CONTRACTOR GLOSSARY · PERMITS & INSPECTIONS
What is a Temporary service (temp power)?
Temporary service is short-term electrical power installed for construction — typically a temp panel or pole — usually under its own permit and inspection before the utility connects it.
Construction needs power before the permanent service exists. Temporary service — a temp pole, a construction panel, or a temporarily energized permanent service — bridges that gap. It's commonly its own permit with its own inspection, because the utility generally won't energize anything the inspector hasn't approved.
For the electrical sub, temp service is often the first thing on site and the last thing forgotten: the temp permit that never gets closed when permanent power takes over is one of the classic stray open permits on otherwise-finished projects.
Common questions
Does temporary power need its own permit?
In most jurisdictions, yes — temp service is permitted and inspected separately, and the utility typically requires the inspection approval before energizing.
Related terms
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Permits to sign-off, T&M tags to signature, materials to billed through, retainage to released — built for subcontractors. Browse the full contractor glossary or the Massachusetts permit guide.
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