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Overview
Belec Electrical was selected to perform a highly coordinated mission-critical power transition for a telecommunications facility in DeKalb, Illinois, requiring the replacement and upgrade of key power infrastructure while maintaining 100% operational uptime. The project involved the integration of temporary systems, emergency permitting, remote monitoring, and complex site logistics, all during the season’s most severe winter storm.
Challenge
The telecommunications facility could not afford downtime during critical cutovers. The scope required Belec Electrical to:
- Assume control of the entire mission-critical power system using temporary generation and automatic transfer infrastructure.
- Maintain backup support for battery inverter systems during multiple staged cutovers.
- Coordinate with the village and fire department for emergency permitting.
- Implement a secure, weather-resistant temporary deployment—all while operating in blizzard conditions during the initial tie-in.
Solution
Temporary ATS and Generator System
Belec Electrical deployed a temporary automatic transfer switch (ATS) and generator to seamlessly assume the building’s power load during infrastructure replacement.
The temporary ATS was configured to allow a controlled and reversible transition between permanent utility and temporary power sources, ensuring zero disruption to network operations.
Dual Generator Configuration
A second generator was integrated to support critical battery inverter systems, providing redundancies during each cutover phase. This dual-generator configuration safeguarded uninterrupted DC power and ensured that sensitive telecom equipment always remained online.
Remote Monitoring and Fuel Cell Optimization
Belec implemented remote monitoring technology to continuously verify system readiness and equipment status in real time. A remote fuel cell was installed directly on the generator trailer—an innovative solution that optimized parking lot space and reduced refueling logistics during the storm event.
Site Security and Safety
Given the critical nature of the operation, cellular-based surveillance cameras and temporary fencing were deployed for around-the-clock monitoring.
To protect both personnel and equipment, an egress door was temporarily removed and boarded up, creating a secure, weatherproof pathway for temporary cabling to enter the facility safely.
Emergency Permitting and Coordination
Belec Electrical worked directly with the Village of DeKalb and the local fire department, submitting pre-engineered and standardized temporary power deployment documents.
Because these documents were pre-approved and ready for release, the project received an emergency permit the same day it was applied for—allowing uninterrupted progress on a critical timeline.
Execution During Severe Weather
On the day of the initial power tie-in, the region was hit by the largest snowstorm of the year. Despite the challenging conditions, Belec’s field and operations teams executed all switching and energization procedures safely, on schedule, and without incident. Continuous remote monitoring confirmed that the temporary systems performed flawlessly throughout the storm and subsequent operational window.
Outcome
- Zero downtime during all cutover activities.
- Full redundancy was maintained for AC and DC systems.
- Emergency permits were secured the same day due to Belec’s standardized documentation process.
- Secure and compliant temporary infrastructure deployed under extreme weather conditions.
- Client operations sustained without a single service interruption.
Conclusion
This project demonstrates Belec Electricals’ expertise in mission-critical temporary power deployment, emergency response coordination, and safe work execution under adverse conditions.
Through innovation, preparation, and teamwork, Belec Electrical successfully delivered a resilient, compliant, and secure power transition for one of Illinois’ key telecommunications facilities, proving once again that no outage is the only acceptable outcome.