Programme-led sizing
Peak construction load changes by phase — plan temporary distribution and upsizing path.
Cost of downtime
R35,000–R200,000+
indicative prelims & LD exposure per lost day
Programme delay is the most expensive line item
When tower cranes, site camps and dewatering stop, the main contractor burns prelims and risks LD clauses. A undersized or unreliable set is not a saving — it is a delay instrument.
Even R50,000/day in preliminaries means a robust 60–150 kVA site package can be “earned back” in a week of avoided standing time. Buy or long-term supply generation like you buy crane time: against the programme.
Construction site power solutions deliver mobile-friendly diesel generator sets for towers, site offices, welding, dewatering and camp loads before permanent supply arrives. AGP Generators supplies open and silenced AGP sets with practical distribution, from compact 20–30 kVA frames to multi-hundred kVA packages for large civils. Durability, lifting points and simple daily checks matter as much as nameplate kVA.
See recommended sizes for this sector: 30 kVA generators, 100 kVA generators, 250 kVA generators and related case studies.
Then plan delivery, support and finance: our delivery process, warranty terms, finance and leasing and generator installation and compliance guide.
What this sector needs from generation
Specification themes we see repeatedly when construction sites operations size diesel power correctly the first time.
Robust frames
Site traffic, dust and careless lifts punish light domestic canopies.
Distribution & RCDs
Safe temporary boards matter as much as the set itself.
Fuel theft controls
Lockable tanks and procedures beat mysterious empty gauges on Monday.
Noise near neighbours
Urban builds may still need silenced sets despite “temporary” status.
Exit strategy
Know whether the set demobilises or becomes permanent standby at handover.
Recommended kVA bands
Starting points — final size follows a measured or listed load profile.
Typical loads in this sector
Tower crane (selected)Confirm duty with crane OEM
Site offices & Wi-FiProgramme critical
Welding banksDiversity & cables
DewateringWeather driven
Batching / small plantPhase dependent
Camp accommodationAfter-hours load
Security lightingAll night
Charging & toolsMorning peaks
Field note
Construction
High-rise core stayed on programme through utility delay
A Johannesburg main contractor faced a three-week late municipal connection. An AGP temporary package kept cranes, offices and dewatering online; avoided LD exposure dwarfed the generator hire-equivalent cost on the internal report.
Related kVA guidanceCompliance and site requirements
Temporary works still require competent electrical practice, RCDs, earthing, fire extinguishers at fuel points, and safe lifting. Urban sites add noise bylaws. AGP can supply, position and commission sets with method statements suitable for principal contractor files.
Construction Sites FAQs
Short projects often hire; multi-year programmes or post-handover standby needs can favour purchase. AGP quotes supply paths; say if residual value at handover matters.
Silent almost always — neighbour complaints stop pours faster than technical failures.
Lockable fill points, metered bowsers, hour-vs-fuel logs and camera coverage on the set pad.
Yes with correct protection and cable design. Do not daisy-chain ad hoc.
Basic operator training is included on commissioning when we supply and start the package.