4/27/2023
Temporary Power Solutions: What They Are and Why You Need Them
What do construction sites, food trucks and music festivals have in common? Hint, hint, it has to do with power distribution. They all require temporary power solutions. So, what exactly is temporary power? Furthermore, how do you achieve temporary power? And what kind of temporary power solutions are available?
Any time power is needed, but will eventually be removed, temporary power is needed. Temporary power can also be an application where power is needed for temporary but reoccurring events. There are two ways to accomplish temporary power: one with a temporary service strut farm and the other with temporary power products. One of these options is safer, more aesthetically pleasing and overall better than the other.
Up next, we’ll take a closer look at temporary power applications and the most efficient and safe way to achieve temporary power.
Here are just a few examples of situations that require compact power distribution that will later be removed from service:
Milbank temporary power solutions focus on functionality and safety, with features including:
Milbank’s temporary power products are custom engineered according to individual project specifications, depending on the customer’s region.
The main breaker allows the worker to disconnect power to the circuits downstream. We have also added features like a lug guard to the breaker where parts would still be energized even if the breaker is turned off to achieve touch safe.
Touch safe is now required for products listed under UL 231 and UL 67 standards. Regardless of whether an area has adopted NEC 2020, the products must have touch-safe features to be UL listed.
Power theft is an age-old problem that’s morphed into an issue that’s second only to identify theft. DIY temporary power solutions are by no means secure, making it easy for anyone to access and “borrow” power. Milbank temporary power products feature locks, making it more difficult for power theft to occur.
Temporary power distribution is often in an unmonitored area, making it hard to always know who’s on the property. Our locked enclosures add a layer of security that prevents anyone from accessing the contents at all, helping to prevent any tampering, not just power theft.
Ensuring your temporary power solutions are protected from the elements is crucial. Our products are crafted from galvanized steel or aluminum, creating a barrier between your temporary power and whatever Mother Nature has in store.
A proper temporary power solution is an aesthetically pleasing alternative. There are no visible wires, other components, or unnecessary fencing to protect the enclosure. Milbank temporary power solutions are customizable and can be tailored to blend in without disturbing their surroundings.
Milbank temporary power solutions have a much smaller footprint. We offer a variety of customizable options, each one with a specific size. You’ll know exactly how much room you need, making space much less of a consideration.
Any time power is needed, but will eventually be removed, temporary power is needed. Temporary power can also be an application where power is needed for temporary but reoccurring events. There are two ways to accomplish temporary power: one with a temporary service strut farm and the other with temporary power products. One of these options is safer, more aesthetically pleasing and overall better than the other.
Up next, we’ll take a closer look at temporary power applications and the most efficient and safe way to achieve temporary power.
Why You Need Temporary Power Products
Temporary power solutions were originally developed for the RV and mobile home market. However, temporary power has expanded well beyond its original intent, into residential and commercial applications.Here are just a few examples of situations that require compact power distribution that will later be removed from service:
- Natural disaster recovery
- Construction sites
- Concerts
- Quick deploy buildings
- Fairs and festivals
- Outdoor markets
- Convention centers
- Engine block heaters
- Refrigeration
- Food trucks
What to Look for in Temporary Power Solutions
Although code requirements differ by region, inspectors increasingly require a UL listed, purpose-built product specific to the application, with 3R protection. When choosing temporary power solutions for your project, it’s important to look for options that will enhance the overall ease of your project and, of course, safety.Milbank temporary power solutions focus on functionality and safety, with features including:
- 100 Amps continuous rating
- 4 terminal, 1Ø, utility grade meter socket interior
- Ring type or ring type meter front
- Short circuit withstand rating 10K AIC
- Provisions for up to three factory-installed receptacles
- 100 Amp main breaker and lug guard to provide touch safe
Milbank’s temporary power products are custom engineered according to individual project specifications, depending on the customer’s region.
Benefits of Temporary Power Solutions
Besides being custom designed and built to fit almost any project, Milbank temporary power solutions have a lengthy list of other benefits.Enhanced Safety
As with all Milbank products, safety is our priority. Our temporary power equipment was adapted to follow NEC 2020 code. Section 230.62 in NEC 2020 requires touch-safe features. As a result, we have added a 100 Amp main breaker, along with guards or barriers to prevent inadvertent contact with live parts. This is an added level of protection for personnel working inside the equipment.The main breaker allows the worker to disconnect power to the circuits downstream. We have also added features like a lug guard to the breaker where parts would still be energized even if the breaker is turned off to achieve touch safe.
Touch safe is now required for products listed under UL 231 and UL 67 standards. Regardless of whether an area has adopted NEC 2020, the products must have touch-safe features to be UL listed.
Additional Security
In addition to being UL listed, Milbank temporary power products are a safe and secure solution. In-use covers allow cords to be plugged in and the hinge cover to fully close.Power theft is an age-old problem that’s morphed into an issue that’s second only to identify theft. DIY temporary power solutions are by no means secure, making it easy for anyone to access and “borrow” power. Milbank temporary power products feature locks, making it more difficult for power theft to occur.
Temporary power distribution is often in an unmonitored area, making it hard to always know who’s on the property. Our locked enclosures add a layer of security that prevents anyone from accessing the contents at all, helping to prevent any tampering, not just power theft.
Protection from the Elements
Weather is unpredictable, to say the least. Wind, rain, extreme temperatures and direct sun can all pose a threat to temporary power solutions, and those are just the most common weather challenges.Ensuring your temporary power solutions are protected from the elements is crucial. Our products are crafted from galvanized steel or aluminum, creating a barrier between your temporary power and whatever Mother Nature has in store.
Aesthetically Pleasing
If you've ever come across a cobbled-together service tree, you're familiar with the potential eyesore. If you haven’t, picture a lot of wires and meter sockets mounted to either a backboard or a pole. These strut farms aren't exactly pretty.A proper temporary power solution is an aesthetically pleasing alternative. There are no visible wires, other components, or unnecessary fencing to protect the enclosure. Milbank temporary power solutions are customizable and can be tailored to blend in without disturbing their surroundings.
Smaller Footprint
As you can imagine, a strut farm or backboard setup can take up a significant amount of space. A dedicated temporary power solution uses a fraction of the real estate. This is incredibly important when space is at a premium. Temporary power situations like RV parks, construction sites and natural disaster recoveries have lots of logistics to compete with, and space doesn't have to be one of them.Milbank temporary power solutions have a much smaller footprint. We offer a variety of customizable options, each one with a specific size. You’ll know exactly how much room you need, making space much less of a consideration.