Dry Contact I/O Options FAQ

Issue

This FAQ document will provide answers to commonly-asked questions by sales, channel partners and tech support regarding the AP9810 APC Dry Contact I/O Accessory for the AP9631 UPS Network Management Card 2 with Environmental Monitoring. References also include the older, discontinued AP9610 Dry Contact I/O SmartSlot card and the current Dry Contact I/O SmartSlot Card, AP9613.



Product Line

• UPS Device Management
  • AP9631/AP9631CH - UPS Network Management Card 2
  • AP9810 - Dry Contact I/O Accessory
  • AP9610 - Relay I/O SmartSlot Card (discontinued)
  • AP9613 - Dry Contact I/O SmartSlot Card

Environment

• All installations unless otherwise specified

Cause

This FAQ is provided for reference.



Resolution

Review the FAQ listed below.


What UPS Network Management Card is compatible with the Dry Contact I/O Accessory?
The Dry Contact I/O Accessory is compatible with the AP9631 UPS Network Management Card 2 with Environmental Monitoring. The AP9635 UPS Network Management Card 2, exclusive to the Symmetra PX 250/500kVA and certain Galaxy units also have some support.


Is the Dry Contact I/O Accessory included with the AP9631 UPS Network Management Card 2?
No, the AP9810 Dry Contact I/O Accessory is sold separately.


Does the AP9810 Dry Contact I/O Accessory replace the older AP9610 Relay I/O SmartSlot Card or newer AP9613 Dry Contact I/O SmartSlot Card?
No, the AP9610 Relay I/O SmartSlot Card, if available, is still an option for supported UPSs but is now discontinued and replaced by the AP9613 Next Generation Relay I/O Card.


What are the differences between the AP9810 Dry Contact I/O Accessory and AP9613Dry Contact I/O SmartSlot Card?
The AP9810 is a add-on Dry Contact I/O Accessory which can be used in conjunction with the AP9631 UPS Network Management Card or the AP9613 Dry Contact I/O SmartSlot Card. The AP9610 and AP9613 are standalone Dry Contact I/O SmartSlot Cards.
 

Accessory or Device	Outputs	Inputs
(1) Dry Contact I/O Accessory (AP9810) with UPS NMC 2 (AP9631)	1	2
(2) Dry Contact I/O Accessory (AP9810) with UPS NMC 2 (AP9631)*	2	4
Dry Contact I/O SmartSlot Card (AP9613)	6	4
Dry Contact I/O SmartSlot Card (AP9613) with (1) Dry Contact I/O Accessory (AP9810)	7	6
Dry Contact I/O SmartSlot Card (AP9613) with (2) Dry Contact I/O Accessory (AP9810)	8	8

*Note: If you are using PowerChute Network Shutdown (PCNS) and if your NMC2 has two universal I/O ports, you must connect the Dry Contact I/O Accessory to Universal I/O Port 2. PCNS only supports one Dry Contact I/O Accessory yet you can still have two connected at a time - PCNS only sees the second one.



What is the maximum length Ethernet cable that can be used between the AP9810 and AP9631 UPS NMC?
1000 feet


How do I approach the configuration of this accessory via the Network Management Card web interface?

The AP9810 accessory configuration (called Control Policy) is located in two places within the web interface.


For firmware v5.X.X

1.) The Environmental Tab contains default relay states and is where you can control the relays at any given time.

2.) Click on the UPS Tab->Control Policy subheading and that is where you can map UPS control actions that pertain to the relay states, etc. Please refer to these instructions for configuration.

3.) The config.ini configuration file items that pertain to the Device Control Policy begin with DCP. For example, DCP0343_2A=ups -c On, -rc 2 close.


For firmware v6.X.X

1.) Click on the Configuration->Universal I/O->Input Contacts or Output relays respectively which contains default relay states and is where you can control the relays at any given time.

2.) Click on Configuration->Universal I/O->Control Policy and that is where you can map UPS control actions that pertain to the relay states, etc. Please refer to these instructions for configuration.

3.) The config.ini configuration file items that pertain to the Device Control Policy begin with DCP. For example, DCP0343_2A=ups -c On, -rc 2 close.

 

Note: The Network Management Card 2 must have application firmware (sumx, sy, sy3p, sypx) v5.1.5 or greater to work properly. For details on upgrading the Management Card 2 firmware, see the user’s guide on the Network Management Card Utility CD or on the APC Web site (www.apc.com).

For more information, please reference the AP9810 user's guide or the AP9613 user's guide.