by Russ Tabaka, Gilbank Construction, Inc.
Whether new construction or an existing building remodel temporary power is almost always a must! Not every crew can provide their own generator and not every site will have the permanent infrastructure to provide such a critical project utility. Here are a few considerations when it comes to understanding the need, verifying the capacity required and keeping the track of the safety of using temporary power on your job sites.
Qualifying the need and for how long
It is necessary to incorporate temp power timelines into a project schedule. Communicating these sorts of site conditions are a critical part of a smooth deployment to site. Stakeholders to involve in temp power arrangements include Owners, utility companies and any contractor utilizing power tools of any kind. Owners are often responsible for the temporary service monthly charges from the utility company. Utility companies may need to be aware of cases where special monitoring or site security is needed for life safety temporary power requirements on their grid. Contractors conditions will vary depending on the task and process performed by a contractor.
Consider the necessary capacity
In an audit of the power requirements 80% capacity is a good rule of thumb to prevent overloading a circuit. Circuit breakers are typically rated for 80% capacity meaning a 15 amp circuit is generally good for up to 12 amps. If a single temp circuit is going to draw anywhere near the 80% capacity then an additional circuit is required. Power requirements will vary from task to task (i.e. for grinding will be different from temp lighting, and both will be different from battery charging or the essential job site microwave). A simple audit of the tools and processes on site will help site managers calculate the quantities of circuits needed.
Organization and tracking of temp power
One of the best ways to audit and track the needs for temp power is during daily huddles on site. Find out each contractor’s power needs (amps and voltage) prior to deploying temporary power. Require contractors to tag cords plugged into the temp circuit. Monitor the tools by having contractors fill out a matrix specifying what tools/lighting/heating is plugged into their cord; and keep the sheet near the temp power panel.
(https://www.esfi.org/temporary-power-safety/)
(https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.405)
Merit shop contractors take pride in their ability to deliver projects that are safe, on time and on budget. Temporary power is one challenge that all contractors will face. It is my hope that with a review of the safety procedures and management practices this will not be one detail that will present challenges on your job sites. Be safe! Be Merit Shop Proud!
Citations review (OSHA research, references)
Failure to implement safe temp power distribution can be deadly. Allowing everyone on site access to the panel on an unsupervised basis can have fatal consequences. OSHA will audit these conditions and write citations accordingly if a contractor is not meeting their responsibility. Electrical Safety Foundation International offers this infographic based off of OSHA 1926.495, NEC and NFPA 70E Requirements.
