What Is a Power Skid? A Guide to DuFab’s Temporary Power Solutions

Construction and industrial jobsites call for a lot of power, and teams don’t always have the luxury of waiting around for infrastructure to catch up to their needs. That’s why temporary power skids become crucial pieces of equipment for a wide range of applications. DuFab is proud to deliver these pre-fabricated temporary power solutions for customers across the country. If you’re unsure about what a power skid is and what makes them necessary, we’ve prepared a quick guide to understanding this equipment.  

What a Mobile Power Skid Does 

A temporary jobsite distribution skid is a pre-fabricated and self-contained piece of electrical equipment designed to provide additional sources of power for jobsites. These generally consist of elements including batteries, transformers, switchgear and power supplies, all assembled onto a steel frame for portability.  

Because these units can be moved relatively easily with the use of forklifts or cranes, they make an ideal solution for rapid scaling of power on jobsites. Among the many applications of these skids include providing power on construction sites where infrastructure may be lacking, scaling up capacity in data centers and delivering emergency power for emergency response efforts.  

Benefits of Using Power Skids 

Power skids are found in all types of industrial and construction environments for many reasons, including:  

• Versatility: Because they are self-contained and portable, power skids can be deployed virtually anywhere. From advanced data centers to remote construction sites, power skids make it easy to add the capacity facilities and operations need. 

• Reliability: With prefab power skids, users can be certain that all components have been assembled and tested in a controlled environment. This means they can be more reliable than ad-hoc solutions that are put together on-site under variable conditions.  

• Cost-Efficiency: Compared to permanent installations, power skids can be a much more cost-effective solution for power. They not only cut down on on-site work, but they also prevent delays that can drive projects into the red.  

• Productivity: Having power that can be delivered directly to the site and ready to go can be a godsend for projects under a tight deadline. Power skids help ensure that projects and facility remain as productive as they can because they won’t have to wait for the capacity they need to be added through permanent infrastructure.  

Comparing Power Skids and Mobile Generator Units 

Although mobile generators can help meet some of a site’s power needs, they may not be the right solution in all cases. Power skids in general offer more output than generators, in many situations capable of powering an entire facility. Generators also require more in the way of setup, whereas pre-fabricated skids can be setup and providing power almost immediately upon arrival. Another reason to consider power skids is that they can be customized and configured to meet a wide range of requirements, while mobile generators are manufactured to a more-limited range of specs.  

Purchasing vs. Renting Power Skids 

Depending on the project and the situation, purchasing a jobsite power skid may be a better option vs. renting, and vice versa. In general, renting is a better choice for short-term projects or emergency needs. Purchasing, on the other hand, is often the better choice for contractors who work on recurring projects. It’s important to consider the duration of the project, its budget and how often the skid will be used when deciding between renting and buying.  

Key Features of DuFab Power Skids 

DuFab’s power skid offerings stand out from other suppliers’ thanks to their wide range of specifications and options. We provide loads ranging from 45k to 200k VA, with integrated transformers for smooth voltage regulation and 42-circuit configuration with 8 GCFI outlets. They feature NEMA 3R all-metal construction for exceptional durability, making them safe and reusable for multiple projects.  

DuFab offers our clients dependable power solutions virtually anywhere in the country, with complete support for the entire design-to-installation lifecycle. All our systems are NEC-compliant and custom-built when needed. To learn more about our high-quality, compliant and high-performance solutions, reach out and spea