Temporary Power • Knowledge Hub

Temporary Power Solutions

Understand the components and standards for temporary power—such as Camlock, NEMA, California Standard, and IEC 60309.

What is Temporary Power?

Temporary power supplies safe, scalable electricity to construction sites, live events, trade shows, film sets, and data centers during installation or maintenance. The goal is reliable distribution with secure, standards-compliant connectors that resist accidental disconnects and simplify setup.

Temporary Power Components

L21-30 Male Inlet

Common NEMA Locking Inputs and Outputs

Common inputs and outputs for energizing portable power distribution, racks, and event lighting.

L5 · 125V L21 · 120/208V 30A L6 · 250V L14 · 125/250V California Standard IEC 60309
  • L5: 2P3W, 125V (15A/20A)
  • L6: 2P3W, 250V (20A/30A)
  • L14: 3P4W, 125/250V (20A/30A)
  • L21: 4P5W, 120/208V 3-phase (20A/30A)
  • IEC 309: 120/208V 3-phase Wye (60A)
  • CS: 125/250V (60A)
Camlock Single Pole Device

Camlock (Single-Pole)

High-current, color-coded connectors used for large venue power, film production, and generator tie-ins. Scalable by running multiple single-pole lines.

Single-pole High current Color-coded
  • Current: Often 400A per pole
  • Use: Phases, neutral, ground as separate runs
  • Benefit: Rugged, modular, field-friendly
Temporary Power Distribution Box a.k.a 'Spider Box'

Spider Boxes (Portable Power Distribution)

Temporary power distribution units that take a high-amperage input and provide multiple 120V and 240V receptacles. Common on construction sites, events, and film/TV production.

30-60A GFCI Protected Outlets Portable Rugged/Outdoor Rated
  • Input: 50A California-style CS6365/CS6364, IEC 60309 or cam-lock feeds
  • Outputs: Configurable - Mix of 125V and 240V twist-locks and straight blades
  • Protection: Breaker-protected circuits
  • Applications: Job sites, concerts, festivals, temporary lighting
Portable Outlet Box Stringer

Portable Outlet Box Stringers

Daisy-chainable outlet boxes designed for distributing 120V power along a line. Ideal for event lighting, trade shows, and temporary work areas where multiple receptacles are needed in series.

15A / 20A Multiple 5-20R Outlets Daisy-Chainable
  • Input: Standard NEMA plug (5-15P or 5-20P), often with feed-through
  • Outputs: Multiple duplex receptacles along the cord
  • Protection: GFCI or breaker-protected models available
  • Applications: Festivals, stage lighting, booths, temporary workstation power

Common Standards - Compare at a Glance

Standard Amps Voltage Phase Poles/Wires Typical Use
Camlock High current (e.g., 400A+) Varies Single-pole per conductor N/A (per pole) Main feeds, tie-ins
L5 15-20A 125V Single-phase 2P3W Branch circuits, gear
L6 20-30A 250V Single-phase 2P3W Motors, lighting, gear
L14 Typically 30A 125/250V Single-phase split-phase 3P4W Generators, transfer
CA Standard 50A 125/250V Single-phase 3W (Hot/Hot/Ground) Spider boxes, temporary power

Values shown are common/typical for the listed standards; always verify nameplate ratings and local code requirements.

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Compliance & Safety

Built Right

  • Quality: ISO 9001:2015 processes
  • Certifications: UL/CSA as applicable
  • Materials: RoHS & REACH considerations
  • Transparency: Product compliance docs available

Use Safely

  • Match amperage, voltage, and phase to equipment ratings
  • Inspect connectors and cables before use
  • Follow NEC/local code and site safety policies
  • Use locking connectors where accidental unplug is a risk

FAQ

When should I use Camlock?

Use Camlock for very high currents (e.g., large venue mains, generator tie-ins) where each conductor is run as a separate single-pole connection.

What are spider boxes?

Spider boxes are portable power distribution units that step down a single 50A input (often CS6365) into multiple 20A GFCI receptacles and twist-lock outputs. They're rugged, breaker-protected, and widely used on job sites, festivals, and film sets.

How do California-style 50A (CS6364/CS6365) connectors fit in?

CS 50A connectors provide a standard single-phase 125/250V input to spider boxes and temporary panels. They're twist-lock, heavy-duty, and often the “middle ground” between household plugs and Cam-Lok systems.

What cable types are recommended for temporary power?

For durability and flexibility, SOOW or SJOOW rubber-jacketed cords are common. For wet/outdoor use, watertight connctions are preferred. Length and gauge depend on load and voltage drop considerations.

Do you provide custom cord assemblies?

Yes. We build custom assemblies to spec with documentation for approval. Contact sales for assistance with lengths, jackets, and terminations.