Paul Blake

Health and Safety

C&C Power would like to make a statement regarding the COVID-19 crisis. We are extremely concerned and aware of all mandates. With the rapid spread of the new Coronavirus COVID-19, our number one priority is the health and safety of our employees, partners, and customers. Our facilities are 100 percent operational. We have prepared a plan to maintain the highest service level. As a result, we are ensuring the health and safety of all that interact with our facilities.

We are closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 and are following the recommendations of global and local public health authorities. C&C Power will continue to provide updates as the situation develops. We also expect our customers and vendors to proactively reach out with questions and concerns. Similarly, we will be reaching out to make sure we are working together and doing all we can to prevent the spread of this coronavirus. We believe this must be a united effort.

COVID-19 In the Power Industry

Regarding COVID-19 in the power industry, the United States government with the Department of Homeland Security, and The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have issued guidance on those who impact our critical infrastructure. In accordance with this mandate, and in collaboration with other federal agencies and the private sector, CISA developed an initial list of “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers” to help state and local officials as they work to protect their communities. This will ensure continuity of functions critical to public health and safety, as well as economic and national security. 

C&C Power performs essential manufacturing activities to support our critical infrastructure. We maintain the information technology and telecommunication assets for key components of our national communications networks. These components include the assets of healthcare providers, network operators, call centers, city municipalities, telecommunications companies, government agencies, financial institutions, and other essential operating facilities.

Our manufacturing, engineering, and support staff have been fully informed of all procedural practices to comply with stringent mandates to keep a healthy environment at C&C Power. We have urged our staff to follow all recommendations the Center for Disease Control has issued and encourage them to stay up to date with developments.

Customers may continue to contact us regarding operational updates, orders status, product quotes, shipping and tracking information.

Update: April 3, 2020

C&C Power is aware that there are many needs in our community. It has been our commitment as a company to always partner with our local community. We have several initiatives in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, including distributing 40,000 face masks to first responders, nursing homes, community centers, nonprofits, local businesses, and healthcare providers in the Chicagoland area. We have also shipped thousands of hand sanitizer bottles to customers and vendors. C&C Power continues to look for ways to stay active and responsive during this crisis.

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C&C Power has engineered battery cabinets to offer the maximum amount of backup power in the smallest footprint, safe solutions, and industry-leading thermal performance. Our cabinets are built with many standard features above others on the market. We also offer many additional battery cabinet options to meet conditional and facility needs.

Standard Battery Cabinet Features

• Optimized convectional cooling design and performance
• Air gaps between batteries for longer life and better cooling
• Heavy-gauge welded steel construction
• Acid-resistant powder-coated finish
• Hinged, locking front door(s) for easy and secure access
• Factory assembled and fully tested
• Breaker and fuse options for single or multiple string applications
• Patented, tiered shelf design to simplify maintenance *
• Terminals shielded with polycarbonate *

* Standard on UBC Series battery cabinets

Additional Battery Cabinet Options

A variety of options are available to ensure that our factory assembled battery cabinets will meet the specific requirements needed for your site. This includes cabinets compliant with the current international and state-recognized seismic requirements, as well as the latest fire and safety codes.

1. Structural Certifications

C&C Power’s battery cabinets can all be seismic certified. We invest a sizable amount of time and resources into the process to ensure our customers can meet any specification or site requirement that arises.

Our structural seismic analyses and anchorage seismic analysis are completed with a full set of calculations stamped by registered professional engineers for IBC (international building code) and CBC (California Building Code).

A number of our battery backup cabinets have also undergone a shake test and are capable of being OSHPD-certified. OSHPD is a common requirement we see when quoting and specifying in California hospitals.

The C&C Power warehouse has a fully stocked inventory. We are equipped with all the parts for various permutations of our cabinets. The seismic rating does not add any additional time to a standard lead-time. Our uncommonly quick turnarounds (typically 2 weeks max, even for 20+ cabinet orders) will still apply.

2. Thermal Management

Our UL approved thermal management options are designed to maximize the life of your batteries without the hassle, installation, and expensive maintenance of a complex room cooling or heating system. Every battery cabinet undergoes a comprehensive thermal analysis in a 3D environment in order to optimize the location and amount of ventilation.

Solutions for keeping indoor batteries cool

• Insulated battery cabinet option
• Insulated and air-conditioned battery cabinet option
• CoolCab fan option

Temperature solutions for NEMA 3R outdoor batteries

• Outdoor battery cabinet option
• Insulated battery cabinet option
• Air-conditioned and heated battery cabinet option
• High-temperature battery cabinet option (up to -40C)

3. Battery Monitoring Systems

Section 608 of the newly updated International Fire Code addresses the necessary requirements for battery systems. C&C Power offers thermal runaway protection on all of its battery cabinet systems in order to meet these specifications. We offer a selection of battery monitoring systems including our own Batt-Safe II system. Our production and service teams are well versed in all programs and will install the specified unit.

• Alber Battery Monitoring
• Batt-Safe II Battery Monitoring
  • A complete battery system compliant with NFPA / IFC codes in regards to thermal runaway
• Btech Battery Monitoring
• Cellwatch Battery Monitoring
• Generex Battery Monitoring
• Powershield Battery Monitoring

4. Battery Cabinet Charger

The Caledon Battery Charger is ideal for long runtime applications where the UPS does not have an adequate charger to charge a large battery system. The extra charge current reduces recharge times and maximizes the life of your batteries by using voltage regulation, current limiting, and temperature compensation. 

5. Ground Fault Detection

A digital ground fault detector is an add-on that meets all requirements for ground detectors in accordance with NEC 250.21 (B) and CEC 10-106 (2). It’s available for use with grounded and ungrounded DC systems. It features a digital display to show the up to date system status in real-time.

6. 48V String Breakdown

The issue of safety is at the forefront of many a mind when it comes to working with large voltage. Technicians are being asked to wear cumbersome arc flash suits and gloves which are great for protection but tend to get in the way when attempting to install or perform service on a string of batteries.

Our breakthrough solution ensures technicians are never exposed to more than 48V at a time. It also reduces the requirements of PPE during maintenance. C&C Power’s front terminal solution is patented. The kit is quick and simple to add to any of our standard cabinets and is available for immediate shipping.

7. Paint Options & Vent Patterns

C&C Power is set up to be flexible with paint color options, texture, and vent patterns. This allows each customer a perfect line match with any UPS on the market with consistency.

Standard Battery Cabinet Finish Options (not limited to these)

• Flat Black Powder Coat
• Black Sand Texture Powder Coat
• CY Gray Powder Coat
• Medium Gray Sand Texture Powder Coat
• Antique White Sand Texture Powder Coat
• Quality Beige Powder Coat

When requesting a quote, please indicate as many of the options you desire. Our sales department is committed to working with you to build-out a battery cabinet order that meets all your needs.

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C&C Power offers a full range of battery solutions to meet your backup power requirements.  We hold the largest inventory of uninterrupted power supply UPS replacement batteries in the United States.

Lead Acid Batteries

C&C Power stocks thousands of VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead Acid) UPS replacement batteries from many of the leading manufacturers including Hitachi CSB, East Penn Deka, Enersys and many others. They have been regarded as some of the highest quality batteries in the world. All batteries meet or exceed IEEE recommended practices. Lead-acid batteries are well-known, their characteristics and life cycle are understood, they are a relatively inexpensive option for many companies, and they are easy to recycle.

How to Identify the UPS Replacement Battery Needed

If you have purchased a C&C Power battery cabinet, there may be a label listing the battery model on the interior of the cabinet door with the necessary information for purchasing the same UPS battery replacement or all information will be on the batteries themselves. C&C Power also offers dozens of equivalent batteries for your application needs.

Lead Acid Battery Disposal

Batteries being replaced will need to be properly disposed of in accordance with EPA guidelines.  Since they contain hazardous materials, it is unlawful to toss them into the dumpster that will end up in a landfill.  C&C Power recommends reviewing the disposal and recycling directions in your manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet. 

• Hitachi CSB Safety Data Sheet
• East Penn Safety Data Sheet
• Enersys Safety Data Sheet

Shipping Replacement Batteries

Our vast inventory allows for the fastest delivery times in the industry. Centrally located in Carol Stream, Illinois, we can deliver replacement batteries the same day to locations in the greater Chicago area. Next day standard delivery is also available to select WI, IN, IA and MO cities. 

View our online UPS Replacement Battery list to find your application need. Please contact our Sales Department for pricing or if you do not see your specific battery type.

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C&C Power offers UPS Maintenance Bypass Breaker Cabinets available in multiple configurations. Each cabinet can be structured with an assortment of options that are suitable for your facility. Our free-standing and wall-mount bypass cabinets are available in 600V, 480V, and 208V Voltage and AIC ratings from 10K to 65K. C&C Power’s maintenance bypass cabinets come fully assembled, tested, and listed to UL891. Here are six maintenance bypass options to consider when building out your facility.

1. Load Bank Breaker

A load bank breaker can be added to help verify that your backup power system will perform without fail and deliver full load power during times of utility outage. To ensure the reliability of a system, a load bank breaker may be mandated by code in critical facilities. Properly automated or inter-locked with the Maintenance Bypass, the UPS can be fully load tested while still providing power to the critical load.

Load Bank Breaker Cam-locks

When load banks are not permanently installed onsite, cam-locks can be added for fast and safe connection to a load bank breaker. 

2. Input / Output transformers

Voltage transformation allows the MBC to change available site utility voltage to match the specification of the UPS or to provide the proper voltage to the critical load.  Building the transformer into the Maintenance Bypass reduces the need for onsite labor and materials which leads to a smaller footprint and lower cost.   

3. Distribution

Power distribution is a necessity for any critical application.  Building the distribution into the Maintenance Bypass system allows you to configure a system to meet your exact needs whether it be 30-84 circuit breaker panels or molded case sub-feed breakers.  These systems also reduce the need for onsite labor and materials.

Designed with flexibility in mind, a C&C Power bypass transformer distribution combo cabinet can be ordered in any number of combinations. An Input transformer or output isolation can be outfitted. Your unit can include High AIC or low, with a 30-circuit distribution or without (easy bolt-in breakers included upon request).

4. Input/output metering

Meters can be added as an option to provide input and output voltage monitoring. Input/output meters show exactly what is happening remotely. It allows you to set the meter to check input and output levels for your bypass cabinet. This can be done through network connections. Meter readings can indicate events and record status.

5. Surge Suppression

A surge suppressor suppresses and regulates the voltage. It makes the power constant in the case of a spike or surge. This option is designed to divert high-current surges to ground and bypass your critical equipment.

6. Switching Protection

Switching protection is needed on Maintenance Bypasses to ensure different sources of power are not paralleled or energized in the wrong sequence or at the wrong time.  Incorrect operation of the bypass can cause harm to the personnel or equipment. 

Kirk-key locks

We provide a basic set of Kirk-key locks. Kirk-key locks are a standard that provides a minimal amount of protection when operating/paralleling critical feeds. 

Solenoid Key Release Unit

The SKRU (solenoid key release unit) option is the next better level of protection which requires a signal from equipment before certain breakers can be operated. 

Automatic Bypass

The new patent-pending Automatic Bypass is the most foolproof protection a bypass can have.  This system is operated by a touch-screen with built-in logic that prohibits a user from operating the system incorrectly.  Motor operators actuate the breakers so the users never have to manually turn on breakers.

Consider optimal manufacturing configurations when specifying, installing, and operating maintenance bypasses. Designing your maintenance bypass options from the start can help ensure reliable electrical and mechanical system operation throughout your critical facility. C&C Power can help you obtain the most systematic approach to your maintenance bypass specifications. Contact our sales team with questions concerning your needs. View our freestanding or wall mount maintenance bypass cabinets at our Online Store.

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Chicagoland Electric Association

The Chicagoland Electric Association Education Foundation (CEAEF) is sponsoring its 2019 Annual Homeless Children’s Christmas Party for the 28th year. On Saturday, December 7, 2019, children from seven area shelters will enjoy a full turkey dinner with all the trimmings.

As the children walk into the decorated hall they are greeted by lively music played by a DJ. It doesn’t take long for them to join the DJ with dancing and singing and just having a great time. Finally, as the children finish lunch their anticipation mounts because they know Santa will arrive with a special gift for them. It’s a wonderful afternoon from the time the children enter the hall until they leave with all their holiday goodies.

Children’s Christmas Party

This event could not take place without the many company toy drives and volunteers, but we still have direct expenses that require financial contributions to pay for the bus transportation for the children, supplies, entertainment (excluding the DJ), and a large gift for each shelter. In the past, the Chicagoland Electric Association has given computers, software, and printers to each homeless shelter. Because of your donations, we have also been able to donate a large number of new blankets, sheets, towels, and mattresses to seven participating homeless shelters.

Thank you in advance, together we do make a difference. Please consider making a monetary contribution. Printable donation slip.

The 2019 Annual Homeless Children’s Christmas Party will be moving from the James Jordan Center to the new IBEW 134 Hall at 2722 S. Martin Luther King Drive in Chicago. IBEW 134 has graciously offered to provide their facility for this year’s party, along with tables and chairs at no cost to the Electric Association’s Education Foundation who facilitates the event.

Please make checks payable to The Chicagoland Electric Association Education Foundation (CEAEF) (NOTE: Homeless Children’s Party)

• Address: 17W733 Butterfield Rd., Suite B, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
• If possible, please mail a check prior to December 6th, 2019

Company Toy Drives

Once again, C&C Power Inc. is honored to sponsor this event. If you would like to donate toys, please follow these procedures:

• All presents must be wrapped and marked with the appropriate ages and gender
• Please make the value of the gift a minimum of $25
• Deliver the gifts by Wednesday, November 27, 2019, to Steiner Electric Company in Elk Grove
• Non-gender gifts preferred
• Please, no used or second-hand gifts
• If your gift requires batteries please include them

Consequently, if toys remain, we will distribute them to other homeless shelters or organizations in need of gifts for children this holiday season.

Supply Donations

Consider donating party supplies. Paper plates, plastic silverware, napkins, juice boxes, cookies, enough to feed 400 people. Supplies and food need to be delivered by Monday, December 2, 2019, to:

Steiner Electric Company
1250 Touhy Avenue, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
Attn: Brenda Kwit
Questions, contact Brenda Kwit at (847) 956-3008

Thank you very much!
Homeless Children’s Christmas Party Committee
Al Rzeczkowski, Rick Kerman, Ali Novinger, Chuck Currie, Brenda Kwit

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