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Section 2 Installation
Temporary Wiring
Temporary wiring is done to provide
electrical power only during construction,
remodeling, demolition, repair, or large-scale
maintenance of a building. This wiring must
be removed when the work is completed.
Article 590 of the NEC covers this subject.
Although temporary wiring safety
requirements may be less exacting than perma-
nent wiring, most of the same rules apply.
However, there are several important differ-
ences. Temporary wiring can be used on a
construction site during the entire term of
construction, regardless of the type of
construction, Figure 10-17. In addition, tempo-
rary power can be brought in for emergency
situations, testing, and experimentation.
The key factors for installation of all tempo-
rary wiring are:
• All temporary wiring, devices, and equip-
ment should be located in a safe place and
should be as neat as possible. Temporary
wiring should be kept overhead as much as
possible.
• All 15-, 20-, and 30-amp receptacles require
GFCI protection.
• Protect temporary wiring from physical
damage.
• Use portable ground-fault circuit inter-
rupter boxes. See Figure 10-18.
• Grounding must be in compliance with
Article 250 of the NEC.
• All lamps should have protective covers or
caging. They should be mounted at heights
of 7′ or higher.
• All circuits must originate from approved
panels or power outlets and must have
overcurrent protection.
• Receptacle circuits and lighting circuits
must be separated.
• Weatherproof devices and housings should
be used wherever there is dampness or expo-
sure to weather.
• Locking type plugs and connectors should
be used on power ends.
• Temporary wiring should be inspected
frequently for damage.
Disconnects
Meters
Figure 10-17. These are typical temporary service installations installed at construction sites.
temporary wiring: A method of providing electrical
power only during construction, remodeling, demoli-
tion, repair, or large-scale maintenance of a building.