Temporary power on a construction site is usually two arrangements in sequence: a rented generator while there is nothing to connect to, then a temporary utility service once the pole and meter are in. Either way the hire is not just the source. It is cable, distribution, grounding and the ground fault protection the rules require.
The first weeks, and after
Ground works and foundations run off a towable diesel set, because nothing on site is energised yet. Once the utility drops a temporary service to a pole or a board, the generator goes back and the hire becomes distribution only. Plan both, and give the utility months of notice; that lead time is what strands sites on rented fuel.
Ground fault protection is not optional
Federal rules require either ground fault circuit interrupters on receptacles used for construction, or a written assured equipment grounding conductor programme with recorded tests. Renting distribution boxes with GFCI outlets is the simpler route and it is what yards stock. Ask for it by name, and press the test button on delivery.
Where the boards go
Cable runs are what fail, not boxes. Put distribution near the work so leads stay short, keep them out of vehicle routes or under road plates, and hang them clear of standing water. A spider box on each level, or every hundred feet, costs a few dollars a day and saves the daisy chained extension leads.
Loads people forget to count
Site lighting and a welder are obvious. Temporary heat, a dryer for the drywall stage, a hoist, a compressor and the site trailer's air conditioning are the ones added later that trip the set. List every load for the whole phase before sizing and leave headroom, because a set that is too small stops the whole crew.
Questions people ask about temporary power for construction site
How big a generator does a small site need?
A crew running hand tools, a couple of lights and a site trailer is usually comfortable on a 20 to 25 kW towable set. Add a welder, a compressor or temporary heat and the number climbs fast, because those loads start hard as well as running heavy.
Can I plug tools straight into the generator?
Only with ground fault protection in the path, and most sites do it through a rented distribution box rather than the set's own outlets. It also keeps leads short and the set away from where people work, which matters for noise and for exhaust.
Who arranges the temporary utility service?
You do, with the utility, and it takes far longer than renting a generator: a request, a design, a fee and an inspection before energisation. Start it at the same time as the first generator hire, not when the generator fuel bill starts to hurt.
What does temporary power cost per month?
The set itself is the smaller half on a long hire. A mid size towable runs a few thousand dollars a month with distribution, and the fuel bill on a machine running two shifts overtakes it. Ask for the monthly rate and a fuel service quote together.