Whether you’re building a new facility, upgrading critical infrastructure, or transitioning systems, having a solid temporary power plan is non-negotiable. Even a brief loss of power can disrupt operations, corrupt data, and lead to significant financial loss. That’s why temporary power solutions for data center projects must go beyond standard generator setups—they require redundancy, scalability, and flawless execution.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key components of a temporary power system tailored for data centers, including the additional safeguards needed to meet mission-critical demands.

Step 1: Define Your Power Load and Runtime Requirements

Start by identifying your total power load—how much energy your systems consume—and how long you’ll need temporary power. For data centers, this isn’t just about servers; you’ll need to account for cooling systems, lighting, networking equipment, and security infrastructure.

Tip: Factor in future growth. It’s better to oversize your power system slightly than fall short mid-project.

Step 2: Choose the Right Generators

Most temporary power setups use diesel generators due to their reliability and fuel efficiency. But for data centers, a single generator isn’t enough. You’ll need built-in redundancy—often an N+1 or even N+2 configuration—to ensure continuous power even if one unit fails.

What You’ll Need:

  • Primary Generator(s): Sized for your full load.
  • Redundant Backup Generator(s): Ready to take over instantly in case of a failure.
  • Auto Transfer Switches (ATS): Automatically shift power to the backup if the primary goes offline.

Step 3: Add UPS for Instant Switchover

Even the best generator systems take a few seconds to spin up. That’s where uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) come in. A UPS provides immediate backup power while your generators start, preventing even a momentary outage.

UPS Considerations:

  • Match capacity to your critical load
  • Choose battery or flywheel-based systems depending on your needs
  • Ensure maintenance and monitoring protocols are in place

Step 4: Plan for Fuel Storage and Delivery

Power is only as good as your fuel supply. A reliable refueling plan ensures you don’t run dry during long projects.

Best Practices:

  • Estimate daily usage and plan for 24/7 availability
  • Include backup fuel tanks
  • Coordinate with a supplier for scheduled deliveries and emergency response

Step 5: Implement Load Banks for Testing

Before going live, use load banks to simulate demand on your system. This ensures everything performs as expected under full capacity and helps prevent unexpected shutdowns.

Why It Matters:

  • Verifies generator and UPS performance
  • Identifies potential issues before real-world deployment
  • Confirms compliance with regulations and project requirements

Step 6: Monitor and Maintain the System

Remote monitoring tools allow your team to stay on top of power system performance in real time. Combine this with routine on-site inspections to ensure optimal operation throughout the project.

Tip: Partner with a trusted service provider for parts, tools, and ongoing maintenance to minimize downtime and ensure continuous, reliable operation.

Step 7: Don’t Forget the Permits and Safety Protocols

Temporary power systems must comply with local regulations, safety standards, and emissions requirements. Be sure to obtain the necessary permits and train your personnel on proper procedures to ensure safe and legal operation.

Built-In Backup: Power You Can Count On

Any temporary power plan for a data center needs to include layered redundancy, not just one generator.  Backup generators and UPS systems must be designed to keep you running no matter what.

That’s where Stewart & Stevenson comes in. With decades of experience supporting mission-critical operations, we understand that delivering reliable power takes more than just equipment, it takes engineering expertise, fast response, and a deep understanding of your unique challenges.

We deliver more than equipment, we deliver confidence. Whether you’re performing scheduled maintenance or executing a major infrastructure upgrade, our team will engineer and provide a permanent power solution designed to meet your uptime requirements.

Let’s build a solution you can rely on, because in your world, failure isn’t an option.
 Contact Stewart & Stevenson today.