Linux: Configure and Control APC SmartUPS During a Power Failure

8 Feb 2023Best/Tutorial

The APC SmartUPS can be configured and controlled during a power failure on a Linux system using the apcupsd daemon and its associated utilities.

Here's how to set it up:

Install the apcupsd package:
- On Debian/Ubuntu based systems:
```
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install apcupsd
```
- On Red Hat/CentOS based systems:
```
sudo yum install apcupsd
```
Configure the apcupsd daemon:
- Edit the configuration file /etc/apcupsd/apcupsd.conf and set the values for the following parameters:
  - UPSNAME: a name for the UPS.
  - UPSCABLE: the cable type used to connect the UPS to the system.
  - UPSTYPE: the type of UPS (e.g. "smart").
  - DEVICE: the device file that represents the UPS (e.g. "/dev/ttyS0").
  - ONBATTERYDELAY: the time in seconds to wait before shutting down the system when on battery power.
Start the apcupsd daemon:
```
sudo systemctl start apcupsd
```
Check the status of the UPS:
```
apcaccess status
```
Perform a controlled shutdown of the system:
```
sudo apcupsd-cgi stop
```

rnNote: The exact configuration steps may vary depending on your specific setup and UPS model. Please refer to the apcupsd manual for more information.