What is a temporary power pole?
A temporary power pole, sometimes called a spider box or a temp pole, is a metered pole with a breaker panel that the utility connects to before permanent service exists. It stands on-site so electricians can run saws, lights and pumps without waiting for the building to be finished. Everett Porta Pros coordinates delivery so the pole lands near your temporary fence rental line and stays clear of the roll-off dumpster rental pad, since both need their own clearance. If your crew is also running a light tower rental at night, the pole is usually sized to carry that load too. Most Everett contractors order the pole at the same time they set up a portable toilet rental, a portable restroom rental if the crew is larger, and a handwashing station rental, since all three get inspected before framing starts, and some add a storage container rental for tools on the same visit. OSHA 1926.404(b)(1)(ii) requires ground fault circuit interrupter protection on construction sites, and a temp pole is where that protection gets installed first.
Installing a temporary power pole
Installing a temporary power pole starts with a call to the utility to confirm the drop location, then a licensed electrician sets the pole and panel to code before the meter goes live. Everett Porta Pros does not pull the electrical permit or wire the panel; that part belongs to your electrician, but we can time delivery of the pole hardware around your construction dumpster rental or a 20 yard dumpster rental drop-off so the site is not blocked. A roll-off delivery needs about 60 feet of straight clearance behind the truck, and the same clearance matters for the utility bucket truck that sets your pole. Placement in the right of way, if the pole sits near the street, is not something we can confirm from here; check with the city before you dig or trench. For most residential builds around Everett, the pole sits near the panel location shown on the temporary power pole diagram your electrician pulls with the permit, sometimes near a mobile office trailer rental used for site staff. Homeowners doing a remodel often add a home renovation porta potty at the same visit to save a trip, and some check the porta potty rental per day rate if the job is short.
How much does a temporary power pole cost?
Temporary power pole installation cost
Temporary power pole installation cost depends mostly on your electrician's labor and the utility's connection fee, both of which sit outside what Everett Porta Pros prices. What we quote is delivery and site coordination alongside your other rentals.
| item | duration | typical |
|---|---|---|
| standard toilet | week | 200 |
| dumpster | week | 600 |
| fence | day | 50 |
See porta potty rental cost, dumpster rental cost and temporary fence cost for full pricing on those units, or check monthly porta potty rental rates for longer jobs. Job sites 6.3 miles northeast in Lake Stevens and 11.9 miles north in Marysville run the same coordination, just with different utility contacts.
Frequently asked questions
How many amps does a temporary power pole need?
Most residential construction sites run a 200 amp temporary power pole, matching the eventual permanent service. Commercial sites with welders or large compressors sometimes need more. Your electrician sizes the panel based on the tools running at peak, not just the building square footage.
Can Everett Porta Pros install my temporary power pole?
No. We handle portable sanitation, dumpsters, fencing and storage delivery, and we coordinate scheduling so your electrician has clear site access. The pole itself, the wiring and the utility connection need a licensed electrician and the utility company.
Do I need a permit for a temporary power pole?
Almost always, yes, through your electrical permit process, but permit rules vary and are not something we track. Confirm requirements with the city before scheduling your utility connection. See our porta potty permit requirements page for how that process works for sanitation, which follows a similar pattern.
What else should I plan for on site?
Most job sites also need a standard porta potty rental or an ada accessible porta potty depending on crew size, and a chain link temporary fence around the pole and panel for security. Check our how many porta potties do I need guide for sizing that alongside your electrical setup.
Where does the temporary power pole go on site?
It goes near the planned permanent service location, close enough for the electrician's run but clear of dumpster and fence lines. We coordinate with your temporary fence rental placement so gates are not blocked.
How long can I rent a temporary power pole setup?
Most Everett job sites keep temporary power for the full construction period, often several months until permanent service is inspected and energized. Coordinate timing with your other rentals through request a quote or contact us directly.
Next step
Get a delivery date
Tell us the address, the dates and the headcount. We size the order and confirm the route.