Pitfalls to Avoid When Setting Up Temporary Power

Setting up temporary power for a construction site is one that can easily go wrong if not properly planned and executed carefully. Unless the proper care is taken, you could find yourself facing a number of setbacks that will delay your project, costing you precious time and money.

These setbacks are usually due to one or more common pitfalls, which are easy to avoid provided the right steps are taken. As experts, we’ve seen it all! Here are a few pitfalls to avoid when setting up temporary power for your construction site.

Failing to plan for the right load

Before setting up a power supply, you need to be clear on exactly how much power you are going to need. If your demand exceeds your supply, your productivity will drop as a result of continual power failures.

In that event, you would need to remove pieces of equipment from the circuit or expand the power supply, both of which take up unnecessary time and resources. Failing to plan for the right load can also lead to safety hazards if the system gets overloaded. 

Make a list of all the equipment you need to supply and then check their power requirements early in the planning process. Adding these up will give the total wattage you will require for your site. 

To be safe, it is best for your supply to exceed this estimation to ensure you have enough power. 

Not using the right equipment

One of the most common mistakes in setting up temporary power supply for a construction site is the use of wiring, panels, enclosures, and cable terminations that are not rated for the job at hand. 

For example:

Some electricians will use an indoor rated cable for an outdoor application in order to cut costs. This is a major hazard, especially if the wiring is exposed to damp conditions. The circuit must be built using properly rated equipment.

Falling short on safety regulations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set forth specific rules and regulations for the safe set-up and use of temporary power in any working environment. These regulations cover the rating issues mentioned above, as well as a number of other matters that can easily be missed. 

One of these is the requirement to have a “Qualified Person” – as defined by OSHA – to install, monitor, and service the temporary connection. 

A qualified person is an electrician with a full understanding of the requirements of a temporary installation, such as the lockout procedures, rating standards, and how to solve problems such as tripped circuits or faulty breakers. 

Aside from careful planning, the most important thing you can do when setting up a new temporary power circuit is to secure the assistance of experts with thorough knowledge and experience of the unique needs and circumstances of temporary power setups. 

Power Plus! is a leading provider of reliable non-radioactive power generators across the United States and Canada.

Power Plus! Is a leading supplier of temporary power, in addition to generator rentals and generator services.

Contact us at (800) 863-2525 or via email at sales@powerplus.com and we will help you secure the right equipment you need to safely operate your site.  

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