Restaurant Electrical Installation & Service in Gatineau

Most full-service restaurants in Gatineau need 400-amp three-phase service to handle kitchen equipment, HVAC, and lighting loads. A typical commercial kitchen with a six-burner range, double convection oven, fryer, grill, walk-in cooler, and dishwasher will pull 250 to 350 amps at peak load. We add capacity for future equipment and lighting before sizing the panel. Fast-casual restaurants with smaller kitchens can sometimes operate on 200-amp or 300-amp service. Hydro-Québec delivers three-phase power to most commercial zones in Gatineau, but older buildings in Hull and along Boulevard Saint-Joseph sometimes need transformer upgrades before the service can be installed. We coordinate that work with the utility during the planning phase. The service panel and distribution setup is typically the largest single electrical cost in a restaurant fit-out.

Yes. All commercial electrical work in Quebec requires an RBQ permit and inspection before the space can legally operate. If a permit is needed, we handle the application and schedule the inspection once the work is complete. The inspector checks panel sizing, circuit protection, equipment connections, and grounding before issuing final approval. Gatineau restaurants must pass this inspection before the city issues an occupancy permit. Most projects require two inspections: one after rough-in and one after final connections. Our team works under RBQ #5814-7273-01, which authorises us to pull permits and complete inspections for commercial electrical projects across Quebec. You don't need to contact the RBQ or track deadlines. We manage the permit process from application to sign-off.

We give you a written price after assessing the job, before any work starts.

Rough-in happens after walls are framed but before kitchen equipment is installed. We run conduit and wire to each equipment location based on your kitchen layout, install junction boxes at the correct heights, and leave connections ready for final hookup. Rough-in also includes lighting circuits, exhaust hood wiring, and any point-of-sale or sound system infrastructure your designer has specified. The rough-in inspection happens at this stage. The inspector checks wire sizing, conduit runs, box placement, and panel labelling before approving the next phase. In Gatineau's older commercial buildings, rough-in sometimes uncovers wiring or structural issues that need addressing before we can proceed. We flag those during the assessment so there are no surprises once the job starts. Final connections happen after your equipment arrives, followed by a second inspection and final code approval.

A complete restaurant electrical fit-out in Gatineau typically takes two to four weeks from service panel installation to final inspection, depending on the size of the space and the complexity of the kitchen. Rough-in for a 1,500-square-foot restaurant with a standard kitchen takes three to five days. Final connections after equipment delivery take another two to three days. Inspection scheduling adds time. The RBQ inspector's schedule varies, but most Gatineau projects get inspected within a week of requesting the appointment. Older buildings in Hull and Aylmer sometimes take longer if structural work or service entrance upgrades are needed before electrical work can begin. We tell you the expected timeline after assessing the space and reviewing your equipment list and opening date.

Yes. Most heavy commercial kitchen equipment runs on three-phase power at 208V or 240V. Ovens, fryers, ranges, and walk-in coolers typically require three-phase connections. We size the circuit based on the equipment nameplate specifications, install the correct breaker in the distribution panel, and verify voltage at the equipment connection point before handoff. Hydro-Québec delivers three-phase service to most commercial locations in Gatineau, but some older buildings need transformer upgrades before three-phase power is available. We confirm what's available at your location during the assessment and coordinate any utility work needed before the panel installation. Walk-in coolers and freezers also need dedicated circuits with disconnect switches installed within sight of the unit, as required by Quebec electrical code.

Yes. Most restaurant electrical projects in Gatineau require after-hours work to avoid conflicts with other trades or to meet tight opening deadlines. We schedule rough-in and final connections around your contractor's timeline and your opening date. Night and weekend work is charged at our standard rates for commercial projects. French-speaking electricians are available on our team, which helps when coordinating with Quebec-based contractors and inspectors. We've completed projects in occupied buildings where daytime work wasn't possible and in spaces with hard opening dates tied to franchise agreements or lease terms. If you have a fixed deadline, tell us during the assessment and we'll build the schedule to meet it.

Quebec electrical code requires GFCI protection on all 120-volt receptacles within 1.5 metres of sinks, dishwashers, prep sinks, and handwashing stations in commercial kitchens. Equipment circuits over 150 volts typically don't require GFCI unless the equipment manufacturer specifies it. Walk-in coolers, freezers, and refrigeration equipment are usually exempt because nuisance tripping can cause food spoilage. We install GFCI breakers in the panel for affected circuits rather than using GFCI receptacles, which reduces the chance of accidental resets by kitchen staff. The RBQ inspector checks GFCI placement during the final inspection. Gatineau restaurants also need ground fault protection on outdoor receptacles, including those used for patio equipment or exterior refrigeration units. We confirm what's required during the design phase and install protection where code or manufacturer specs call for it.