Porta Cabin Specifications: Frame, Panels, Electrical and What to Ask For

Two porta cabins can look the same in a photo and be completely different inside the walls. The specification decides how cool the cabin stays, how long it lasts, whether it passes Civil Defence and what it really costs. This guide explains each part of a porta cabin specification, what is standard in the UAE, and what to ask suppliers so you can compare quotes properly.

Need a quote to your spec? We build porta cabins to client and consultant specifications in our Sharjah factory.

1. Steel Frame and Base

The base frame carries the whole cabin and takes the load when it is lifted by crane, so it matters more than anything you can see.

• Base: hot-rolled steel channels (C or I sections) with cross members. Heavier sections for larger cabins and for cabins that will be moved often.
• Columns and roof frame: steel posts and a roof frame or light gauge sections, depending on the system.
• Corrosion protection: red oxide primer and enamel paint, or hot-dip galvanising for coastal and long-life cabins.
• Lifting points: designed into the frame for safe crane lifting.

2. Wall Panels

Common wall panel thicknesses are 50 mm, 75 mm and 100 mm. Thicker panels keep the cabin cooler and quieter. The steel skins are usually pre-painted galvanised sheet. For fire-rated requirements, see our fire-rated portacabin guide.

3. Roof

• Insulated sandwich roof panel, usually thicker than the walls because the roof takes the most sun
• Slight slope or pitched roof so rain drains off
• Gutters and downpipes where needed
• Optional double roof or shade canopy to cut heat further

Read more about insulating prefab buildings for UAE heat.

4. Floor

• Floor deck: 18 mm marine plywood or cement board on steel joists. Cement board resists water and termites better.
• Finish: vinyl sheet or tiles for offices, ceramic tiles for wet areas, carpet tiles for premium offices.
• Underside: sealed or insulated where the cabin sits off the ground.

5. Doors and Windows

• Steel or aluminium external door with lock, and wooden or PVC internal doors
• Aluminium sliding or fixed windows, single or double glazed, with mosquito mesh
• Tinted or reflective glass on sunny sides
• Window grilles for security where needed

6. Electrical

• Distribution board with MCBs and an earth leakage breaker (ELCB/RCCB)
• Concealed or surface conduit wiring to UAE standards
• LED ceiling lights, 13A sockets, AC isolators and data points
• External light, and an incoming cable connection point
• Fire alarm, emergency lights and exit signs where required

7. AC and Ventilation

Split AC units are the standard, sized to the room area and the insulation. Window units are cheaper but noisier. Toilets and pantries need exhaust fans.

8. Plumbing

For cabins with toilets or pantries: PPR water pipes, uPVC drainage, a water heater, sanitary fittings and one connection point each for water and drainage outside. See porta cabins with toilet.

Sample Porta Cabin Specification Sheet

This is an example of how a clear specification reads. Every item should appear on a quote you compare.

Questions to Ask Every Supplier

1. What is the panel core and thickness for walls and roof?
2. What steel sections are used for the base?
3. Is the floor plywood or cement board?
4. Which electrical items and AC capacity are included?
5. Is the cabin fire-rated, and is there a test certificate?
6. Are delivery, crane and installation included?
7. What does the warranty cover?

Next, check standard porta cabin sizes and the porta cabin price guide.