Maintenance, Repair & Operations

Staying Safe with Temporary Light and Power

March 5, 2019

If temporary power means bringing service to the site, you must apply the requirements of Art. 230.

While it’s true the requirements for temporary wiring in the National Electrical Code (NEC) [Art. 590] are “relaxed” compared to those of permanent wiring, it’s not true that temporary means “slap it up” in any convenient manner. For example, if it involves a service (bringing power to the site) you must apply the requirements in Art. 230.

Here are some highlights from this part of the NEC:

Since we don’t run temporary cables and cords in raceway, you must provide adequate support [Sec. 590.4(J)] and protection [Sec. 590.4(H). For example, route them out of the way of foot traffic, avoiding sharp edges.
If you use lamps, they must be protected from accidental contact or breakage by a suitable luminaire or lampholder with a guard [Sec. 590.4(F)].
You must protect personnel with GFCIs [Sec. 590.6]. But test them during and after installation. The protection provided by GFCIs is often bypassed due to incorrect wiring. Use a meter to verify the supply wires are, indeed, the supply wires and the wires connected on the load side are not supply wires.

About the Author

Mark Lamendola

Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.

Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.

Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.