Time for a new UPS

Mark · November 10, 2014, 02:08:00 PM

Had an older Smart-UPS 1400 XL kind of die today. I say "kind of die" because it was just telling me to replace the batteries, but when I finally got the batteries out, 3 of the 4 in the pack were exploded. I went to Batteries Plus (since they are close) and they said this is caused by over charging and suggested that the unit is failing. I decided that I agree with them because even with the batteries out, it states that they are fully charged and only in need of replacement. (see attached photos).

So, I am spec'ing out a replacement and am looking for feedback/recommendations from you all. Brands, features, whiz-bangs? I usually go with APC, but I know there are other players out there. I want to go with one that has network connectivity for monitoring and alerting this time. Bonus if there is any kind of VMware plugin to tie into it.

Joshua Conner · November 10, 2014, 02:40:52 PM

For our new VMWARE build we went with liebert GXT3 I got 2 of them for redundancy they have a vmware plugin but the UI is pretty bad.
I have 2kva

Mark · November 10, 2014, 02:52:50 PM

What are the features of the VMware plugin? Powers hosts on and off?

Bob · November 10, 2014, 02:55:13 PM

APC SC1500 works great. Only replace batteries once then replace device next time for reason you show.

Billy Welsh · November 10, 2014, 03:00:15 PM

I thought those were "sealed lead acid" batteries. In which case, where did the acid go once they were "unsealed?" Or is the acid not liquid - I've always assumed it was just because I'm an old gearhead.

Mark · November 10, 2014, 03:11:02 PM

hmm.. I've got 5 physical servers, 1 MD3200, 2 (non-poe) switches, couple of small NAS devices, firewall, 2 routers, 2 access points, 3 PoE injectors, a T1 bonding unit, a cable modem, and a CSU (if I haven't missed anything).

Needs me some power! lol

I keep the switches and everything on UPS for multiple reasons including clean power and the network not going down during a brief interruption or brownout.

Mark · November 10, 2014, 03:12:11 PM

Quote from: Billy Welsh on November 10, 2014, 03:00:15 PM
I thought those were "sealed lead acid" batteries. In which case, where did the acid go once they were "unsealed?" Or is the acid not liquid - I've always assumed it was just because I'm an old gearhead.

I was initially thinking the same thing. I have some similar batteries sitting next to me right now and they say "sealed non-liquid".

Billy Welsh · November 10, 2014, 03:24:31 PM

Makes sense now that I stop & think about it. Lower chance of damaging other equipment if non-liquid. Bad enough if they open up or even worse explode; much worse if liquid acid leaks out or is dispersed by an explosion. I have witnessed an automotive liquid lead acid battery explode - close enough to get a little acid splatter on me, but not enough to burn me - and it can be pretty violent.

I've messed around with these batteries for years & years, but never paid much attention beyond the "sealed lead acid" label.

Quote from: Mark on November 10, 2014, 03:12:11 PM
Quote from: Billy Welsh on November 10, 2014, 03:00:15 PM
I thought those were "sealed lead acid" batteries. In which case, where did the acid go once they were "unsealed?" Or is the acid not liquid - I've always assumed it was just because I'm an old gearhead.

I was initially thinking the same thing. I have some similar batteries sitting next to me right now and they say "sealed non-liquid".

Joshua Conner · November 10, 2014, 03:44:01 PM

http://www.emersonnetworkpower.com/en-EMEA/Brands/Liebert/Pages/MultiLinkAutomatedShutdownSoftware.aspx

VMware Server shutdown support
Liebert MultiLink Advanced version 4.2 for Windows allows the software to interface with VMware ESXi Hypervisor servers to provide graceful shutdown of the running virtual servers along with the VMware server. Requirements for VMware support are:

Liebert MultiLink Advanced 4.2 installed on a Microsoft Windows computer
Microsoft Windows PowerShell v2.0 or later
VMware vSphere PowerCLI v5.0 or later
VMware ESXi v4.1 or v5.0 Hypervisor server
VMware tools installed on each guest OS (Virtual Server)
Reference the Liebert MultiLink user manual, appendix A.2, for detailed requirements and functionality of the VMware Server shutdown feature.

Mark · November 10, 2014, 03:47:51 PM

Thank you Sir!

Is your vSphere server a physical sever?

Joshua Conner · November 10, 2014, 04:11:54 PM

I have dual dell r420's connected to an md3200 connected to dual GXT3 UPS's this the the VM environment.

I have a third r420 that isnt virtual that multilink and veeam run on.

Mark · November 10, 2014, 04:13:17 PM

Ok, so is the vCenter server on the physical, or is it virtual?

Joshua Conner · November 10, 2014, 04:15:11 PM

vcenter is virtual.

Mark · November 10, 2014, 04:15:29 PM

Perfect, thanks!

Mark · November 10, 2014, 04:42:36 PM

Josh,

I was asking all those questions because my vCenter server is also virtual and wanted to make sure I could do shutdowns without having to have vCenter be physical.

Just thought I would clarify why I kept asking.

Thanks!

Joshua Conner · November 11, 2014, 09:14:59 AM

That is fine just took me a minute to figure out what you were asking I am new to this whole virtual world.

<side rant> I think its really annoying that you have to make changes with vcenter instead of vsphere client. I have a virtualized offsite disaster recovery box and it doesnt have vcenter on it so to make changes to the only vm on it (veeam server) I have to fire up a backup of vcenter to just make a change. </side rant>