Temporary construction power for New York job sites

Every renovation and build runs on temporary power for weeks or months. Done badly, it's extension cords daisy-chained through a stairwell. Done properly, it's a panel with labeled circuits, lighting on every floor and protected receptacles where the trades need them.

We set it up to match the construction schedule, move it as the work progresses, and take it out as the permanent wiring comes online.

On a gut renovation, temporary power usually comes from the existing service through a temporary panel placed where the trades can reach it. On a new building or a major addition, a temporary service may be needed until the permanent one is energized, which involves Con Edison. We size the temporary panel to the tools and equipment on site, protect every receptacle circuit with GFCI, and label each circuit so the trades know what they're plugged into. Circuits are checked weekly so a damaged cord doesn't sit in service.

Work areas, stairs and exits need lighting from the day demolition starts. We string temporary lighting on its own circuits so a tripped saw doesn't plunge a stairwell into darkness, and install GFCI-protected receptacle stations on each floor where the trades need them. Cords are routed overhead or protected where they cross walkways. As walls go up and areas close in, we move lighting and stations to match the work. Exit paths stay lit at all times, including after the crews leave. Damaged fixtures are replaced the same day.

Renovating one apartment or floor in an occupied building means the temporary power has to stay separate from the neighbors' circuits and the building's life-safety systems. We feed temporary panels from the unit's own service where possible, keep hallways and stairs clear of cords, and coordinate any shutdown of the unit's power with the super and managing agent. Neighbors shouldn't know the renovation's electrical is there, except when the lights stay on. Noisy work and shutdowns are scheduled within the building's permitted hours.

Temporary power has to come out cleanly when the permanent system takes over. We cut over circuits to the new panel as rooms are finished, remove temporary panels, lighting and cords, and make safe every connection they used. Nothing temporary is left in a wall or ceiling. The general contractor gets a clear handover, and the space is ready for the final inspection without leftover wiring that an inspector would question. Any temporary penetration through walls or floors is left ready for the fire-stopping trade.

A temporary panel and lighting for a single apartment renovation is usually set up in a day. A multi-floor site takes longer and grows with the job. A new temporary service depends on Con Edison's schedule, so we request it as early as the site plan allows. Removal at the end takes a day or two, timed with the cutover to permanent power.