What is a temporary power pole?
A temporary power pole, sometimes called a temp pole or spider box on a post, feeds electricity to a construction site before permanent service exists. It usually mounts a meter socket, a breaker panel and outlets on a treated wood post, and the utility connects to it overhead or underground. Most Dearborn contractors spec a 200 amp temporary power pole for anything running saws, lights and a job trailer at once; smaller sites get by on 100 amp. Every temp pole install needs GFCI protection per OSHA 1926.404(b)(1)(ii), since cords and tools sit exposed to weather on an open lot. We are not electricians, so we point every customer to a licensed installer for the actual hookup. Where we help is the rest of the site: a construction dumpster for debris, a portable toilet near the trailer, and a light tower if the pole is only feeding the panel and not general illumination. Dearborn sites often run the pole and the portable restroom order at the same time, since both need a firm, level pad and both usually go in during the same mobilization visit.
How much does temporary power pole installation cost?
Installation pricing depends on the electrician, the utility's service fee, and how far the pole sits from the transformer, so we cannot quote it here; ask your electrical contractor and the utility directly. What we can tell you is what sits around the pole. A standard porta potty rental runs in the range below, and pairing it with your pole install keeps one delivery truck doing two jobs instead of two trips to your Dearborn site.
| unit | duration | typical price |
|---|---|---|
| standard toilet | day | $150 |
| standard toilet | week | $200 |
| standard toilet | month | $200 |
| delivery fee | day | $150 |
Ask your electrician for a written cost breakdown before the utility schedules a meter set; that keeps your temporary power pole installation on the same timeline as your porta potty rental cost and your dumpster swap.
Where should a temporary power pole go on site?
Set it close to the trailer, clear of vehicle paths, and where the utility can run a service drop without crossing a work zone. OSHA 1926.25 requires debris cleared from work areas, so keep the pole's footprint free of scrap and cord clutter. If the pole sits near a portable restroom cluster, ADA Standards section 403.5.1 calls for a 36 inch clear accessible route, so do not let cords or fencing cross that path. Dearborn is roughly 5.4 miles north of Allen Park and 9.6 miles southeast of Redford, and our trucks cover both on the same delivery run as Dearborn drops, so scheduling a pole-adjacent toilet or fence line rarely adds a day to your wait. Crews building out a laydown yard often order temporary fencing around the pole and panel to keep foot traffic and forklifts away from live equipment, and a crowd control barrier works for public-facing sites like street closures. For jobsite sanitation counts once your crew is on site, check OSHA portable toilet requirements and our how many porta potties do I need guide before you finalize the order.
How long does a temporary power pole stay on site?
It usually stays for the length of construction, from mobilization until permanent service is energized, which can be months on a larger build. Coordinate removal with your electrician and utility. If your project runs long, a monthly porta potty rental or storage container rental often outlasts the pole itself.
Do I need a permit for a temporary power pole?
Most jurisdictions require an electrical permit and utility approval before energizing a temp pole, but Dearborn's exact process needs confirming with the city or your electrical contractor. We have not verified local permit specifics, so check with the building department directly.
Can Dearborn Porta Pros install my temporary power pole?
No. We handle site sanitation, fencing, dumpsters and storage, not electrical work. We can deliver a portable restroom or handwashing station to the same site visit as your pole install, which saves a trip.
What amperage do most construction sites need?
A 200 amp temporary power pole covers most mid-size sites running trailers, lights and power tools together. Smaller renovation jobs sometimes use 100 amp. An electrician should size it against your actual equipment load, not a guess.
Does a temporary power pole need GFCI protection?
Yes. OSHA 1926.404(b)(1)(ii) requires ground fault circuit interrupter protection on construction sites, since cords and outlets sit exposed outdoors. Confirm your installer wires GFCI breakers into the panel, not just at individual outlets.
Next step
Get a delivery date
Tell us the address, the dates and the headcount. We size the order and confirm the route.