[interplexr]

I'm going to need to set up temporary power for my house I'm about to start building. I have most of what I need but am trying to figure out if I can use a Midwest spa panel I happen to have lying around for a homebrew setup. It's a 125A panel with 4 spaces. It included a 50A GFCI breaker which is a bonus I can use for a 240V receptacle. I would add 2 20A breakers to feed 2 GFCI receptacles for hand tools. The panel says it can be used as a service panel (NEC 384-14) if it's also not used as a lighting and branch load panel. More than 10% of the load will be on the 120V 20A receptacles. I'm not sure if temporary construction power would make this a branch circuit panel. I'd like to be able to use it since it has what I need and would save a few bucks compared to a pre made temporary power panel or an outdoor panel. Has anyone seen or done this?

 

[gregzoll]

Will not pass code when the power company comes out to connect the drop to the meter head. They make a panel for construction that has GFCI outlets on it, along with breakers and the meter built into the panel.

Easier to just use a genset for any tools that need power, then have the power company come out after the job is ready for electric to be connected at the house meter.

 

[Jim Port]

Will not pass code when the power company comes out to connect the drop to the meter head. They make a panel for construction that has GFCI outlets on it, along with breakers and the meter built into the panel.

Easier to just use a genset for any tools that need power, then have the power company come out after the job is ready for electric to be connected at the house meter.

Please tell me how you know this panel would not fly with the power company since the power company stops at the meter.

 

[interplexr]

I assume you mean won't pass code due to the panel type/rating? In our area, the power company only supplies the meters base, in my case a 200A underground base. I am responsible for the outdoor panel which can either be a combo unit with receptacles in it or a panel with receptacles in outdoor boxes. I was afraid I was reading correct and can't use the spa panel for the outdoor panel. It's not much money for a small outdoor panel. I have all the other parts I needed rom various other projects.

Thanks!

 

[Jim Port]

I don't see why the spa panel would not work as long as it was service rated and was a 3R enclosure.

 

[brric]

Will not pass code when the power company comes out to connect the drop to the meter head. They make a panel for construction that has GFCI outlets on it, along with breakers and the meter built into the panel.

Easier to just use a genset for any tools that need power, then have the power company come out after the job is ready for electric to be connected at the house meter.

Don't ever tell anyone that temporary utility power on a consruction site is less convenient than using a generator. That is ludicrous.

 

[Jim Port]

Don't ever tell anyone that temporary utility power on a consruction site is less convenient than using a generator. That is ludicrous.

Wonder if he ever ran out of gas and had to lose time to get more so that the entire job did not shut down without power or the hassle to store fresh gas or that the generator cost more to run and all the noise.

More talking out the porthole.

 

[Know A Little]

Depending on the generator and how long the job goes on you can wear a inexpensive generator right into the ground.

Go the rental route and spend tons.

Have 3 or 4 vendors working simultaneously and have the unit shut down from overload.

We use temp generators all the time and generally a PIA.

It is hard to beat the utility at their own game.

 

[interplexr]

The spa panel is an outdoor 3R enclosure. The tag says it can be used as service equipment per NEC 384-14 if it's not used as a lighting or appliance branch circuit panel board. I can't decide if temporary power falls into that category. Since it's all receptacles, I have a feeling it technically can't be used but wanted to see others thoughts.

 

[SeniorSitizen]

Will not pass code when the power company comes out to connect the drop to the meter head. They make a panel for construction that has GFCI outlets on it, along with breakers and the meter built into the panel.

Easier to just use a genset for any tools that need power, then have the power company come out after the job is ready for electric to be connected at the house meter.

To avoid getting bucked off, consider checking the saddle blanket for Cockleburs before throwing it on Ole Blaze.

 

[mpoulton]

The spa panel is an outdoor 3R enclosure. The tag says it can be used as service equipment per NEC 384-14 if it's not used as a lighting or appliance branch circuit panel board. I can't decide if temporary power falls into that category. Since it's all receptacles, I have a feeling it technically can't be used but wanted to see others thoughts.

I don't understand what the purpose of that restriction is. Why would its suitability as service equipment depend on whether it's used as a lighting or appliance panel? Weird. Anyway, I agree with you. Receptacles for jobsite power would make it a "lighting or appliance branch circuit panel board" I think. Temp power setups are often allowed to vary from code, by inspector approval. I'd ask the inspector if he has a problem with it.

 

[Oso954]

I think that you may need more slots that panel will provide, as the 50amp is consuming two of the four slots. I dont think i have ever seen/used a 50amp 240v receptacle on a residential job site. A 20 or 30 amp would be more typical.

I would also want more than the two slots for 120V 20 amp receptacles. Two 1000 watt work lights would consume one of those circuits, leaving just 1 for other needs.

I think you should run your work plan phase by phase, thinking about your electrical needs at each phase ? Will you have enough power at each voltage level ? Will you have enough receptacle slots ? Even when 40 amps of 120v is adequate 4 slots for plug cords isnt always enough, particularly if you are trying to avoid splitters.
How about when you bring in help, whether friends or contractors ?

Do you use 120v twist lock extension cords ? Lots of contractors in my area do. Having one or two twist lock receptacles on the temp power is nice.

Whatever you decide to do, use a larger mounting board than you think you need, reserving space for future use. It's one thing to have to shut down a temp panel to connect something new. Its another to take it out of service because you need to shift things around to make more space, or totally rebuild it.

If you do proceed with that spa panel, I would want a disconnect or Main breaker between the meter and it, so you can work on the temp power panel without having to pull the meter.

 

[interplexr]

A typical temp power setup is a main lug panel board correct? A main disconnect is nice but pricey. The shame is I plan to use QO panels inside but I have GE stuff now. I like the no pigtail CAFI breakers for the QO.

I could just break down and get a small outdoor panel and use it to feed my receptacles. I can even put the 50A GFI in there to feed the spa panel and break it up to a 20A and 30A 240V receptacles and not have to buy those expensive GFI breakers. Does that make sense?

 

[MountainSparky]

Take a quick peak at article 590 of NEC. It spells out temporary power requirements. I would look at locating your temp setup as close to your service entrance as possible. Drive your ground rods, set your gear, have the POCO work up the weather head and land the feeder. Pop the meter in and you're all set. If your enclosure is 3R and you're GFCI protected on 120v lights and power there is nothing to worry about.