As one of the fastest-growing areas in the country, Loudoun County, Virginia, is constantly battling the need for more classrooms in its public schools. The school system recently took a major plunge into providing more technical, engineering and vocational training by building a new 300,000-square-foot facility to combine its program of career and technical education with its existing Academy of Science and Academy of Engineering and Technology programs — held now at two separate high schools.

The new school will offer a variety of labs and classes in disciplines from the culinary arts to automotive and welding classes. And all those disciplines will need power.

Power Solutions is installing two three-phase, 4,000-amp electrical service switchboards to bring in service; 277/480-volt distribution throughout the school; lighting and lighting controls; lightning protection; and life safety, including a 450-kW life safety backup generator to keep elevators and emergency lighting on-line during outages.

When complete, the new, fully handicapped-accessible school will provide capacity for 1,250 students in grades 9 through 12, and offer Loudoun County students opportunities to develop valuable, marketable skills after graduation.