_type=thread

 

I think PCNS has some integration with SCVMM if you have that.

Edited August 6, 2020 by Chris_Cook

[Davit2005]

Have the APC UPSs got network cards installed. Is it worth looking at PowerChute Network Shutdown to see if it is supported on Hyper-V?

[elsiegee40]

Please stick to answering the question asked in the thread. Please do not use threads as a forum for squabbles. If you have a problem with another EduGeek’s behaviour and/or something they post, please report the post or posts and let the Moderators and Admins sort it out Edited August 6, 2020 by elsiegee40

[techie17]

Sorry to dig up this old thread but did anyone get a script to do this?