When an underground secondary fault takes out a single hot leg or neutral, customers lose power immediately. Utilities then face a difficult choice: perform costly emergency repairs at all hours or run temporary overhead conductors that create safety hazards, traffic risks, and liability exposure.
Temporary power restoration devices solve this problem effectively. These portable autotransformers restore full meterable 120/240V service directly at the customer’s meter socket in minutes. Also known in the industry as add-a-phase units, service saver transformers, or Servisavor-style devices, they allow line crews to restore power quickly while permanent repairs are scheduled on the utility’s timeline.
Why Utilities Choose Temporary Power Restoration Devices
Faster Power Restoration After Underground Faults Temporary power restoration devices get customers back online in minutes instead of hours or days. This reduces overall outage duration, improves reliability metrics, and lowers the volume of customer complaints.
Safer Operations for Linemen By eliminating the need for temporary overhead conductors, these devices reduce crew exposure to traffic, weather, and energized temporary lines. Modern units include built-in overcurrent protection, thermal monitoring, and optional GFI protection for added safety.
More Control Over Repair Scheduling Crews can restore service quickly and then perform permanent cable repairs during normal working hours. This reduces overtime costs and improves overall crew efficiency and morale.
Lower Risk and Liability Avoiding temporary cabling reduces the chance of weather-related failures, public contact incidents, and property damage claims — a significant concern for utilities.
Reduced Physical Strain on Crews Newer lightweight designs are much easier for a single lineman to handle. Many temporary power restoration devices can be positioned without hoists or heavy lifting, which helps with crew safety and retention.
Better Customer Experience During Outages Quick restoration keeps essential loads running (refrigerators, medical equipment, sump pumps, etc.). This protects the utility’s reputation and reduces the number of outage-related calls.
Temporary Power Restoration Devices: Modern vs Traditional Approaches
Many utilities are moving away from older, heavier temporary power restoration equipment toward lighter, more capable solutions. Here’s how current-generation devices compare:
| Feature | Older / Heavier Units | Modern Temporary Power Restoration Devices (e.g. PowerBack & Trident) | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | Often 150+ lbs | As low as 91 lbs (PowerBack Lite) | Modern |
| Mobility | Difficult in rough terrain | Wheeled never-flat tires or fully modular hand-carry options | Modern |
| Installation Time | Longer setup | Quick single-turn meter adapter | Modern |
| Safety Features | Basic | Thermal protection, voltage/current monitoring, optional GFI | Modern |
| Capacity Range | Limited | 15 kVA to 50 kVA+ | Modern |
| Crew Requirements | Often requires multiple people | Many models can be handled by one lineman | Modern |
How PowerBack and Trident Maximize These Benefits
Bridgeport Magnetics engineered the PowerBack and Trident families with direct input from working linemen. The result is a complete range of high-efficiency toroidal autotransformers built for real-world utility conditions:
- PowerBack Lite models are among the lightest options available and roll easily on never-flat tires — ideal for everyday residential and small commercial services.
- Standard PowerBack units handle higher loads (up to 50 kVA) in durable NEMA 4 stainless steel enclosures on wheeled carts.
- Trident offers a modular, handheld solution for rough terrain, backyards, or flooded areas where carts cannot reach.
All PowerBack temporary power restoration devices feature quick single-turn meter adapters, redundant overcurrent protection, voltage and current monitoring, and thermal protection. Most installations require no ground rod. They are manufactured in Shelton, Connecticut, are ETL and UL recognized, and carry a 3-year warranty.
FAQ
What is a temporary power restoration device? A temporary power restoration device is a portable autotransformer that restores a missing hot leg or neutral at the customer’s meter. It allows utilities to quickly restore power while permanent cable repairs are completed.
How long can these devices stay connected? They are designed for temporary use. Most utilities aim to remove them within a few days to a couple of weeks once permanent repairs are finished.
Do I still need to run temporary overhead cables if I have one of these devices? No. One of the main benefits of temporary power restoration devices is that they eliminate the need for temporary overhead conductors in most situations.
What size temporary power restoration device do I need? It depends on the service size and expected load. Common sizes range from 15 kVA for basic residential services up to 50 kVA for larger homes or light commercial services.
Are these devices safe to use in wet or flooded conditions? Modern units like the PowerBack and Trident are built with NEMA-rated enclosures and are designed for outdoor use. However, crews should always follow proper safety procedures and manufacturer guidelines.
How does the PowerBack compare to older temporary power restoration equipment? PowerBack units are significantly lighter, easier to maneuver, and include modern safety features such as thermal protection and optional GFI. Many crews find them faster and safer to deploy than older, heavier units.
Can one person install these devices? Many models, especially the PowerBack Lite and Trident, are designed to be handled by a single lineman. This reduces physical strain and improves crew efficiency.
The Bottom Line on Temporary Power Restoration Devices
Temporary power restoration devices have become a standard tool for modern utility outage response. They deliver faster restoration, improved lineman safety, lower operational risk, and better control over repair scheduling compared with older methods.
If your crews are still relying on temporary cabling or older, heavier equipment, it is worth evaluating current-generation solutions. Bridgeport Magnetics’ PowerBack and Trident family was specifically designed to deliver the full benefits of temporary power restoration devices while addressing the practical needs of linemen in the field.
Ready to equip your teams with faster, safer, and lighter temporary power restoration devices? Contact Bridgeport Magnetics Group at (203) 954-0050 or [email protected]. Explore the full lineup at bridgeportmagnetics.com/temporary-power-restoration.
