What Is a Temporary Power Pole?
A temporary power pole, sometimes called a temp pole or spider box on a pole, is a freestanding electrical panel mounted on a post that the utility company connects to before permanent service goes in. It gives a job site working power for saws, compressors, light towers and office trailers. Most construction jobs run a 200 amp temporary power pole, which covers typical power tools plus a couple of mobile office trailers or a storage container with lighting. Smaller residential remodels sometimes get by with less. The pole itself does not include wiring inside your trailers or equipment, so any receptacles or subpanels feeding a restroom trailer or shower trailer still need a licensed electrician. GFCI protection matters here too. OSHA 1926.404(b)(1)(ii) requires ground fault circuit interrupter protection on construction sites, and a temp pole setup should have that built in before tools plug in. If your site also needs temporary fencing around the pole or panel, plan that alongside power delivery, not after.
How Do I Install a Temporary Power Pole?
Installing a temporary power pole starts with a site visit to confirm placement, then coordination with the utility for the actual connection. Rialto Porta Pros handles the pole and panel; the utility company makes the final tie-in to their lines, which is standard for any temporary power pole installation. Placement matters more than people expect. The pole needs to sit somewhere the utility truck can reach and somewhere that will not block a roll-off dumpster delivery, which needs about 60 feet of straight clearance behind the truck. Keep it clear of the path to your portable restroom units and away from foot traffic near temporary fence lines. OSHA 1926.56(a) sets minimum illumination intensities for construction areas, so if your power pole is feeding lighting rather than just tools, make sure the layout accounts for coverage across the whole active work zone, not just near the panel. Housekeeping around the pole matters too. OSHA 1926.25 requires scrap and debris cleared from work areas, and a tangle of cords and packaging around an energized panel is exactly the kind of hazard that rule targets.
What Does a Temporary Power Pole Cost?
Temporary power pole installation cost depends on amperage, how far the utility has to run a line, and how long you need the pole standing. Because pricing varies so much by scope, get a quote for your specific site rather than relying on a flat number. If you are budgeting a full site setup, compare it against related construction site services costs.
| service add-on | typical range |
|---|---|
| delivery fee | $100 to $150 per day |
| delivery fee | $50 to $100 per week |
| delivery fee | $120 to $172 per month |
Most job sites pair the pole rental with weekly service visits for portable toilet rental units nearby, so ask about bundling delivery trips to save a stop.
How long does it take to get a temporary power pole installed?
Timelines depend on utility scheduling in Rialto, since the final connection is made by the utility company, not by Rialto Porta Pros. Book as early as possible once you have a permit in hand. Sites near Colton, about 8.0 miles southeast, and Muscoy, about 6.0 miles northeast, follow the same utility coordination process.
Do I need a permit for a temporary power pole?
Permit rules for temporary power vary by jurisdiction and need confirming directly with the city. Check requirements before your delivery date, the same way you would for dumpster permit requirements or porta potty permit requirements on the same job.
What size temporary power pole do I need?
A 200 amp temporary power pole covers most general construction sites running tools, a trailer and basic lighting. Larger events or multi-trailer sites may need more. Talk through your equipment list before ordering so the utility sizes the connection correctly the first time.
Can a temporary power pole run my restroom trailer?
It can, if the trailer's electrical needs are wired to match the panel. Restroom and shower trailer units often need dedicated circuits for water heaters and lighting, so loop in an electrician when planning the pole alongside your restroom trailer rental.
Does Rialto Porta Pros handle the utility connection?
No. Rialto Porta Pros delivers and sets the pole and panel; the utility company completes the final tie-in to live power. This split is standard across Rialto and nearby cities like Highland, about 15.8 miles east, and Upland, about 18.7 miles west.
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