Electrical Service Upgrade

about this project

This project involved a new electrical distribution system for St. Francis DeSales High School. A new power company transformer, 4,000 amp, 208/120 volt, 3-phase, 4-wire switchboard was installed.  This new service was added to back feed the existing 1,600 amp switchboard, to provide spare capacity for a 53,000 SF addition, and to provide spare capacity for a future HVAC upgrade. The existing 1,600 amp switchboard and panelboards were installed in 1961 and should be replaced.  This upgrade will allow the school to phase out the old switchboard and replace existing panels as future renovations are done.

RDFA’s role was to provide Electrical engineering design for this project.

Notable engineering features of this Project:  The challenge faced on this project was to install the new electric service and back feed the existing electrical service while minimizing outages. A 500kW temporary diesel generator was provided on a weekend for this transition.

167,550 SF (Existing Building)/100,000 SF (Future Addition) Construction Cost:  $513,851

Owner: Catholic Diocese of Columbus
Type: K-12 Schools
Date Completed: 2019
Contractor: Mid City Electric