Case Study: Efficient Temporary Power & HVAC Solution for High-Profile Catering Event
Background
A new client required temporary power and cooling for a 30' × 40' white-top frame tent serving as the primary catering and lunch area at a large outdoor corporate event.
The scope included:
• Full HVAC cooling with a 30-ton vertical package air conditioner
• 100 kW of reliable prime power
• Complete interior power distribution for catering equipment, lighting, and attendee convenience outlets (multiple 20A circuits)
Space constraints on-site were severe — equipment placement area was extremely limited, and the client was highly sensitive to both budget and footprint.
Challenge
The primary obstacles were:
1. Very restricted equipment staging area — traditional generator + transformer + AC placement would have exceeded the allowed footprint.
2. The 30-ton vertical AC unit required 480V power, while most standard temporary power distributions are configured for 208/120V.
3. Adding a step-down transformer (480V → 208V) would have consumed valuable ground space and added unnecessary rental cost.
The client needed a clean, compact solution that would not encroach on guest areas or require additional equipment that increased both expenses and visual clutter.
Solution
We deployed a single 100 kW generator equipped with integrated 480V output capability and 50A California-style side box outlets. This allowed us to:
• Feed the 30-ton vertical AC unit directly at 480V using standard 50A Bates or camlock connections — no step-down transformer required.
• Simultaneously provide 208/120V distribution inside the tent via the generator’s native 50A spider box outlets
• Run a single, tidy feeder to a sub-panel inside the tent that distributed power to catering loads, LED lighting, and (8) 20A GFCI convenience receptacles for vendors and staff.
The entire setup used only one generator and one AC unit footprint — eliminating the transformer entirely and keeping all mechanical equipment in the designated (and very small) service corridor.
Results
The system performed flawlessly throughout the multi-day event, maintaining tent temperature below 74°F even during peak afternoon heat and full catering operation. Most importantly:
• We saved the client the cost of renting and fueling an additional transformer.
• Reduced on-site footprint by over 60 sq ft compared to conventional setup.
• Delivered an exceptionally clean installation that impressed both the event producer and venue management.
This was our first project with this client. Because we exceeded expectations on performance, budget, and site cleanliness, they have since awarded us five additional events in 2025 and actively referred us to three colleague companies — resulting in two new major accounts directly attributable to this job.
Client Feedback (verbatim) “You guys made it look easy when everyone else said it couldn’t be done in that space. The fact that we didn’t need a transformer saved us real money and kept the site looking sharp. You’ve got all our temp power work going forward.” This project remains one of our best examples of how thoughtful equipment selection (choosing the right generator model) can dramatically improve both client satisfaction and profitability.
