What is a temporary power pole used for?
A temporary power pole, sometimes called a temp pole or spider box on a stick, is a freestanding structure that holds a meter socket, breaker panel and outlets so a construction crew can run saws, lights and pumps before the building has permanent power. Arcadia builders use them from foundation pour through final electrical rough-in. Most residential remodel jobs need a 100 amp pole; larger commercial builds or anything running welding equipment or multiple light towers often calls for a 200 amp temporary power pole. If you are also renting a light tower rental or running saws under GFCI protection per OSHA 1926.404(b)(1)(ii), the pole has to be sized to carry that draw without tripping breakers all day. We size the pole based on your equipment list, not a guess, and we coordinate delivery around your portable toilet rental and temporary fence rental drop so the site does not get three separate trucks blocking access on the same morning.
How much does temporary power pole installation cost?
Installation cost depends on amperage, inspection requirements and how far the pole sits from the utility transformer. A licensed electrician typically pulls the permit and does the physical wiring; Arcadia Porta Pros handles delivery, placement and pickup of the pole itself. Expect the pole rental to run on a similar delivery-and-service structure as our other equipment, where a delivery fee covers trucking to the site and a separate service charge covers periodic checks. Ask about bundling delivery with a roll-off dumpster rental or storage container rental drop, since crews on active builds usually need all three within the same week. If you are still framing out your total site budget, our construction dumpster rental and dumpster rental cost pages break down the debris side, and temporary fence cost covers perimeter security pricing separately.
Where does a temporary power pole get installed on site?
Placement matters as much as amperage. The pole needs a clear, level pad near the property line, close enough to the utility transformer to keep the service drop short, but far enough from active digging or roll-off dumpster rental traffic that a delivery truck will not clip it backing in. A roll-off delivery needs about 60 feet of straight clearance behind the truck, so if a dumpster and a power pole are both going on a tight Arcadia lot, plan the layout before either shows up. Keep it clear of the swing radius for temporary fence rental gates and away from any handwashing station rental or portable sink rental unit that needs its own water access. We walk the site with you, sometimes referencing the same placement logic we use for our porta potty placement guide, before locking in a spot.
FAQ
What amperage do I need for a temporary power pole?
Most small residential jobs run fine on 100 amps. Larger builds, anything with multiple trades running power tools at once, or equipment like welders and compressors usually needs a 200 amp temporary power pole. Talk through your equipment list with us and with your electrician before ordering, since undersizing means breaker trips and downtime.
Who installs the temporary power pole, you or an electrician?
A licensed electrician wires and inspects the pole; Arcadia Porta Pros delivers, sets and later removes the physical pole structure. The electrician pulls whatever permit the city requires and coordinates the utility hookup. We recommend confirming placement and inspection scheduling with the city of Arcadia before your delivery date.
How long does a temporary power pole rental last?
Rental length matches your build timeline, from a short remodel to a multi-month commercial job. Most poles stay up until permanent service is approved and connected, then get pulled during final inspection cleanup, often alongside roll-off dumpster rental and fencing removal.
Can I rent a temporary power pole without other equipment?
Yes. Plenty of Arcadia customers rent just the pole. Most also add a portable restroom rental or temporary fence rental for the same job site, since a single delivery run covering all three usually costs less in trucking time than three separate trips.
Does a temporary power pole need a permit in Arcadia?
Permit rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time, so confirm current requirements with the City of Arcadia building department before your electrician schedules the install. We coordinate delivery timing around whatever inspection window the city sets, whether your project sits closer to downtown Arcadia or nearer the Monrovia border 5.1 miles northeast.
Next step
Get a delivery date
Tell us the address, the dates and the headcount. We size the order and confirm the route.