National Portable Storage Association

Modifications

personnel door

A personnel door is a standard-size door cut into a container wall so people can walk in. It is also called a man door. It is the most common single container modification and is often used for offices and workshops.

Why it matters

A personnel door turns a storage box into a space people can enter without opening the big doors. Operators install steel man doors for mobile offices, job site shacks and workshops. A common mistake is to cut the wall without proper framing. The steel around the cut needs reinforcing, or the wall can sag and the door can bind. Customers should check which side the door sits on, the lock type and whether it is weather sealed. Think about where the box will sit, since a side door needs room to swing. If people will occupy the box, local building rules may apply.

Read: Container modifications for rental: Doors, windows, lock boxes and HVAC

Definition source: sentinelcontainers.com

Related terms

roll-up door

A roll-up door is a garage-style overhead door fitted in a container. It rolls up above the opening. It gives wide access for loading, drive-in use or a service window, and replaces or adds to the standard swing doors. It is a common add-on for access.

window cut-out

A window cut-out is an opening cut into a container wall for a window. The cut is framed and reinforced, and a window is fitted. Fixed, sliding and awning windows are common choices, often with security bars or shutters. It is a common add-on for offices and shops.

container modification

A container modification is a change made to a standard shipping container. It covers a single door cut-in up to a full fit-out. Common changes include doors, windows, vents, insulation, electrical work, HVAC, lining, partitions and plumbing. Sellers often group these changes into packages.

mobile office

A mobile office is an office space that is built and finished off site, then delivered ready to use. It can be a converted storage container, a trailer or a modular building. Standard units typically come with insulation, finished walls, flooring, electrical wiring, lighting, a personnel door and a window.

container office

A container office is an office made from a shipping or storage container. A builder cuts in windows and doors and adds insulation, finished walls, flooring, electrical and lighting. It sits directly on the ground and can be moved with a forklift or a truck.

electrical package

An electrical package is a set of wiring, lighting, outlets and a panel installed in a container. It lets the box serve as an office, shop or other powered space. Scope varies by seller and use. Always ask what the package covers.

All 220 terms

For the industry

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