Temporary site power boards can be assembled in just a few minutes. There’s no need for any additional access inside it. This is why it’s easy to use and relocate around a construction site. In simple terms, one person can carry it.

According to the wiring rules of AS/NZS 3000, temporary site powerboards must be available for both single-phase and three-phase loads. They must also be tested and certified in accordance with AS/NZS 61439.4 standards.

Main Features of a Temporary Site Powerboard

What should be the main features of a temporary site powerboard?

Visibility

Because construction sites are busy and fast-paced, the first key feature is visibility. The powerboard must be visible or easy to spot. Workers carrying equipment could accidentally bump into or knock it over. To make it easier to see on-site, it should have a bright, high-visibility color, like the one shown above. This particular temporary site powerboard is X15 orange.

Ingress Protection (IP Rating)

Another important feature is ingress protection. This refers to how well the enclosure protects against debris, solid objects, and moisture in its surroundings. According to AS/NZS 3012, a temporary site powerboard must be suitable for outdoor use, especially during the early stages of construction when there is no roof yet. It needs to be protected from rain, dust, and flying debris.

An example rating is IP44. The first “4” means protection against solid objects larger than 1 millimeter, such as protruding wires, dust, and debris. The second “4” refers to protection against water splashes from any direction. However, IP44 is only the minimum. For harsher environments, the rating can go up to IP65. For example, if the powerboard is used daily by skilled workers such as welders or those using jackhammers and grinders, a higher IP rating is required.

Powerboards with ratings like IP20 and IP33 are not suitable because they are too dangerous for construction site use.

Lockable Door Feature

Another feature is a lockable door without removing leads. What if the enclosure needs to be locked while cables are still connected? This feature allows that. It is important for security—electricity or equipment could be stolen, especially after working hours, and such incidents do happen. It also improves safety by preventing unauthorized access and reducing the risk of electrocution. Additionally, work doesn’t need to be interrupted since cables don’t have to be unplugged just to lock the enclosure.

RCD Protection

RCD protection is also essential. On a construction site, there are many unseen risks. Cables may be stepped on or even run over by equipment, which can damage or break them. This can expose live wires, putting workers at risk—especially in wet conditions.

That’s why a temporary site powerboard must always include an RCD. But what exactly is an RCD? An RCD (Residual Current Device) provides protection against electrocution. Without it, a person could be exposed to electric shock when touching a live wire. Even without direct contact, leakage current can still be dangerous, particularly in wet or muddy construction environments. A leakage current of just 30 milliamps is enough to be fatal.

According to AS/NZS 3012, all outlets on a temporary site powerboard must be RCD-protected.

Types of RCDs

There are different types of RCDs used in temporary site powerboards. First is the Type A RCD. It can detect not only AC leakage current but also pulsating DC leakage current from modern electronic devices, making it more advanced than standard RCDs.

Second is the Type A RCBO. An RCBO (Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent protection) combines the functions of an RCD and an MCB. This means it provides protection against earth leakage, overload, and short circuits—an all-in-one device. In many cases, it can be considered superior to a standard Type A RCD.

Construction sites today have highly advanced power tools, such as drills that have a digital variable speed regulator. In case there is any kind of leakage, particularly pulsating DC leakage, then the RCD will not activate at all. But with the use of Type A RCDs in modern temporary site powerboards, there is great safety.

Additional Features (To Be Covered)

Other features of a temporary site powerboard include GPO outlets, locking, and insulation as per AS/NZS 3000. These aspects will be discussed in the next article.