Standard porta potty
$125 to $250 a weekend
What Is a Temporary Power Pole?
A temporary power pole, sometimes called a temp pole or spider box on wheels, is a freestanding pole with a meter base, breaker panel and outlets mounted on it. Utility crews tie into it the same way they would a permanent service. Most jobs run a 200 amp temporary power pole because that covers saws, compressors, light towers and a construction trailer without overloading the circuit. If your site also needs temporary fencing, a storage container, or a roll-off dumpster, it helps to plan the pole location before any of that lands, since the utility company needs clear access to the meter and disconnect. Milwaukee sites often stage the pole near the street where the utility can reach it without crossing active work areas. Site electricians usually spec the panel, but Milwaukee Porta Pros can point you toward what past jobs in Milwaukee have used for similar scopes, from a small remodel to a multi-building construction site services package. GFCI protection matters here too. OSHA 1926.404(b)(1)(ii) requires ground fault circuit interrupter protection on construction sites, and a temp pole is exactly the kind of exposed circuit that rule is written for.
How Much Does Temporary Power Pole Installation Cost?
Installation cost depends on amperage, distance from the utility transformer and whether trenching is involved, and every site is different enough that we quote it directly rather than publish a flat number here. What we can say: plan for it early, because utility scheduling in Milwaukee can take longer than the pole install itself. Request a walkthrough through request a quote and we will scope the pole alongside anything else the site needs, whether that is a mobile office trailer or a temporary power pole paired with a light tower rental for night work. Sites within about 8 miles of downtown, similar to the 8.0 mile drive out to Brookfield or the 7.0 mile stretch to West Allis, generally see faster utility turnaround than sites further out. If your project sits closer to Wauwatosa, about 3.8 miles west, or stretches toward Franklin, 14.2 miles south, factor in extra lead time for the utility company's queue. Bundling the pole request with your porta potty rental and dumpster delivery in one call saves a trip and keeps the site plan on one schedule.
Where Should the Pole Go on a Construction Site?
Placement should give the utility company a straight, unobstructed path to the meter and keep the pole clear of vehicle traffic, material laydown and any chain link temporary fence line. A roll-off delivery needs about 60 feet of straight clearance behind the truck, and that same clearance logic applies to keeping the pole accessible for both the initial hookup and any inspection. Most contractors set the pole near the property line closest to the road, away from where a 30 yard dumpster or 40 yard dumpster will sit, and away from foot traffic near standard porta potty or ADA accessible units. Milwaukee's public way rules matter if any part of the setup touches the street or sidewalk. Milwaukee Code of Ordinances Chapter 115 governs obstruction on public ways, and Chapter 245 covers encroachments and special privileges, so confirm placement with the Department of Public Works before anything crosses that line. For general site sanitation planning alongside the power layout, OSHA 1926.51(c) sets toilet ratios by crew size, worth reviewing on our OSHA portable toilet requirements page.
How long does temporary power pole installation take?
Timeline depends on the utility company's queue more than the physical install, which is usually a half day. Order early, especially if your Milwaukee job starts within a few weeks. Pair the request with emergency porta potty rental or construction dumpster rental if the schedule is tight.
Do I need a permit for a temporary power pole in Milwaukee?
Possibly, depending on whether the pole or its connection touches the public way. Milwaukee Code Chapter 115 and Chapter 245 cover obstructions and encroachments, so check with the Department of Public Works before install. See porta potty permit requirements for a related example of how city permitting works here.
What size service do most job sites need?
Most construction sites run a 200 amp temporary power pole, enough for saws, a compressor, light towers and a job trailer. Larger sites with multiple trailers or heavy equipment may need more; a site electrician should confirm load before ordering.
Can the pole share a delivery with my porta potties or dumpster?
Yes. Milwaukee Porta Pros can coordinate the pole alongside porta john rental, standard porta potty rental, or a 10 yard dumpster, so your site gets one delivery window instead of three.
Does a temporary power pole need GFCI protection?
Yes. OSHA 1926.404(b)(1)(ii) requires ground fault circuit interrupter protection on construction site circuits, and a temp pole's exposed outlets fall squarely under that rule. Confirm your electrician has GFCI devices installed before crews plug in tools.
What we rent
Four units cover almost every job
Typical Milwaukee ranges, not a quote. Delivery is $50 to $150 and a weekly service visit $30 to $60. See the full cost breakdown.
Deluxe flushing
$200 to $350 a weekend
ADA accessible
$199 to $300 a weekend
Restroom trailer
Quoted by stall count
The rest of the yard
One mobilisation, not three
Roll off dumpsters10, 20, 30 and 40 yardTemporary fencingPanels 6 feet by 12 feetStorage containers20 foot and 40 footHandwashing stationsSinks and sanitiser standsSeptic and grease trapsPumping, cleaning, emergenciesSite power and lightLight towers, temporary poles
We deliver across Milwaukee County and the surrounding metro:
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