What is a temporary power pole for construction?
Builders call it a "temp pole" or a construction meter pedestal. It stands between your site and the utility line, giving crews a legal, inspected power source before the building has its own panel. Most residential and light commercial jobs run on a 200 amp temporary power pole, sized to handle a couple of saws, a compressor and task lighting at once. Bigger jobs, especially ones running light tower rental units or multiple trailers, sometimes need a larger service, and that gets decided with the utility and an electrician, not guessed at. We do not sell the pole itself. We coordinate delivery timing so the pole, the construction dumpster rental, and the standard porta potty rental unit all land on site the same week, which keeps one mobilization trip covering everything instead of three.
How does temporary power pole installation work?
An electrician sets the post, mounts the meter base and breaker panel, and the utility makes the final connection. That sequence does not change whether you are building in Ames or out past Gilbert, 7.0 miles north. The pole needs a clear, stable base, similar in spirit to the ADA Standards 302.1 requirement that ground surfaces be stable and firm, though that citation covers accessible routes, not electrical footings. What does matter for your site logistics: a roll-off delivery needs about 60 feet of straight clearance behind the truck, so if the pole location sits near your dumpster pad, plan the layout before either one arrives. We see this most on tight lots where the 10 yard dumpster rental and the power pole both compete for the same curb access. Sort that out with your request a quote call and it saves a second trip.
What does temporary power pole installation cost?
Cost depends on amperage, run length from the utility line, and whether trenching is involved, and those numbers come from your electrician and the utility, not from us. What we can tell you is how it fits the rest of your site budget. A construction dumpster runs in line with the dumpster rental cost page, and a standard portable toilet on a job site typically runs in the range covered on porta potty rental per day or monthly porta potty rental if the job runs long. Site services add up fast, and most crews find it easier to budget power, sanitation and waste together than to price them one at a time.
| service | day | week | month |
|---|---|---|---|
| standard toilet | 100-350 | 130-500 | 125-325 |
| dumpster | 51-112 | 426-778 | 91-500 |
| delivery fee | 100-500 | 50-150 | 120-420 |
OSHA 1926.51(c) sets toilet counts for crews on site, one facility per 20 workers or fewer, and OSHA 1926.404(b)(1)(ii) requires GFCI protection on construction power, both worth mentioning to your electrician when the pole goes in. For sanitation counts on a specific crew size, how many porta potties do i need walks through the ratios, and osha portable toilet requirements covers the full standard.
Do I need a permit for a temporary power pole in Ames?
Permit rules for temporary power vary by jurisdiction and this needs confirming with the city before you schedule installation. Ames Porta Pros does not pull electrical permits. Check with your electrician or the city building department first, then line up your construction site services delivery around whatever timeline they give you.
How long does a temporary power pole rental last?
It typically stays up for the full construction phase, sometimes six months to a year, until permanent service is connected. Ask your electrician about tear-down timing so it lines up with your last roll-off dumpster rental pickup.
Can I get a temporary power pole and porta potty delivered together?
Yes. We route deliveries across Ames and nearby towns like Nevada, 9.7 miles east, and Huxley, 10.2 miles south, so scheduling both on one trip is normal. Mention it on your contact call.
What size temporary power pole do I need?
Most residential jobs use 200 amp service. Larger commercial sites may need more, decided by your electrician based on tool load and duration.
Does Ames Porta Pros install the power pole?
No. We handle site sanitation, dumpsters, storage and fencing. See service areas for what we do cover across the region.
Next step
Get a delivery date
Tell us the address, the dates and the headcount. We size the order and confirm the route.