Electricity is the most important and dangerous part of any worksite.
Wherever you have power, you have the potential for fires, shocks and accidents. Those risks are heightened when you’re dealing with temporary electrical installations and portable cords.
Installing a temporary power pole is the best solution to the problem. Temporary power poles are a flexible and safe option that ensures you have the power you need for tools, lighting and other equipment.
In this article, we’ll find out which Australian Standards cover temporary power, and some of the basic requirements included in the legislation.
What is the Australian Standard for Temporary Power?
Temporary power is governed by AS3012 in Australia. AS3012 applies to all temporary electrical installations on construction and demolition sites. It covers:
1. Limitations on Temporary Power Installations
The Standard was updated in 2019. It places a few limitations on how temporary electrical equipment can be installed and used:
- Outlets can’t be installed on temporary lighting circuits
- Each circuit needs a suitable plug or switch for disconnection
- Temporary wiring installations must to be removed once they’re no longer needed
- General lighting requires a suitable guard to prevent accidental contact or breakage
- All temporary electrical installations must follow the same current capacity, overload protection, support and mechanical protection rules laid out in AS3000
2. Portable Cords and Cable Assemblies
Portable cords and cable assemblies are also covered under AS3012. When installing portable cords as part of a temporary power supply you need to:
- Avoid sharp corners or projections that could damage the cable
- Provide adequate protection when routing through pinch points, such as doorways
- Use the appropriate fitting if the cord is being terminated at a device
- Use supports such as staples, cable ties or straps to prevent damage to the cord
- Ensure supports don’t pinch the cord
- Use appropriate stands to support overhead cable runs – don’t use vegetation or steel write to hang cords
All portable cable assemblies should use industrial-grade cords and connectors. These have better insulation and are more flexible, making them less susceptible to pinching and damaging onsite.
Make sure the cables you choose have the correct jacket and insulation for your application. For example, not all portable cords are suitable for outdoor installation.
3. Residual Current Devices
Every temporary electrical circuit must be fitted with a Residual Current Device (RCD). If you’re unsure of whether an outlet is RCD protected, make sure your plug-in device includes RCD protection.
Temporary electrical installations are especially prone to faults and damage. As such, RCDs should be tested prior to use each day.
4. Earthing
Temporary electrical equipment must be fitted with continuous earthing conductors, and earthing conductors must be attached to their proper terminal.
What Counts As Temporary Power?
Temporary power is any installation of electrical wiring and equipment that’s intended to be removed in the near future. Because it’s intended for short-term use, temporary power is treated differently to permanent electrical installations in Australia.
Installing a temporary power pole can be incredibly useful if you are:
- Building or renovating a home
- Working on commercial or industrial construction
- Powering a large worksite
- Powering a large event
The major benefit of hiring temporary power is that it’s more affordable and flexible than a permanent installation. New construction sites often don’t have an appropriate power connection, and it usually isn’t feasible to install your permanent power supply immediately.
Opting for a temporary power pole means you can place your power supply in the most convenient location. Then, when the work is complete, you can swing the power lines into their final position.
This is also more affordable than the alternative. Energex charges service fees for installation, moving and abolishing power connections. Using a temporary power pole means you won’t have to double up on these fees once construction is complete.
What Does Temporary Power Pole Hire Include?
Temporary power poles are subject to all the normal electrical and safety restrictions. Poles & Holes takes that seriously, so we’ll work with you to supply equipment that’s safe, compliant and ready for use.
Our temporary power pole hire includes:
- Delivery and pick up
- Installation of the temporary power pole
- We submit the required paperwork to Energex
- Equipment that’s fully compliant with AS3000 and the Queensland Electricity Connection Manual (QECM)
- Equipment with current test stickers that are valid for approximately 6 months
We like to keep things simple. We’ll work with you to design a compliant installation, and we’ll make sure you have all the paperwork Energex needs to complete the connection.
Once the power pole is installed on your site, it becomes your responsibility to ensure electrical connections are compliant and regularly tested.
Get All Your Temporary Power Needs With Poles & Holes!
Installing a temporary power pole is the fastest and most affordable way to power your worksite! If you’re building a new home, working on commercial construction or doing anything else, Poles & Holes can supply the connection you need.
Poles & Holes offers portaloo and portable power pole hire across the Brisbane region. We’re based in Capalaba, so we can deliver to worksites all over SEQ.
Our temporary power poles are the perfect solution for any project. When you work with us, we deliver and install the power pole, and we’ll contact Energex to arrange a connection to mains power.
We offer both above ground and underground temporary power solutions. Learn more on our website, or contact us for a quote on temporary power poles!
