What Is a Temporary Power Pole?
A temporary power pole, sometimes called a temp pole or spider box pole, is a freestanding post with a meter base, breaker panel and outlets that lets a job site draw power ahead of permanent utility connection. Crews in Amherst use them to run saws, lights, pumps and trailers before the building has its own service. Ground fault circuit interrupter protection is required on construction sites under OSHA 1926.404(b)(1)(ii), and a temp pole has to be wired to meet that. Pair it with a light tower rental for night work, and most sites running one also need a portable toilet rental or standard porta potty rental on the same delivery. Housekeeping rules under OSHA 1926.25 mean the area around the pole has to stay clear of scrap and cordage, not just the toilets and dumpsters.
What Does Temporary Power Pole Installation Cost?
Installation cost depends on amperage, how far the pole sits from the transformer, and whether the utility company needs to inspect before energizing. A 200 amp temporary power pole is the common size for residential builds and most commercial trailers, while smaller crews sometimes get by with less. Amherst Porta Pros can quote a temp pole alongside other equipment on the same trip, which often saves a delivery fee that would otherwise run separately, similar to the delivery charges listed on porta potty rental cost. Ask about bundling with a mobile office trailer rental or storage container rental since both usually land on site the same week as the pole.
| item | typical range | notes |
|---|---|---|
| standard unit, day | $100 to $350 | for job site sanitation delivered with the pole |
| standard unit, week | $130 to $500 | matches most pole rental durations |
| delivery fee, day | $100 to $500 | often shared across pole and toilet delivery |
| delivery fee, week | $50 to $150 | lower per-visit cost on longer jobs |
How Do I Install a Temporary Power Pole?
Installation starts with a call to the utility company to confirm clearance and transformer location, then the pole gets set, wired and inspected before it is energized. Amherst crews typically coordinate this step with their electrician, not with Amherst Porta Pros directly, since utility approval and code inspection are separate from equipment delivery. A roll-off delivery needs about 60 feet of straight clearance behind the truck, and a temp pole site often needs similar clearance if a roll-off dumpster rental is coming to the same lot. Keep the pole location clear of the swing path for a 10 yard dumpster rental or 20 yard dumpster rental truck, since both need turning room the pole cannot block. Minimum illumination for construction areas is set under OSHA 1926.56(a), which matters once the pole is live and crews are working after dark near a temporary fence rental perimeter.
For general job site sanitation while the pole is being installed, OSHA 1926.51(c) sets toilet ratios by crew size, and most Amherst contractors also add a handwashing station rental or portable sink rental near the power source. Crews building near Tonawanda, about 9.0 miles west of Amherst, or North Tonawanda, 9.3 miles northwest, often request the same pole and toilet package delivered on one truck to save a trip.
Does a temporary power pole need a permit?
Most municipalities require a permit and utility sign-off before energizing a temp pole, but permit rules and fees vary and need confirming with the city directly. Amherst Porta Pros does not issue electrical permits. Check with your electrician and the town before scheduling the utility connection.
How long can I rent a temporary power pole?
Rental length usually matches the job, from a few weeks on a small remodel to a full season on a new build. Longer terms often cost less per week than short ones, the same pattern seen in monthly porta potty rental pricing.
What size pole do I need for a construction site?
Most residential and light commercial sites use 200 amp service. Larger sites running multiple trailers, welders or HVAC equipment may need higher capacity, which your electrician can size based on total load.
Can I get a power pole and porta potty delivered together?
Yes. Amherst Porta Pros regularly delivers a temp pole alongside a porta john rental or emergency porta potty rental on the same run, which is common practice on new builds across Amherst.
Do I need an inspection before the pole is energized?
Yes, in most cases the utility and local code office both require sign-off before power is connected. Confirm the exact inspection steps with Amherst's building department before your service date.
Next step
Get a delivery date
Tell us the address, the dates and the headcount. We size the order and confirm the route.