Jobsites are places where time equals money – from operating rotary hammers and commercial saws, to powering temporary worksite lighting and battery charging stations, every aspect of the build depends on a constant supply of electricity.
In the past, general contractors and jobsite managers have relied on gas generators and long extension cord snakes to a nearby utility pole. However, both methods create issues at the jobsite. Extension cords can lead to tripping hazards, voltage drop along the length, and even nuisance tripping of the home circuit breaker. Gasoline powered generators are smelly, require a steady fuel supply, are high maintenance, and often get prohibited due to noise ordinances in the early morning hours.
Modern battery technology offers a much better alternative, allowing the jobsite to operate free of the hassles associated with gas generators, and having a steady supply of electricity from the main grid. Industrial power stations offer a way to power construction sites with a reliable zero-emissions electricity source.
Physical Challenges on Jobsites that Construction Equipment Must Survive
Before getting into the technical details, it’s important to understand the physical challenges that power equipment often face on an active construction site. Fine dust and woodworking powders become suspended in the air throughout the build process.
Dust and Particle Contamination
Many tasks like concrete grinding and drywall sanding produce heavy dust clouds that are hazardous when inhaled. Consumer grade power banks rely on open intake fans to cool internal components, but on the jobsite these fans draw in dust throughout the day, leading to shorted electronics and motor failure.
Rain, Water Exposure, and Humidity
Rain, water exposure, and humidity are also prevalent on active jobsites. Buildings are rarely completed before the start of the framing, roofing, and masonry work, leaving equipment exposed to weather elements. Jobsite workers also often work in unfinished basements or crawlspaces that are subject to humidity. Using a Waterproof Power Station ensures that internal components stay free of the elements, reducing the risk of weather related shutdowns.
Important Specifications for a Commercial Grade Jobsite Backup Power Station
For a proper commercial grade backup power station, it’s important to have high wattage outputs to power large tools, rapid battery recharging so that the equipment doesn’t sit idle, and expandable battery banks to last through the duration of the build. Here are some key specs that allow the unit to overcome daily jobsite challenges:
1. 5040Wh Base Capacity / 5000W AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter (7000W Surge)
Oftentimes at the jobsite, more than one piece of equipment needs to run at the same time. The lead carpenter may be using a table saw, while another tradesperson is using a high draw shop vac, and a third is using a multi-tool battery charger. Having proper wattage capacity allows the power station to handle the combined motor draw of multiple tools at once.
With a 5040Wh base capacity and 5000W Pure Sine inverter with 7000W surge wattage, larger motor starts won’t drop the output power to dangerous levels. The Pure Sine Wave technology also means that the inverter produces clean power similar to utility lines. Jobsite tools and computers use microprocessors that can be damaged by dirty power from gasoline powered inverters, but pure electricity output keeps your expensive tools and equipment safe.
2. 0-100% Battery Recharge in 1.5 Hours
Having to wait hours for a battery pack to recharge leads to lost productivity time. Older battery power banks can take up to eight hours to fully recharge, leaving crews stranded if the unit dies halfway through the workday.
Having rapid battery charging allows for the station to be fully topped off during a lunch hour. With a max 3900W input, it only takes one and a half hours to fully recharge the battery.
3. Expandable to 45.36kWh
Depending on the length of the build, power needs can vary drastically. A small trim out job only needs enough electricity to run a few tools at a time, while a multi-week off-grid build needs enough to power a full crew for several days.
These power stations are designed to expand to meet the needs of the job. By connecting eight B5 battery packs to the base 5040Wh unit, the combined 45.36kWh bank allows you to support an entire crew without running out of electricity.
4. Smart HD LCD Display
When the power goes out in the middle of a cut, expensive material time and effort is wasted.
The smart display shows users at a glance how much power remains, while also displaying input and output wattage. The display also estimates how much runtime remains, based on the current load and wattage being drawn. This allows jobsite supervisors to easily see when a battery pack may need to be recharged.
Six Different Methods of Charging
Having multiple ways of recharging ensures that the jobsite power source is always available when needed. An Industrial Power Station offers six ways of keeping the power flowing:
- AC Grid Charging – Charge the unit from standard wall outlets before heading out to the jobsite.
- Folding Solar Charging – Solar charge while working on remote jobsites, or while working on the roof.
- Vehicle Recharging – Use your work vehicle to recharge the battery while waiting for the next jobsite.
- Combined AC + Solar Charging – Get the fastest 0-100% recharge speed by using both AC and Solar at the same time.
- Gasoline Generator Fast Charge – Run the gas generator at peak efficiency briefly to fast charge the power bank, then turn it off to enjoy the emissions free power for the remainder of the day.
- EV Charging Stations & Anderson Inputs – Charge from public city EV charging stations, or use high capacity Anderson inputs for extra amperage.
Heavy Duty LiFePO4 Cells for Superior Performance
Commercial Jobsite tools are often large and expensive, and power backup stations are no different. Older battery technologies like lithium-ion polymer (NMC chemistry) often degrade after 500-1000 discharge cycles, making them unsuitable for long term jobsite use.
Commercial grade power stations use LiFePO4 battery cells which offer immense advantages for active jobsites:
3500+ Discharge Cycles to 80% Capacity
Even with full discharge and recharge cycles, LiFePO4 battery cells maintain over 80% capacity after nearly a decade of daily use.
Superior Thermal Protection Chemistry
LiFePO4 batteries offer superior thermal protection and stability, making them much safer to store in enclosed workrooms, or even inside a residential basement or trailer.
Uninterruptible Power Supply Protection (2200W Max)
During a build or electrical sub-contractor upgrade, temporary power outages can occur at any time, shutting down worksite computers, laser levels, or setup tools.
By having a 2200W uninterruptible power supply included, the station acts as a surge protector and standby battery for the connected equipment. When utility power is present, electricity flows freely to the connected devices, however if the circuit is cut, the battery instantly kicks-in to prevent power loss to sensitive electronics.
Practical Examples of Jobsite Applications
Understanding the technical capabilities allows you to see how a portable battery station fits in with various aspects of the jobsite:
Interior Renovations / Occupied Spaces
Pulling extension cords from an external distribution box through hallways and doorways poses tripping hazards and can damage interior walls and floorboards. By placing the power source within the working space, cords can be contained to keep the area tidy.
Outdoor Decking, Roofing, Framing
Jobsite workers often work at elevated heights or on exterior decks. Pulling power cords across wet lawn areas or parking spaces can lead to voltage drop along the length, causing tools to run at reduced power and overheat. By placing the power source near the staging area, longer extension cords aren’t needed and the full power output reaches power tools like circular and miter saws.
Whole Home Service Upgrades, Rewiring, and Panel Upgrades
When electricians turn off the main power to a home or building for rewiring, the whole worksite is left in the dark. Instead of setting up a noisy gas powered generator on the street to temporarily power work lights and battery charging stations, the power station can be placed inside the building to provide silent emissions free electricity.
Saving Time and Maximizing Profits on the Jobsite
Time saved on the jobsite often equals increased profits. By eliminating the time spent refueling gas generators or untangling 100ft extension cords, productivity is increased and the build stays on schedule. Other advantages include:
- Avoid Local Noise Ordinances: Most city codes prohibit the use of gas powered equipment before 8AM or after 5PM. Using a silent power source allows you to avoid these restrictions and start work earlier or finish later if needed.
- Prevent Damage to Larger Corded Tools: Most modern jobsite tools use high power brushless motors that are sensitive to surges in electricity. Providing clean Pure Sine electricity prevents damage to these motors and extends the lifespan of the tool.
- Zero Emissions Indoors or in Enclosed Workspaces: Jobsite workers no longer have to worry about running gas powered generators in basements or enclosed workrooms, since battery powered stations don’t produce any emissions.
Modern jobsites require maximizing efficiency, and minimizing downtime. By upgrading to a commercial grade Industrial Power Station, contractors can have the reliable electricity they need to power tools and equipment on any jobsite.