Rancho Bernardo High School project profile
Home to around 2,400 students, Rancho Bernardo High School (RBHS) offers a full range of academic and activity programs designed to meet the needs of all students. The school mirrors the ethnic diversity present in the community and serves as an important resource for youth. To enhance performance capabilities for the school’s Performing Arts Center, RBHS partnered with EIDIM in upgrading their theatrical lighting system. The upgrade included the installation of advanced lighting controls and equipment, providing improved flexibility and precision for a wide range of performances and events.
Project Description
This project involves the demolition of the existing EDI dimming rack and the installation of a fully upgraded theatrical lighting and control system at Rancho Bernardo High School. The scope includes disconnecting and making safe all electrical circuits feeding the current lighting system, followed by the installation of a new Middle Atlantic wall-mounted swinging rack, DMX, and network cabling. The contractor will utilize existing conduit where possible and install new conduit where necessary to ensure proper cable routing.
The electrical work includes terminating multiple power feeds to the necessary equipment per the provided schematics. Additionally, a 10-gigabit fiber cable will be run from the electrical room to the designated box, then routed through the ceiling to existing equipment. EIDIM will also install the district-supplied rack with an outlet in the booth, extend a shielded data jack under the desk, and install a new wire run for the dimming rack due to insufficient existing wiring. Further work includes providing a new outlet in the electrical room for the ETC rack and troubleshooting unforeseen electrical issues.
The Challenge
During installation, multiple issues were uncovered from the previous dimming panel, including unlabeled neutral wires and incorrectly identified circuits. EIDIM successfully identified and corrected these issues through comprehensive testing. Despite these challenges, the project was completed on schedule, allowing the originally planned training session to proceed and ensuring no delays for scheduled theater productions at Rancho Bernardo High School.
Technologies and Solutions Used:
Theatrical Lighting Control System
Electrical and Cabling Infrastructure
The electrical system has been upgraded to accommodate the new lighting and control equipment. This includes terminating 3-phase (120/208V) and single-phase (120V) power feeds, as well as installing additional outlets and extending existing wiring. A 10-gigabit fiber cable has been integrated to enhance network connectivity between control stations and lighting components.
Project Outcome
The upgraded theatrical lighting and control system at Rancho Bernardo High School has significantly improved performance capabilities for the school’s Performing Arts Center. The new rack and cabling infrastructure provide enhanced reliability, while the troubleshooting efforts ensured that all electrical components function correctly. This project has delivered a modernized, high-quality lighting system that supports seamless operation for school productions and events, meeting the district’s technical and safety standards.
– Sean Jewett
District Project Manager
