Temp Power FAQ
Straight answers to the questions superintendents and builders ask before they order temporary power or site equipment.
Temp poles, permits and the utility
What does a temporary power pole include?
A pole or post, the meter base, a panel with breakers and GFCI receptacles, ground rods and the connection to the utility. We also file the permit, book the inspection and remove it at the end.
Who files the permit and the utility request?
We do. The permit goes to the city building division or to Alameda, Contra Costa or Santa Clara County for unincorporated areas, and the service request goes to PG&E, except in Santa Clara (Silicon Valley Power) and Palo Alto (City of Palo Alto Utilities).
Why does it take a few weeks to get power?
The install is one day. The rest of the wait is plan review, the inspection and the utility scheduling a crew to set the meter.
Single-phase or three-phase: which do I need?
Homes, remodels and small shops usually run on single-phase. Cranes, hoists, large welders and big HVAC test runs usually need three-phase. We decide from your equipment list.
Can the pole be set underground instead of overhead?
Yes. If the utility source is a vault or an underground line, we trench and run conduit to the pole. It adds time for the trench inspection.
Who takes the pole down when the building has power?
Once the permanent service is live, we request the disconnect and remove the pole, panel, ground rods and any conduit we installed.
Generators and backup power
How do you size a construction generator?
We add up the running and starting loads of the tools, trailers and equipment that will run at the same time, then pick a unit with some headroom.
Do you deliver fuel?
Yes. We set a delivery schedule based on run hours and tank size, and adjust it if the load changes.
Does my generator need an air permit?
A big diesel parked on a job for months can fall under BAAQMD permit rules. We check whether one applies to your unit and rental length before delivery.
Can you cover a planned shutdown or a PSPS outage?
Yes. We connect a generator for a switchgear shutdown or a utility outage, and keep it on site until power is back.
What is the largest unit you rent?
We supply towable diesels from 20kW up to 500kW and larger, and we can parallel units for bigger loads. Units over 300kW are quoted per job.
Lights, cameras, internet and cooling
Solar or diesel light towers?
Solar towers are quiet and need no fuel, which suits residential streets. Diesel towers put out more light for longer and work better for large night pours.
How do the camera trailers send video?
Each trailer has a cellular uplink. You get motion alerts and live view on your phone, and we can add remote monitoring and timelapse.
How fast is construction internet?
It depends on the carriers and the site. Bonded LTE and 5G kits combine several signals, and satellite works where cell service is weak. Mesh nodes spread WiFi across the site.
Can you cool a server room during a fit-out?
Yes. Ducted spot coolers from 1 to 5 tons can hold an IT or electrical room at a safe temperature while the building system is down.
Do you rent heaters in winter?
Yes. Portable heaters keep drywall, paint and flooring work at the right temperature, and we swap them for coolers when the weather turns.
Are rentals month to month?
Most are. Poles, internet and cameras rent monthly, and generators, light towers and spot coolers rent by the week or month.
Need a straight answer fast?
Call 510-961-6012 during dispatch hours, Monday to Saturday.