Construction Sites: Why is an engineered Temporary Power Distribution System important?

Types of Construction Equipment and Buildings that need Power Generators are certainly a necessary item for temporary power in specific areas of a new construction site, however new technology has altered the way the need and why an engineered system is important. The information provided will help you understand how Dash Power Products has engineered a system of equipment that has helped reduce the cost, increased efficiencies and provided an unprecedented level of safety. Typical uses of usable power on a site include:

• Tower Lights, Fixed Task Lights, String Lights, and Vessel Lights.

• Electric Drills, Saws, Grinders, Secondary Heaters, Cooling Stations.

• Welding Machines, Sand Blasters, Paint Equipment.

• Personnel Buildings, Utility Trailers, Guard Shacks.

• Trailers for Administrative use.

Connecting to the Utility Grid:

Our portfolio of equipment starts with a connection to the main electrical grid to guarantee a steady stream of power to the site. Dash Power Products engineered, designed and built three options of skids to connect power up to 34.5Kv and turn it down to a usable 480V that connects to a whole system of sub-panels.

We work with the engineering group to design equipment that will use the drops from the local utility in either a loop or parallel design according to the project preference.

Generators

When an EPC need a reliable secondary source of power, portable power distribution panels coupled with generators are the most reliable and safest choice. Generators can be purchased or rented for use at construction sites to reach remote ares along roadways and laydown yards close to the site. There are a range of available generators depending on the power requirements of the job.

Generac Mobile Products Generators are able to produce between 8kVA and 450kVA of power. Delivering prime power solutions in a wide range of power nodes, Generac Mobile generators are designed and engineered to support a variety of projects, regardless of the weather conditions. The generators are configured to meet construction site needs, including choice of containment, cold weather packages and trailer options. For ultimate flexibility, most of our mobile generators come parallel-ready, enabling a scalable approach to power - parallel up to 32 units.

Remote or Outlying Locations that Need Constant Power

Construction projects sometimes take place in remote areas of the site and can be subjected to extreme weather, especially snowy and icy conditions. In order to keep the project moving forward and keep workers safe, generators with safety power distribution panels are needed in order to supply constant power to construction and safety equipment.

Extremely rural and remote areas still need to have good roadways and certain buildings, like gas stations, convenience stores and rest areas, and in order to build these structures, the contractor needs a constant supply of power at the correct voltages to keep the project moving forward so that it is completed on time and within the pre-bid budget. Large, medium and portable generators can provide the power needed to start large and small power panels. Not to mention, construction sites are becoming more technologically advanced with laptops, computers and tablets. This means that a trailer is often needed to provide a base of operations and to keep the project organized. Power generators with power distribution panels can be used to provide the electricity needed to operate computers and keep laptops, cell phones and other portable electronics charged.

Construction projects often have predetermined timelines that were developed during the FEED and planning phases of the project. Once construction starts, the EPC is held liable for any delays and cost overruns. One of the ways contractors ensure they complete a project on time and safely is with the use of generators coupled with Dash Power Products power distribution panels.

While the primary use of the generated electricity may be to power equipment and tools, it’s not the only reason construction crews have portable power. Electricity-producing generators can be used to power large lighting systems for indoor and outdoor areas of the projects that require working at night or above grade. This not only helps complete the project on-time, but also allows the site to increase the safety conditions. By utilizing generators, you are improving your productivity on the project and the need to work in dim lighting or darkness.

An Engineered System of Power Distribution Panels & Lights

As part of simplistic approach to a product offering, Dash Power Products will look at the Temporary Power circuit as it begins with the Main Power Center (MPC). Our skids and panels are either a part of a system or customized by client design. The first in a line is our high voltage panels in the MPC. The MPC will take in line power of up to 34.5 kV on a site. In this case there are two types: The (Type A) MPC is rated at 480 Volts, 800 amps and includes a fused disconnect switch to isolate incoming power and 5 outgoing fused disconnect switches at 400 amps, 480 Volts each. Each of these 5 switches will then provide power to the (Type B) MPCB (qty. 5) each having an incoming fused switch for isolation and 7 outgoing switches fused at 100 amps, 480 Volts. These outgoing switches are used to supply power to other site facilities and the Power Distribution Centers (PDC). Each of these outgoing disconnect switches is equipped with a Plug & Use connector such that all equipment downstream has full Plug & Use capability.

Dash Power Products safety equipment includes Plug & Use cable sets of various lengths to connect, MPC to PDC and PDC to Distribution panels. Dash Power Products cords sets are truly Plug & Use since they can be broken or engaged under load with full arc flash protection as outlined in the NFPA 70E requirements for protection of electrical workers. connectors utilize spring Dash Power Products loaded butt style contacts with a silver/nickel finish, unlike traditional “pin & sleeve” type connections which are subject to wearing, arcing and sparking. In the case of pin & sleeve connectors power must be isolated before making or breaking a connection.

Power Distribution Centers (PDC) are powered through a Plug & Use cable set originating at the Type B disconnect switch. The PDC panel is dual voltage meaning the back side (which is electrically isolated from the front side), is 3 phase, 480 Volts and can be used for the incoming power as well as plug connections that can be used to provide power to welding machines in addition to other 480 Volt loads such as building service transformers. Since the PDC unit includes a 30 or 45 kVA transformer the front side of the PDC consists of the 120/208 Volt connections. This includes 20 amp duplex receptacles each powered through a 20 amp, 120 Volt, GFCI breaker and can be used to power lights, small tools and other 120 Volt loads.

Dash Power Products safety distribution panels receive their power through a Plug & Use cable set and because of their compact size, they are often used at elevated heights such as vessel platforms or elevated scaffold platforms. These panels include duplex receptacles with GFCI breakers that can be reset directly on the working platform and allow work continuity). Distribution panels are “scaffold friendly” in that they include special mounting brackets and a safety lanyard ensuring the panels are always securely fastened. Distribution Panels are constructed with stands for placement on grade or in elevated job site areas.

Dash Power Products lighting options include the Tower Light which is equipped with energy efficient LED floodlights. These poles include an incoming plug and receptacle at the bottom such that up to four (4) Tower Lights can be linked in parallel together on a single 120 Volt, 20 amp circuit. The Tower Light is often used as a replacement for the much more expensive and maintenance heavy diesel light plants. In addition to the Tower Light providing great area lighting, it is important to have task lighting for detail work such as welding. In this case we have the LED Task Light operating at 120 Volts having in and out connections so up to fourteen (15) can once again be strung out on a single 120 Volt, 20 amp circuit. These task lights also include the scaffold friendly mounting bracket and a safety lanyard ensuring the lights are always securely fastened.

In general, Dash Power Products equipment will increase efficiencies saving time and capital on the construction site, while at the same time adding an extra level of safety to the site temp power installation which is often an overlooked part of the planning. Working closely with the engineering and construction group prior to significant activity starting at site ensures a safe, reliable system throughout the construction phase of a project.

Dash Power Products, LLC is located in Houston, Texas USA and offers a full line of Portable Temporary Power Products in standard and custom made rugged and dependable. The panels, lighting equipment, generators, pumps, and other accessories are available for General Purposes Areas and Hazardous Location Areas alike.

Visit dashpowerproducts.com, email us at info@dashpowerproducts.com, or call 1+346-204-4563.