When driving past a construction or worksite, you might have wondered if these huge outdoor construction settings have access to electricity to run their entire operation. The answer lies in temporary power solutions. When traditional power grids are disrupted or inadequate to meet the demands of a construction site, these temporary solutions step in to ensure uninterrupted operations.
But do you know what temporary power is? Where does it occur? And how can you secure temporary power for a construction site? To get answers to all these questions, continue reading below.
What is Temporary Power?
For construction sites, temporary power is a temporary electrical service that provides power to construction tools, equipment, lighting, and other cruciate facilities during the construction process.
Temporary power systems basically include certain components like distribution panels, transformers, outlets, wiring, and safety measures like grounding and circuit breakers. The complex systems offer a safe and reliable electricity source that supports the construction activities until the permanent power supply is established and the project is completed.
How to Get Temporary Power For Your Construction Site
There are some basic considerations that you have to carry out legally and safely to add an electricity source to your construction site. From receiving permission from your local utility company to offering safety training, consider the major steps discussed below to access temporary power to your construction site.
Assess Power Requirements
Firstly, consider the bigger picture of your project. Consider the project goals and the machinery and tools needed to power the site. Furthermore, any temporary facilities that require power should also be considered.
It is crucial to consider the timeline of your project and the hours of the day you will use the maximum power. Carefully monitor all power requirements to clearly understand the power utilization for your construction site.
Obtain Permit
Analyze local regulations and obtain any permissions needed for temporary power installation at the construction site. For the most accurate permission information, you must inform where you need the power supply and connect with the local utility company or the city office that deals with utilities and electricity. Once all the permits are in place, you should find and hire a company that provides temporary power.
Analyze Your Options For a Temporary Power Supply
According to the location of your project, you will come across multiple companies that provide temporary power systems. Also, consider calling and asking them for quotes from different companies. Request detailed information about power requirements when obtaining quotes. Remember that you do not have to instantly go for the least expensive option when considering a company you will be working with; after you receive the pricing, put forward other questions to make sure that the company is readily available and reliable in situations of emergencies.
Power Distribution System
Now comes the time for your temporary power supplier to come to your construction site and create a power distribution system that aligns with your requirements. When the supplier is on-site, make sure they have access to all the information needed to make important decisions.
Your temporary power supplier might put forward certain questions, including:
- The timeline of your project
- When do you need power?
- What hours of the day will you anticipate using the maximum power?
- What areas of the construction site require power outlets?
- What equipment will require temporary power?
Once they have access to all the needed information, the power supplier will create the system. The supplier might also visit another construction site to finalize and verify the layout.
Offer a Safety Training
Construction safety is of extreme importance. When discussing working with a temporary power supply, make sure that all your employees are safe in the environment. The person responsible for the construction site must inform the workers of certain safety tips when working with temporary power, such as:
- Keep all your temporary power equipment clear of vehicle traffic
- Inspect all wiring and cords regularly; if something seems off, alert the supervisor
- Make sure that all equipment is secure and properly grounded
- Appoint a professional electrician, as they are the only authorized people to alter or set up the system
- Adhere to OSHA requirements, considering temporary power supply.
Installing Temporary Power
After you finalize the layout of the system for the construction site, your supplier team will install the temporary power system on site. Depending on the size of the site, installation might require certain days. The supplier must provide you with the details of the project and timeline before they go for installation. Ensure you and your team follow all the rules during temporary power installation, as they are crucial for everyone’s safety.
Inspection and Continuous Maintenance
After the temporary power system gets installed on your construction site, there is a final inspection by the authority that offers you permission. This inspection is performed to ensure compliance with safety regulations and local electrical cords. If you clear the inspection, the utility company connects the transformer to the meter, and turns on your temporary power supply officially.
After clearing the final inspection, your team will be safe to use the newly installed temporary power. As you continue with your project, some authorized employee of the power supplier performs a routine visit and checks to make sure that everything functions smoothly. You and your team will continuously access and address power concerns to the supplier to make further adjustments.
Reliable Temporary Power Solutions By Central States Diesel Generators
To ensure that your project is completed smoothly, you must have uninterrupted access to the power supply. In cases of power outages, you can entirely depend on a reliable, temporary power supply to make sure you complete your projects within the deadlines. For the most reliable partner, connect with Central States Diesel Generators, as we offer a wide range of new and used mining, commercial and construction generators that offer you the best functionality and power supply.
Common Questions About Temporary Power For Construction Site
Q1. What is a temporary power supply?
A temporary power source is usually available in the form of one or many diesel generators to offer independent power flow.
Q2. Describe the temporary power distribution panel.
Temporary power panels provide reliable, safe and uninterrupted temporary power for construction sites.
Q3. Explain the temporary power market.
Temporary power stands as an independent electric power source, supporting industries and other construction sites with power supply consequences such as power outages and blackouts.
Q4. How tall should the temporary pole be?
Temporary poles must be installed in the ground at a minimum of 4 feet, solidly fixed, and a minimum of 12 feet above the ground.
Q5. What do you call a temporary power loss?
A transient fault is a power loss, which is caused basically by some fault on a powerline.
Q6. Are diesel generators used for temporary power supply?
Yes, diesel generators are an amazing power source option for temporary power supply and construction sites.
Q7. Which kind of sockets are used to provide temporary power supply at construction sites?
The different kinds of sockets used for temporary electrical supply and construction sites include:
- 16A socket
- 32A socket