Restaurants are among the most electrically demanding commercial spaces. Between commercial kitchen equipment, HVAC, lighting, POS systems, and refrigeration, a food service build can easily require 400–600 amps of three-phase power. Getting the electrical design right from the start prevents costly retrofits and code violations down the road.

Understanding the Load Requirements

A typical commercial kitchen includes: walk-in coolers and freezers (5–10 hp compressors), commercial ranges and ovens (30–50 amps each), dishwashers and steamers, exhaust hood systems with make-up air, and coffee equipment. Add front-of-house lighting, POS terminals, and audio/video systems, and a full-service restaurant easily justifies a 400-amp three-phase service.

Three-Phase vs Single-Phase Service

Most commercial restaurant equipment — particularly large HVAC and kitchen motors — runs on three-phase 208V power. Single-phase services are adequate only for small cafes and quick-service concepts with minimal cooking equipment. VanFlow designs the service entry based on your equipment schedule and future growth plans.

Kitchen Equipment Coordination

Electrical rough-in must be coordinated with the kitchen equipment supplier before any walls are closed. Each piece of equipment has specific voltage, amperage, and connection type requirements. VanFlow works directly with your equipment vendor to ensure every circuit is sized and positioned correctly — avoiding expensive change orders later.

Health Authority and City of Vancouver Permits

Restaurant electrical work in Metro Vancouver requires permits from the City of Vancouver (or relevant municipality) and inspection by the BC Safety Authority. Hood systems and grease exhaust also fall under fire code requirements. VanFlow manages all permit applications and coordinates inspections so your project stays on schedule.

Featured Project: Central Kitchen — Burnaby

VanFlow recently completed the electrical fit-out for a 6,000 sq ft central production kitchen in Burnaby, including a 400-amp three-phase service, dedicated circuits for 12 commercial cooking stations, walk-in refrigeration, and a full LED lighting system with motion-activated zones for energy savings.

Planning a restaurant or food service build in Greater Vancouver? Contact VanFlow Electrical for a commercial electrical consultation.