Site temps guides
Straight answers to the questions our customers ask most: 110V, transformers, stairwell and emergency lighting, festoon, rope light (strip light), Powerdrop, floodlights and event power.
Why do UK building sites use 110V?
UK sites use 110V because it limits the shock a worker can get.
Read the guide →What size site transformer do I need?
Add up the wattage of everything that will run at the same time, divide by 1,000 to get kVA, and choose a transformer with spare capacity.
Read the guide →How do I light a stairwell on a construction site?
Light every flight and landing with 110V festoon or 110V LED rope light (also called LED strip light), and make sure part of that light stays on if the power fails.
Read the guide →Temporary lighting and electrics for data centre construction
Data halls and long corridors need even light with no dark gaps, and light that stays on if the temporary supply drops.
Read the guide →Festoon vs rope light (LED strip light): which is better on site?
Festoon gives bright pools of light from lamp heads at intervals; it's quick to hang and suits stairwells, scaffolds and open floors.
Read the guide →Event power: 110V, 230V or 415V? Connectors, colours and BS 7909
Events and festivals run on 230V single-phase and 415V three-phase, not 110V.
Read the guide →What is Powerdrop and how does it work?
Powerdrop is a 100m length of 110V arctic cable with a 16A socket on a short drop every 5m or 10m.
Read the guide →Choosing a 110V or dual voltage LED floodlight
Match the wattage to the area you need to light.
Read the guide →What size cable do I need? 110V cable size and voltage drop calculator
Pick the smallest cable that does two things: carries the current (watts divided by volts) within its rating, and keeps the voltage drop within the limit, usually 5% for power and 3% for lighting.
Read the guide →How many site lights do I need? Lighting calculator
Multiply the area in square metres by the light level you need in lux, then divide by the useful lumens from each light.
Read the guide →Need it tomorrow? Order by 1pm.
Send us your list, a drawing or just a description of the job. We'll come back with a quote within an hour and have it on its way next day, or ready to collect from Bristol or London.