Do you need access to a temporary builders’ supply? Whether you are doing construction work or a home renovation you may need access to a temporary builder’s supply for lighting, site offices or generators.
To ensure your project runs smoothly, it is important to understand if you need access to a temporary builder’s supply for either an electricity or water connection.
Within this guide, we will explain what a temporary power supply is, why is it used and how can you get connected.
What is a temporary builders supply?
Temporary power is often essential with building or construction work.
A temporary power supply can be used for up to one year, if it needs to be used for longer than a year, a permanent connection is needed. A short extension cable can be used if the project is close to completion.
A builder’s temporary supply is metered and can be either 1 phase (30/32A) for housing or small commercial construction, or 3 phases (60/63A) for large commercial or industrial construction sites.
An Installation Control Point (ICP) number is given to each builder’s temporary supply, which is transferred when switched to a permanent connection.
Why might you need a temporary builder’s supply for your project?
A temporary supply is usually used by builders or construction workers that need power for their project when no electricity connection is available. Below we have listed a few reasons you may need a temporary supply:
- Property development – If you are building properties, you will need an electrical connection to use heavy machinery and lighting
- Accommodation – Some large projects will require cabins, power site offices or accommodations that will need a temporary power supply
- Generators – On large construction projects, you may have fuel generators that need power
- Demolition – Whilst undergoing a demolition project, a temporary electricity supply will be needed whilst building a new property
Installing your temporary builder’s supply
Here are some tips to remember when installing your builder’s temporary business electricity supply:
- A suitable pillar or pole-mounted box should be used to house the equipment
- It is essential the box is weatherproof and is protected against interference or unauthorised entry
- A pole-mounted box should be fixed at a height between 1.2 to 2 meters above ground level
- A builder’s temporary power supply can be mounted on the termination pole when an overhead supply is provided
- Top Tip! Do not forget to leave enough supply cable length in case of relocation to the permanent electricity supply
Electrical standards and safety requirements
All temporary builder’s supply installations must conform to Electrical Safety Regulations. Once the installation is complete, a valid certificate of compliance (COC) is given before the power is turned on.
Contact us for more information
Get in touch today to speak to a member of our meter installations team. Our highly trained experts will manage the entire process with minimal disruption to your construction project.
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