Office trailers provide a convenient way for workers to conduct meetings, manage paperwork, and complete other essential tasks. However, setting up these portable workspaces involves a few key steps that must be taken care of before they can function properly.
These include installing the proper utilities and ensuring that the wiring is up to code. Unfortunately, overlooking these crucial aspects can lead to costly mistakes.
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1. Electrical Connections
When you rent a mobile office trailer, a few electrical connections are necessary for the unit to work correctly. If these connections are not properly made, it can cause a variety of problems that can affect your business operations.
The most important of these connections is the power connection. Ensure the trailer is connected to the right breaker panel and has an appropriately sized wiring hookup. You can check for this by contacting the supplier that you are renting from and asking them to verify.
A second important electrical connection is the grounding. This is to ensure that the trailer is grounded properly and will not be damaged by any electrical spikes or lightning strikes. Depending on your trailer type, this can be done through an outlet or a dedicated grounding cord.
It is also a good idea to have a qualified electrician inspect the connections of your trailer, especially after it has been used for a period of time. They can help you identify and repair any issues before they become bigger problems.
Often, one of the most common electrical issues in mobile offices is that single or more outlets do not have any energy to plug into. You may be able to fix this by resetting the breakers in the breaker box. The simplest way to do this is by completely pushing the handle to the “off” side and then resetting it to the “on” side.
Another common problem with mobile office trailers is that light fixtures are not installed with the proper wattage. This can ruin the fixture and cause it to overheat, which is dangerous for you and your employees. Usually, a small sticker on or inside the fixture states the maximum wattage it can take. If you are installing a new bulb or fixture, always read the recommended wattage and compare it to the original one.
Mobile office trailers can be customized to fit your business needs. They often come with a variety of wall and conference table options, as well as big plan tables for reviewing blueprints. Some suppliers also offer office/storage combinations, smaller trailers that can be used for storage and a workspace.
2. Loose Outlet Covers
Mobile office trailers are used for a variety of business purposes and can be easily moved to new locations. However, the electrical system in a mobile office trailer requires proper care to prevent any potential problems.
It is crucial that any electrical work in a mobile office trailer is done by licensed professionals. A simple mistake can cause serious issues with the entire system. Trying to make electrical connections yourself can also be dangerous. A qualified professional should install utilities like electricity, water, and telecommunications services before the mobile office trailer arrives at the job site.
A power surge can damage any electrical devices in a trailer, making them unusable. It is important to have a surge protector installed in your mobile office trailer to protect against these dangerous problems. You should also avoid plugging in any faulty devices or lights into your trailer.
During the installation process, you will need to check that the power inlet box is properly sealed. If you notice that the inlet box has no seal, it is best to have a professional replace the outlet box. This will keep moisture and other contaminants from damaging your electronics and appliances.
When choosing a location for your mobile office trailer, ensure the site is free of any obstructions or debris. This will make the flatbed and trailer easier to get onto the location. You will also need to consider whether the ground at the site is level if it’s prone to flooding, and any other factors that might affect the delivery process.
Once the mobile office trailer is delivered to the site, you’ll need to ensure that it is properly hooked up with the required utilities. This should be done by a professional familiar with the trailer’s construction and requirements. Failing to do so can result in costly repairs later on.
A portable office trailer efficiently meets your business needs until you can move into a permanent workspace. However, it’s important to be aware of the different electrical requirements that are necessary for your trailer. Understanding these requirements will help you plan and budget for any necessary changes or upgrades.
3. Power Surges
A mobile office trailer is a great way to create a functional workspace that allows you to stay operational while your permanent building is under construction. These portable structures offer all the benefits of a normal workplace while still providing the flexibility that is necessary for most businesses today.
However, there are a few things that you should keep in mind when using your mobile office trailer. One of these concerns is the fact that you will need to install proper electrical wiring. If you aren’t familiar with how to do this on your own, it is best to contact a professional who can do the job for you.
A power surge can be very damaging to your office trailer, causing damage to electronic devices and lighting fixtures. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent this issue. One of the most important is to make sure you have a quality surge protector installed in your trailer. A good surge protector will protect your electronics from a power spike caused by lightning strikes or faulty appliances.
Additionally, you should always unplug your devices during a power outage and make sure your trailer has a full EMS (electronic monitoring system). An EMS will check the voltage on all outlets, make sure that the hot and neutral are in the right place, check for grounding, etc. It will also warn you of any potential issues that need to be addressed.
Another way to avoid a power surge is by installing a whole-house inverter. This device will convert incoming power into usable DC power. This will also help reduce energy costs and improve your home’s efficiency. However, it is a complicated project requiring much time and patience.
You might need to set up a mobile office trailer for many reasons. Some examples include an emergency construction site, a temporary relocation, or a renovation. It’s important to address any electrical needs that you might have, as failure to do so could result in a hazardous situation for your employees and customers.
4. Faulty Light Fixtures
A mobile office trailer needs electricity to power lights, outlets, and HVAC. The breaker panel of a trailer is equipped for electrical hookups, but it’s important that these connections are made by a licensed electrician. This is necessary for safety and to avoid costly fines and penalties. It’s also important to understand that different types of trailers need varying amounts of power. For example, 8-foot-wide trailers typically need 60-amp, 110-volt power systems, while 12-foot-wide trailers require 100 to 150 amps of power.
It’s also essential to avoid using light bulbs or fixtures that are higher than the recommended wattage limit. This is because they will generate too much heat, which can cause a fire. Most light fixtures and bulbs have a small sticker or tag on or inside them that mentions the maximum wattage that the fixture can handle. This can help you avoid installing a light fixture or bulb that will overload the circuit and damage it.
Mobile offices are a versatile option for businesses that need temporary workspaces. However, they can be vulnerable to common setup mistakes that could put workers and equipment at risk. By diligently addressing these issues, you can ensure your mobile office trailer is functioning properly and safely for everyone involved.
One of the most common mistakes when setting up a mobile office trailer is improper wiring. It is important that all of the wiring in a trailer is done by a professional, licensed electrician to prevent safety hazards and possible damage. This includes wiring the main panel of a trailer and each room in the trailer. It’s also important to run proper wire gauges, as improper gauges can increase the amount of resistance in the wiring and lead to poor performance or even a fire.
Another mistake that many people make when setting up a mobile office trailer is not running the correct amperage to each outlet. This can be dangerous and result in expensive damage to your trailer. It’s important to have your electrical system inspected by an electrician before you use it.