One Call Service Calls for Backup

As the name implies, One Call Internet, Indianapolis, is an Internet service provider (ISP) whose main function is to provide high-end Internet backbone and colocation/disaster recovery services for businesses in the Midwest. One Call takes its business a step further—with dual redundant power backup systems.

"While we provide our customers with a secure connection to the Internet, as well as a place to store their equipment, the most important service we offer them is security," explains project engineer Greg Pritchard. "We accomplish this security by supplying quality uninterruptible, redundant power sources."

Customers who make use use of the firm's service as a disaster recovery site depend on the power when their primary sites go down. One call ensures power backup with dual utility feeds, two 900-kVA UPS systems and a 2-MW generator set. To provide an even greater level of security, each of the company's seven colocation rooms incorporate its own static transfer switch and 25-ton redundant air-conditioning system. Each customer cabinet in a colocation room is further backed up by a UPS and genset.

"Our power in the Indianapolis area can be dirty," says Pritchard. "During extremely hot or cold temperatures, where there is a high demand for power, we experience frequent low/high voltage discharges." Even if they last for just a few seconds, these discharges can affect sensitive equipment.

Non-critical systems are backed up only by the generator set, which starts automatically after a 12-sec. delay. During the year that the generator has been in place, it has only been needed on three occasions. "The system functioned flawlessly during all three outages," remembers Pritchard. "I remember looking down the street and noticing that other businesses were without power while we remained fully functional."