What Is a Temporary Power Pole?
It is a freestanding pole, set in the ground or on a base, carrying a meter socket and breaker panel so the utility can energize a site before the building has permanent wiring. Crews on a construction site services job usually order one at the same time they schedule a roll-off dumpster rental and a construction dumpster rental, because both go in during the same early mobilization week. A 200 amp temporary power pole is the common size for a single-trade job site in Redmond running saws, compressors and a couple of light towers. Bigger builds sometimes need more than one, spaced around the perimeter near where a light tower rental or a temporary power pole itself will sit. GFCI protection on construction power circuits falls under OSHA 1926.404(b)(1)(ii), and that requirement applies whether the power comes off a permanent panel or a temporary pole. Pair the pole location with your porta potty placement guide planning so trenching and delivery trucks do not cross paths.
How Much Does Temporary Power Pole Installation Cost?
Installation cost depends on amp size, trenching, and how far the pole sits from the utility transformer, so get a site-specific quote through request a quote rather than guess from a flat number. Most Redmond contractors budget the pole into the same mobilization line as roll-off dumpster rental service and a handwashing station rental, since all three deliver in the same first-week window. If your site is 6.4 miles east toward Union Hill-Novelty Hill or 7.1 miles north toward Woodinville, delivery routing is similar to what we run for porta potty rental in Woodinville, WA jobs. Compare full site costs against our dumpster rental cost and temporary fence cost pages before finalizing a budget, since power, fencing and waste removal usually get bundled into one mobilization quote in Redmond.
Where Should a Temporary Power Pole Go on a Construction Site?
Set the pole where the utility can reach it without crossing the excavation, and keep clear access for the meter reader and for a roll-off dumpster rental truck that needs about 60 feet of straight clearance behind it during delivery. Keep the pole away from swing-door traffic for a standard porta potty rental or an ADA accessible porta potty, since ADA Standards section 403.5.1 calls for a 36 inch clear route to accessible units and a pole guy-wire in that path defeats the purpose. Housekeeping around the pole and cord runs falls under OSHA 1926.25, which requires clearing scrap and debris from work areas, so keep the base tidy once trenching backfills. If the site also runs a storage container rental or mobile office trailer rental, place the pole so cords do not run under vehicle paths those units need for delivery and pickup.
How long does it take to get a temporary power pole installed?
Timing depends on utility scheduling in Redmond more than on the pole itself; most crews order the pole, request the meter inspection, and coordinate energizing before framing starts. Book it alongside your emergency porta potty rental or standard unit order so nothing holds up mobilization day.
Do I need a permit for a temporary power pole?
Permit rules vary by project and were not confirmed for this page, so check with the City of Redmond before you set the pole. See our porta potty permit requirements page for how we handle unconfirmed placement rules on other equipment too.
What size temporary power pole do I need?
A 200 amp pole covers most single-trade sites running saws, compressors and light towers. Bigger multi-trade jobs, or sites also running an 8 stall restroom trailer with electric lift, may need a larger service. Ask your electrician to size it against your actual load list.
Can a temporary power pole run a restroom trailer?
Yes, most restroom trailer rental units need standard 110v service, well within what a 200 amp pole supplies. Confirm amperage with your luxury restroom trailer or shower trailer rental provider before delivery day.
Does the pole need to stay past construction?
No, most poles come down once permanent service is live. If your site still needs temporary sanitation after that, look at our porta potty rental Redmond page or service areas for what runs longest on a job winding down.
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