What Is a Temporary Power Pole?
A temporary power pole, sometimes called a temp pole or spider box pole, is a freestanding pole with a meter base, breaker panel and outlets. The utility connects service at the top, and your trades plug into the panel below. Wichita Falls contractors typically order these alongside temporary fence rental and a light tower so the whole perimeter is lit and secured before framing starts. Every temp pole install needs GFCI protection on construction circuits under OSHA 1926.404(b)(1)(ii), and that requirement does not change whether you are running a single saw or a full crew of trades. If your site also needs sanitation while power gets set, a portable toilet rental and a handwashing station close that gap fast. Pair it with a storage container or mobile office trailer for tools and paperwork once the pole is live.
How Does Temporary Power Pole Installation Work?
Installation starts with a load calculation. Your electrician figures amperage, usually 100 or 200 amp for residential and light commercial builds, then orders the pole sized to match. The utility sets the point of connection, the pole gets set in the ground or on a base, and an inspection typically follows before the panel is energized. Housekeeping matters here too: OSHA 1926.25 calls for scrap and debris cleared from work areas, and a cluttered pad around a live panel is a hazard nobody wants. Illumination around the pole and nearby work areas should meet the minimum levels in OSHA 1926.56(a), especially on shorter winter days. If the pole sits near a public walkway or the edge of the property, barricading it to ANSI D6.1 standards under OSHA 1926.202 keeps foot traffic clear. Wichita Falls sites near Lakeside City, about 8.1 miles south, or Iowa Park, 14.0 miles northwest, often run temp power for months during a full build, so plan the placement before concrete goes down, not after.
What Does a Temporary Power Pole Installation Cost?
Cost depends on amperage, distance from the utility line, and how long you need the pole standing. Below is a range for delivery and setup fees that apply across our site service equipment, since temp pole pricing scales with the same delivery logistics as our other rentals.
| Item | Day | Week | Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery fee | $100 - $500 | $100 - $150 | $120 - $420 |
| Service fee | $100 - $300 | $100 - $220 | $100 - $300 |
Ask about bundling delivery with a roll-off dumpster or temporary fencing drop-off, since one truck run can often cover both. For longer builds, a construction dumpster rental scheduled around the same delivery window saves a trip.
Do I Need a Permit for a Temporary Power Pole in Wichita Falls?
Permit and inspection requirements for temporary electrical service need confirming directly with the City of Wichita Falls before you schedule installation. Requirements vary by load size and site type, and we have not verified a specific ordinance number for this page, so check with the city's building or electrical inspection office ahead of your install date rather than assuming a blanket rule applies.
How many amps do I need for a temporary power pole?
It depends on your equipment load. Small residential jobs often run fine on 100 amp service, while larger builds with multiple trades running saws, welders and lifts typically need a 200 amp temporary power pole. Your electrician should run the calculation before ordering.
How long does temporary power pole installation take?
Once the utility approves the connection point, physical installation of the pole itself usually takes a day. Utility scheduling and inspection can add time, so order early, especially if your project timeline is tight around a Wichita Falls build.
Can I rent a temporary power pole for an event instead of construction?
Yes. Events, especially multi-day builds like festival restroom rental setups or larger event restroom rental sites, often need short-term power for lighting, sound and vendor stalls. Pair it with a light tower rental for after-dark coverage.
Does the pole come with the meter installed?
The utility typically installs and controls the meter itself. The pole and panel arrive ready for that connection, but the meter set and energization steps go through the utility company, not through the rental delivery.
What else do I need on a job site besides power?
Most Wichita Falls construction sites also need sanitation and site security. Check how many porta potties do I need for toilet counts under OSHA 1926.51(c), and look at temporary fence rental for perimeter control.
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