Real Tools. Real Jobs. Real Solutions from A-Z Hire.
Anyone who’s worked on a house extension or renovation in Dublin knows that things don’t always go according to plan.
You arrive on site, there’s concrete to break, foundations to prepare or an old floor to remove — and there’s no electricity.
Maybe the ESB connection hasn’t been installed yet. Maybe the power has been disconnected for renovations. Or perhaps you’re working at the back of a property where running cables from the house simply isn’t practical.
Traditionally, you’d be looking for a petrol or diesel generator. That means transporting fuel, putting up with engine noise and dealing with exhaust fumes.
But there’s another way.
The DyMac PortaGrid 3600 is changing how builders, tradespeople and homeowners can power tools on sites without electricity.
A Recent A-Z Hire Customer Had Exactly This Problem
A customer recently needed to carry out some serious concrete-breaking work on a site with no mains electricity.
The job called for a powerful demolition breaker, but without electricity, how was that going to work?
At A-Z Hire, we supplied two pieces of equipment:
- Hilti TE 3000 Heavy-Duty Electric Breaker — a powerful demolition hammer designed for breaking concrete slabs, floors, foundations and other demanding materials.
- DyMac PortaGrid 3600 Portable Battery Power Station — a compact, rechargeable battery power unit capable of supplying professional power tools without needing a petrol or diesel generator.
The result?
Over TWO HOURS of trigger time on the Hilti TE 3000, powered by the PortaGrid 3600.
That’s over two hours of actual breaker operation — not simply two hours of having the equipment plugged in.
And when you’re breaking concrete, there’s an important difference.
Why Trigger Time Matters on a Building Site
When you’re using a heavy-duty breaker, you don’t normally keep your finger on the trigger continuously for hours.
You break a section of concrete, stop to clear the rubble, reposition the breaker, move to the next section and start again.
That’s how demolition work happens on a real building site.
The PortaGrid only needs to supply the breaker’s operating power when the tool is being used.
On this particular job, the customer achieved over two hours of cumulative trigger time from the battery-powered setup.
For a builder carrying out an extension, removing a concrete floor or breaking up an old patio, that’s a very useful amount of productive working time.
And the best part? No generator engine running away in the background.
Actual runtime will vary depending on the tool, workload, battery charge and operating conditions.
Why I’d Consider a PortaGrid for Extension and Renovation Work
Building extensions in Dublin often means working in tight spaces, residential gardens, occupied properties and places where access isn’t straightforward.
That’s where portable battery power really comes into its own.
1. Breaking Concrete Before the Electricity Is Connected
You’ve started an extension, but the temporary power supply isn’t ready.
With a suitable breaker and the PortaGrid 3600, you can get on with certain demolition tasks without waiting for mains electricity.
2. Working in Back Gardens with Limited Access
A lot of Dublin houses have narrow side passages or restricted rear access.
Dragging a generator through an occupied house isn’t always appealing.
The PortaGrid is compact enough to transport to the work area without the inconvenience of moving a conventional fuel-powered generator.
3. Renovations in Occupied Homes
When you’re extending or renovating a home where people are still living, reducing unnecessary disruption matters.
The PortaGrid doesn’t have a combustion engine running, produces no exhaust fumes at the point of use and is substantially quieter than a conventional generator.
The connected power tool will still make noise, of course, but at least you aren’t adding generator engine noise to the job.
4. Small Demolition Jobs
Removing an old concrete step, breaking out a section of floor or preparing an area for new drainage?
For suitable tools and workloads, battery power can be a practical alternative to bringing a fuel generator to site.
5. Emergency Jobs and Sites Without Temporary Power
Sometimes you only discover that the power isn’t available when you arrive.
Having access to a portable power unit can mean the difference between getting started and losing valuable working time.
Serious Power from a Portable Unit
The DyMac PortaGrid 3600 isn’t an ordinary camping battery or phone-charging station.
It’s designed for demanding professional applications.
Key specifications include:
- 3,600W continuous output
- Up to 20,000W peak output
- 2,304Wh battery storage capacity
- 230V AC output
- No petrol or diesel required
- No exhaust emissions during operation
- Rechargeable from a suitable mains supply
Its high peak output is particularly useful for compatible tools that require a substantial surge of electricity when starting.
The actual equipment and voltage requirements should always be checked before use.
The Real Advantage? Keeping the Job Moving
Ask any experienced builder what costs money on a building site and they’ll tell you that downtime is right up there.
You’ve organised the labour, arranged the equipment and scheduled the work.
The last thing you need is to discover you can’t operate your tools because the electricity isn’t connected.
That’s why this recent customer example is so useful.
A heavy-duty Hilti breaker, a rechargeable PortaGrid 3600 and over two hours of actual trigger time.
No petrol generator. No diesel. No waiting around for the electricity connection.
Just the right equipment to get the job done.
PortaGrid 3600 – Available from A-Z Hire in Dublin
Whether you’re a professional builder, contractor, electrician, landscaper or homeowner tackling a renovation, A-Z Hire can help you find the right equipment for the job.
Established in 1974, A-Z Hire supplies professional tool hire in Dublin, equipment sales and practical advice from its Walkinstown location.
We’re also a DyMac PortaGrid distributor in Ireland and a STIHL Authorised Dealer and Service Centre.
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