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PowerChute Serial Shutdown

Graceful OS shutdown and UPS management for direct USB and serial connections.

Replaces PowerChute Personal & Business Editions
Product Overview

One Application for All Direct-Connected APC UPS Units

PowerChute Serial Shutdown is the single replacement for both PowerChute Personal Edition and PowerChute Business Edition. If your APC UPS connects to a computer via USB or serial cable, this is the software you need.

Who Is This For?

Home & Home Office

Users with a Back-UPS or Back-UPS Pro connected via USB to a single desktop or workstation. Previously used PowerChute Personal Edition.

Small & Medium Business

IT admins with Smart-UPS or Easy-UPS units connected via USB or serial to a local server. Previously used PowerChute Business Edition.

Local Servers

Any environment where the UPS is directly cabled to the protected machine and network-based management is not required.

Compatible Hardware

  • Back-UPS — All current models with USB connectivity
  • Back-UPS Pro — All current models with USB connectivity
  • Smart-UPS — Models with USB or serial ports (direct connection, no NMC)
  • Easy-UPS — Models with USB or serial ports

For Smart-UPS units managed over the network via a Network Management Card, use PowerChute Network Shutdown instead.

Features & Capabilities

Everything You Need to Protect Your System

Graceful Shutdown

Automatically saves open files and safely shuts down the OS before the UPS battery is depleted during a power outage.

Energy Management

Monitor energy usage and optimize power consumption with built-in energy metering and reporting tools.

Unattended Start-Up

Automatically restarts the protected computer after power is restored, even when no one is on-site.

Multi-Protocol Support

Works over both USB and serial connections, supporting a wide range of APC UPS models across generations.

Additional Capabilities

  • Real-time UPS status dashboard showing battery charge, load, and runtime
  • Configurable shutdown thresholds based on remaining runtime or battery level
  • Event logging and notifications for power events
  • Self-test scheduling to verify battery health
  • Supports Windows and Linux operating systems
Installation Guide

Getting Started with PowerChute Serial Shutdown

Setup Steps

1

Connect the Cable

Connect your APC UPS to the computer using the included USB or serial cable. Plug directly into a port on the computer — do not use a USB hub.

2

Download the Software

Download PowerChute Serial Shutdown from the APC / Schneider Electric website. Select the version that matches your operating system.

3

Install & Configure

Run the installer, follow the on-screen wizard, and configure your shutdown preferences and notification settings.

Cable Requirements

  • USB: Use the USB cable included with your UPS or a USB-IF certified replacement. Connect directly to the computer — not through a USB hub or docking station.
  • Serial: Use the APC-provided serial cable. Standard RS-232 cables are not compatible — APC serial cables use a proprietary pinout.
  • Only one computer should be connected to the UPS data port at a time.

Mac OS Note

PowerChute Serial Shutdown is not available for Mac OS. macOS includes native UPS shutdown support built into System Preferences > Energy Saver (or System Settings > Battery on newer versions). When an APC UPS is connected via USB, macOS automatically detects it and provides configurable shutdown options. No additional software is required.

Troubleshooting

Common Issues & Solutions

Windows Troubleshooting

  • Check the APC PBE Agent service: Open Windows Services (services.msc) and verify the “APC PBE Agent” service is running. If stopped, right-click and select Start.
  • Verify cabling: Ensure the USB or serial cable is connected directly to the computer, not through a hub. Try a different USB port.
  • Device Manager: Open Device Manager and look under “Batteries” or “HID UPS Battery” for the APC device. If it shows a warning icon, uninstall the driver and reconnect the cable.
  • Disable USB selective suspend: Go to Power Options > Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings > USB settings > USB selective suspend setting — set to Disabled.
  • Disable Green Mode: If your UPS has a Green Mode or energy saving mode enabled, it may interfere with communication. Disable it via the UPS front panel or LCD.

Linux Troubleshooting

  • Check service status: Run systemctl status apcserial to verify the PowerChute service is active and running.
  • Restart the service: Run sudo systemctl restart apcserial if the service is in a failed state.
  • Verify USB detection: Run lsusb and look for an “American Power Conversion” entry. If missing, check physical connections and try a different USB port.
  • Check permissions: Ensure the service account has read/write access to the USB device (typically /dev/usb/hiddevX or /dev/ttyUSBX for serial).
  • Supported distributions: PowerChute Serial Shutdown supports Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES). Other distributions may work but are not officially supported.
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Compatibility Guide
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