GC keeps nagging for more lights and temp power

Status
Not open for further replies.
mdshunk said:
I was digging around the other day and realized that those temp light strings really get away from you fast. I have no idea where they go over the years. I think people eat them on lunch break.
Click to expand...

Most of them just get left.... I thnk the technical term is "Abandon In Place". Most aren't worth the time (labor) it takes to take them down.... they end up getting cut up anyway because the walls get built around them.
 
mdshunk said:
Yeah, they're expensive and people would probably steal them. I use the cheapest crap I can in them.
Click to expand...

You forgot - break REALLY EASY!!!!

Anyway the last fe companies I have worked for had differing policies.
  1. NIC - CO to install outlet for "rent from us, or "you buy 'em" Temp boxes, cords and strings.
  2. Wash my hands and I might fire up some stuff when done with rough.... ;)
  3. In contract - See #1
  4. Combos of all above.
 
pbeasley said:
On a related note, any reason not to use CFL's in temp lighting?
Click to expand...


We used left handed sockets and lamps for this reason. No one ever steals them.
 
What we always due is as soon as there is a roof on, we start roughing in the permanent lighting tails. Then you can install sockets and cages on the tails and they can have all of the light they want. We also set up a covered panel/outlet station in one location and from there it is up to the trades to stretch cords out.

One little hint, and I learned this the hard way, is not to install and fire up any recessed lighting. OSHA does not consider the lamp protected from damage and therefore you will get a "serious" violation. As for the "not switched lights", I have never heard of this, but there have been cases where GC's have been sued when people get hurt after entering the site at night or in emergency situations and there is no lighting.
 
This one of my favorite soap box issues? but Marc beat me to the punch. I would like to add a few points I make with every GC that has ever given me a contract:

1) There is temporary lighting as required by OSHA (Illumination 1926.56) AND there is there is TASK LIGHTING, they are not the same thing. My proposal only covers temporary lighting, while the TASK LIGHTING is the responsibility of which ever trade feels like they need more than 5 foot candles to perform their work. If the GC would like for me to furnish task lighting, I will gladly give them a price for it but its not free or included in my temporary lighting allowance. Please don?t try to tell me the story about the painters needing light so the paint will match, I have heard it before and we both know it is BS.

2) I only furnish temporary lights, and receptacles. Temporary power, ie consumption is by others, ie the GC.

3) My proposal, and contract stipulate an allowance for temporary lights and receptacles, feel free to use is all up on as many frivolous items as you like but once its it gone you start issuing change orders for any more lamps, 480V hookups, or anything else you might think you need. Temporary lights and receptacles is not an open check book invitation to get free stuff.
 
Did a Gap a few years back and it was spelled out how many temp light runs as well as spacing of lamps called for 2 -120v GFCI receptacles in front and back of space the job super wanted power at his desk so it was an extra
 
ITO said:
This one of my favorite soap box issues? but Marc beat me to the punch. I would like to add a few points I make with every GC that has ever given me a contract:

1) There is temporary lighting as required by OSHA (Illumination 1926.56) AND there is there is TASK LIGHTING, they are not the same thing. My proposal only covers temporary lighting, while the TASK LIGHTING is the responsibility of which ever trade feels like they need more than 5 foot candles to perform their work. If the GC would like for me to furnish task lighting, I will gladly give them a price for it but its not free or included in my temporary lighting allowance. Please don?t try to tell me the story about the painters needing light so the paint will match, I have heard it before and we both know it is BS.

2) I only furnish temporary lights, and receptacles. Temporary power, ie consumption is by others, ie the GC.

3) My proposal, and contract stipulate an allowance for temporary lights and receptacles, feel free to use is all up on as many frivolous items as you like but once its it gone you start issuing change orders for any more lamps, 480V hookups, or anything else you might think you need. Temporary lights and receptacles is not an open check book invitation to get free stuff.
Click to expand...


Yep. This is how you approach TP. If the painter needs more than the minimum, he needs to furnish his own. We quote only an "allowance" like ITO stated and bill T&M. We do have to cover the spec requirements and OSHA minimums.
I'm doing a job now where the TP is $220,000.00. TP is NOT free, so it needs to be included in your bid with a description of what that includes, or, I prefer to bid TP below the line, so my bid price will get me to the table and we can haggle over the TP.
 
Its the same everywhere, they always seem to complain about temp lighting and power. You could install 10 temp outlets and the idiots will all plug into the same outlet with splitters galor. If you met your requirements then tell this jerk to piss off.
 
tonyou812 said:
Its the same everywhere, they always seem to complain about temp lighting and power. You could install 10 temp outlets and the idiots will all plug into the same outlet with splitters galor. If you met your requirements then tell this jerk to piss off.
Click to expand...

Yep I agree, I did a job where these carpenters were plugging in computer power strips with a built in 10 amp fuse and complaining of a power problem... :roll: These guys are unbelievable... too dumb to figure it out I guess...
 
stickboy1375 said:
... :roll: These guys are unbelievable... too dumb to figure it out I guess...
Click to expand...

That is the sad conclusion I have had to come to after dealing with the many of them for a lifetime. I also put about 98% of residential general contractors into the same bag since they start out as... you guessed it - carpenters who plug too much stuff into plug in strips with a 10 amp cutout and then complain.
 
sometimes when they really get on my nerves and they are using those cheasy plug in strips ill make them a quad with a 1900 box and gfic/duplex. this usually fixes the problem and shuts them up. And ill charge them for the quad later.
 
izak said:
youve been taking pictures in arkansas again havent you????

he he
Click to expand...


LOL

Good ideas guys. I put up 6 more lights today on a stinger I had laying around and he now seems so happy he could wet himself. Tomorrow will be a different tune I am sure. I really am done with it though.

The sheet rockers came through and did the hard ceilings in all the bathrooms today, and buried the lighting I had in them instead of cutting around them.

This will be an issue I am sure. Oh well, life goes on.

As far as using the perm power lights for temps with a socket and cage, its tough in commercial buildings where all the ceilings are suspended, and the trades need light well before the walls are even up yet.
 
tonyou812 said:
Its the same everywhere, they always seem to complain about temp lighting and power. You could install 10 temp outlets and the idiots will all plug into the same outlet with splitters galor. If you met your requirements then tell this jerk to piss off.
Click to expand...

While back I gave a job 10 whole 20A circuits - they call back and say the one by the tool box keeps tripping - I get there, and there is 3 rarely oiled compressors, and about 2 dozen tangled cords leading to the rest of the circuits I gave them, via 6-7 3-way splitters with all the grounds ripped out....... WT%!

And my all time favorite - many years before I owned a camera on my phone, because it would have made a good one!!! "The temp power is out" - I get there and follow the 50A cord - right into freshly poured concrete.... :roll: Cords, box, everything still plugged in.... Apparently the rebarred it into a grade beam and started pouring before they realized the just covered it. _ they called me just for effect.... They chopped peices out as few days later...
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top