Jeffgeerling iconJeffgeerlingSep 8, 2026

OpenNMC is an open replacement for expensive APC management cards

UPSes are typically the most boring part of your homelab, but they're important. One of their main jobs is to give servers time to shut down safely if the power goes out.

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UPSes are typically the most boring part of your homelab, but they're important.

One of their main jobs is to give servers time to shut down safely if the power goes out.

At least with APC, there are tons of older UPSes that use Network Management Cards.

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The useful part

UPSes are typically the most boring part of your homelab, but they're important. One of their main jobs is to give servers time to shut down safely if the power goes out. At least with APC, there are tons of older UPSes that use Network Management Cards.

How it works

  • The one pictured below is the NMC 2, and I pulled out of my old APC Smart-UPS 2200 XL (pictured above).

Details worth keeping

Another job is to condition your power so your servers can run smoothly. To do both of those things well, you need a smart interface.

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