--- title: Electrical Requirements for Portable Cold Storage | Portabull description: Find the electrical requirements for Portabull's climate-controlled storage containers. Ensure seamless delivery by preparing your site with expert support image: https://www.portabull.com/hubfs/Featured%20Image%20-%20Blog.png --- [Skip to the main content.](https://www.portabull.com/electrical-requirements-needed-at-your-application/#main-content)   [![Portabull, a WillScot Company](https://www.portabull.com/hs-fs/hubfs/PortabullWillScot%20logo2.png?width=320&height=84&name=PortabullWillScot%20logo2.png)](https://www.portabull.com?hsLang=en)  **800-211-7051** [![Portabull, A WillScot Company](https://www.portabull.com/hs-fs/hubfs/PortabullWillScot%20logo2.png?width=1494&height=394&name=PortabullWillScot%20logo2.png "Portabull, A WillScot Company")](https://www.portabull.com?hsLang=en) - [Temporary Cold Storage](https://www.portabull.com/electric-reefers) - [10' Container](https://www.portabull.com/rentals/10ft-container) - [20' Container](https://www.portabull.com/rentals/20ft-container) - [40' Container](https://www.portabull.com/rentals/40ft-container) - [53' Trailer](https://www.portabull.com/rentals/53ft-trailer/) - 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[Temporary Cold Storage](https://www.portabull.com/electric-reefers) - [10' Container](https://www.portabull.com/rentals/10ft-container) - [20' Container](https://www.portabull.com/rentals/20ft-container) - [40' Container](https://www.portabull.com/rentals/40ft-container) - [53' Trailer](https://www.portabull.com/rentals/53ft-trailer/) - [Cool-Down Rooms](https://www.portabull.com/rentals/cooler-rooms/) - [What is Temporary Cold Storage?](https://www.portabull.com/what-is-temporary-cold-storage) - [Services](https://www.portabull.com/services) - [Cold Storage Capacity](https://www.portabull.com/cold-storage-capacity/) - [Electrical Requirements](https://www.portabull.com/electrical-requirements-needed-at-your-application/) - [Industries Served](https://www.portabull.com/industries-served) - [Bakeries](https://www.portabull.com/industries-served/bakeries/) - [Breweries](https://www.portabull.com/industries-served/breweries/) - [Chemicals](https://www.portabull.com/industries-served/chemicals/) - [Farmers' Markets](https://www.portabull.com/industries-served/farmers-markets/) - [Fisheries](https://www.portabull.com/industries-served/fisheries/) - [Florists](https://www.portabull.com/industries-served/floral/) - [Food & Beverage](https://www.portabull.com/industries-served/food-and-beverage) - [Grocers](https://www.portabull.com/industries-served/grocery-stores/) - [Hospitals](https://www.portabull.com/industries-served/hospitals-and-healthcare-facilities/) - [Meat Processors](https://www.portabull.com/industries-served/meat/) - [Pharmaceuticals](https://www.portabull.com/industries-served/pharmaceutical/) - [Restaurants](https://www.portabull.com/industries-served/restaurants/) - [Wineries](https://www.portabull.com/industries-served/wineries/) - [Why Portabull?](https://www.portabull.com/about-us/why-choose-portabull/) - [About Us](https://www.portabull.com/about-us/) - [FAQs](https://www.portabull.com/general) - [Electrical Requirements Needed at Your Application](https://www.portabull.com/electrical-requirements-needed-at-your-application/) - [Diesel vs Electric Cold Storage](https://www.portabull.com/diesel-vs-electric/) - [Cold Storage Capacity](https://www.portabull.com/cold-storage-capacity/) - [Helping You Achieve ESG Goals](https://www.portabull.com/sustainability/) - [Customer Testimonials](https://www.portabull.com/testimonials) - [Blog](https://www.portabull.com/blog) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/PortabullStorage/) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/portabullcoldstorage/) [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/portabull-storage/) [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgrs8yW9ixup0FF71XGXw_g) # Electrical Requirements Needed for Portabull's Climate Controlled Storage Containers Everything you need to know before delivery of your Portabull electric cold reefer container. [![Request a quote](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7061291/61f928d9-436d-45c1-a719-6dea8cc27bbb.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7061291/61f928d9-436d-45c1-a719-6dea8cc27bbb) ## Electrical requirements needed at your site or application   - #### What kind of connection do I need? [10’ Portabull units](https://www.portabull.com/rentals/10ft-container?hsLang=en) require a single-phase 220V, 45A connection  [20’ Portabull units](https://www.portabull.com/rentals/20ft-container?hsLang=en) require one of the following connection types:  - Single-phase 208/230V, 45A  - Three-phase 208/230V, 60A  - Three-phase 440/480V, 30A  [40’ Portabull units](https://www.portabull.com/rentals/40ft-container?hsLang=en) require a three-phase 460/480V, 30A connection  If you do not have 460/480 voltage, Portabull can connect a transformer to the unit prior to delivery, enabling connection to your local power source. If you need a transformer, you must have a 208/240 volt three-phase connection with a 60-amp breaker.  - #### What is included with my unit? - 460/480 volt – three-phase connection (30 to 40-amp breaker) male twist lock plug  - 50’ 10-guage cord  - #### How do I plug in the unit? Portabull recommends hiring an electrician as our delivery drivers do not hook up units. **Connection Option 1:** Plug 50’ 10-guage male cord into female receptacle. ![Female receptacle and male twist lock plug](https://www.portabull.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Images/Female%20receptacle%20and%20male%20twist%20lock%20plug.png?width=284&height=213&name=Female%20receptacle%20and%20male%20twist%20lock%20plug.png) **Connection Option 2:** Hardwire the cord that comes with the unit into the power box. ![option2](https://www.portabull.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Images/electrical%20requirements/option2.png?width=162&height=455&name=option2.png) *\*If you remove the Portabull plug, please reinstall it before returning the unit.* - #### What if the cord isn’t long enough? If an extension is needed, SO 10-gauge cords can be purchased by the foot at local hardware stores or provided by an electrician. - #### Can I use a generator to power my unit? Yes, you can run one Portabull electric unit with a 15kVA generator. Two units requires 30kVA, three units requires 45kVA, and so on. ## How to prepare your site for seamless cold storage delivery ### Portabull offers expert support for your electrical cold storage setup. The pros at Portabull Cold Storage are here to help make receiving and setting up your electric cold storage solution as effortless as possible. Whenever you have questions about requirements, procedures, or how to prepare your site, our expert team will provide answers.  We place the highest priority on smooth delivery and efficient operations. That’s why we are available to consult directly with your electrician to confirm the correct electrical setup for your site. Never fear being left out in the cold like with other providers; Portabull’s unmatched expertise and industry-best service will support you every step of the way and ensure your solution is ready to hit the ground running. ![20' Portabull Electric Cold Storage Container](https://www.portabull.com/hubfs/20%20Electric%20Cold%20Storage%20Containers-1.png) [![Request a quote](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7061291/61f928d9-436d-45c1-a719-6dea8cc27bbb.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7061291/61f928d9-436d-45c1-a719-6dea8cc27bbb) [![See All Units](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7061291/c9489bdd-916c-461a-97df-4b78394905d6.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7061291/c9489bdd-916c-461a-97df-4b78394905d6) ## Is your current cold storage really a solution? ### If you use diesel-powered cold storage units or off-site cold storage warehouses, your organization is paying far more than just the cost of rent. ![Green graph with arrows pointing up and dollar sign](https://www.portabull.com/hubfs/Website%20Icons/Green%20graph%20with%20arrows%20pointing%20up%20and%20dollar%20sign.svg) #### High operating expenses. Traditional diesel-powered cold storage units require tens of thousands in operating expenses every year, for every unit. ![Green garbage with exclamation icon](https://www.portabull.com/hubfs/Website%20Icons/Green%20garbage%20with%20exclamation%20icon.svg) #### Lack of convenience. Warehouses are too far away from your site to keep goods close at-hand, and back-and-forth shipping is time-consuming. ![Green bandaid icon](https://www.portabull.com/hubfs/Website%20Icons/Green%20bandaid%20icon.svg) #### Patchwork fixes. Using multiple vendors or cold storage technologies is frustrating and only puts a bandage over the problem. ## Temporary on-site cold storage saves you time, money, and hassle ### Portabull's electric- and hybrid-powered cold storage units help you add temperature-controlled capacity when you need it, then get rid of it when you don't. ![Opened box with excitement icon](https://www.portabull.com/hubfs/Expand%20your%20inventory.png) #### Expand your inventory... Store more goods more conveniently (and affordably) with Portabull units, helping you provide more customers with more value. ![Finger pointing to checked box with empty box icon](https://www.portabull.com/hubfs/Flexible%20Storage.png) #### ...with flexible storage... Portable but spacious, Portabull's solutions come in your choice of sizes, door configurations, and power options. ![Fingers snapping icon](https://www.portabull.com/hubfs/Makes%20Life%20Easier.png) #### ...that makes life easier. Renting Portabull on-site storage is cheaper than permanent installations, saving vital capital for important business investments. ![10 Electric Cold Storage Containers-2](https://www.portabull.com/hs-fs/hubfs/10%20Electric%20Cold%20Storage%20Containers-2.png?width=900&height=675&name=10%20Electric%20Cold%20Storage%20Containers-2.png) ### 10' Electric Cold Storage Containers ![20 Electric Cold Storage Containers-1](https://www.portabull.com/hs-fs/hubfs/20%20Electric%20Cold%20Storage%20Containers-1.png?width=900&height=675&name=20%20Electric%20Cold%20Storage%20Containers-1.png) ### 20' Electric Cold Storage Containers ![40 Electric Cold Storage Containers-1](https://www.portabull.com/hs-fs/hubfs/40%20Electric%20Cold%20Storage%20Containers-1.png?width=900&height=675&name=40%20Electric%20Cold%20Storage%20Containers-1.png) ### 40' Electric Cold Storage Containers ## Why choose Portabull Cold Storage? Because when you have questions about electrical requirements, site preparation, or logistics, you need answers from the best in the business. Portabull delivers all the expertise, plus enormous cost savings and operational flexibility. [![Contact Us](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7061291/a8105760-2e29-4946-9a3d-f4b7f14ae36c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7061291/a8105760-2e29-4946-9a3d-f4b7f14ae36c) ## 40ft Walk-In Electric Cold Storage Reefer Container ![40 Electric Cold Storage Containers](https://www.portabull.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Images/40%20Electric%20Cold%20Storage%20Containers.png?width=400&height=300&name=40%20Electric%20Cold%20Storage%20Containers.png) Our largest units, these [electric 40ft reefer units and refrigerated containers](https://www.portabull.com/rentals/40ft-container/?hsLang=en) can refrigerate and freeze, and are a more affordable replacement for refrigerated trucks and diesel reefer trailers. ## 53ft Hybrid-Powered Refrigerated Trailer ![53 Hybrid Cold Storage Trailers](https://www.portabull.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Images/53%20Hybrid%20Cold%20Storage%20Trailers.png?width=400&height=300&name=53%20Hybrid%20Cold%20Storage%20Trailers.png) For the ultimate in storage space and flexible power capabilities, try our hybrid 53' refrigerated trailers. Able to park at loading docks, these units provide the most capacity while minimizing costs. [![PortabullWillScot logo2](https://www.portabull.com/hs-fs/hubfs/PortabullWillScot%20logo2.png?width=320&height=84&name=PortabullWillScot%20logo2.png)](https://www.portabull.com?hsLang=en)   ##### What We Do - [Temporary Cold Storage Rental Units](https://www.portabull.com/electric-reefers) - [Dry Storage Trailers](https://www.portabull.com/rentals/dry-storage-trailers) - [Industries We Serve](https://www.portabull.com/industries-served) ##### Company & Resources - [About Us](https://www.portabull.com/about-us/) - [Careers](https://www.portabull.com/careers/) - [Blog](https://www.portabull.com/blog) - [Customer Testimonials](https://www.portabull.com/testimonials) ##### Get in Touch - [Request a Quote](https://www.portabull.com/request-a-quote) - [Make a Payment](https://portabullstorage-portal.paystand.com/portabull2) - [Call us at (800) 211-7051](tel:+18002117051) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.portabull.com/privacy-policy) - [Terms of Use](https://www.portabull.com/terms-of-use) - [Your Privacy Choices ![Privacy Options](https://www.portabull.com/hubfs/Website%20Icons/privacyoptions.png)](https://www.portabull.com/your-privacy-choices) © 2026 Portabull Storage [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/PortabullStorage/)[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/portabullcoldstorage/)[Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/portabull-storage/)[YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgrs8yW9ixup0FF71XGXw_g) Return to top ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org/", "@id" : "#WebPage", "@type" : "WebPage", "name" : "Electrical Requirements Needed at Your Application | Cold Reefers", "url" : "https://www.portabull.com/electrical-requirements-needed-at-your-application/" } ```