Restaurants & commercial kitchens in Calgary

CCT 01What makes this building different

An existing restaurant is not automatically ready for a different menu or appliance package. Ovens, dishwashers, refrigeration, ventilation and make-up air can change both the electrical demand and the control interfaces. Obtain the supplier’s actual equipment requirements; a sales brochure or the previous tenant’s panel schedule is not a complete design basis.

CCT 02Electrical scopes to consider

• Tenant improvements: Office, retail and restaurant fit-outs: what the base building provides, what the tenant’s electrical scope covers, the drawings and the permits.
• Three-phase power: New three-phase services and single-to-three-phase conversions for equipment, kitchens, shops and EV charging.
• Fire alarm systems: Fire alarm installation and alteration in commercial buildings: permits, drawings, verification and handover.
• Lighting controls: Occupancy and vacancy sensing, daylight harvesting, scheduling and networked controls, and what the energy code expects.

CCT 03Coordinate the interfaces

Coordinate hood controls, fire-suppression interfaces, mechanical equipment, refrigeration alarms, point-of-sale equipment and signage. Establish which trade supplies each disconnect, control connection and start-up visit. The landlord’s work letter should identify the service and distribution provided to the premises.

CCT 04Work around the operation

If the business stays open, separate construction areas and agree interruption windows with the operator. Refrigerated inventory and food preparation cannot simply be treated like office loads. The owner and qualified team should plan continuity and restart requirements before work begins.

CCT 05Prepare these documents

• Kitchen equipment schedule with electrical requirements
• Lease work letter and existing panel information
• Mechanical and hood-control drawings
• Opening date, access rules and operating constraints

Label missing or uncertain information clearly. An old drawing is a useful starting point, but the proposed work should be based on verified conditions. Define who will investigate gaps and how that affects the price.

CCT 06Compare scope before price

Start with Electrical cost per square foot. Then use Comparing electrical bids to separate equipment, installation, approvals, testing and exclusions.

Identify owner-carried costs and recurring service fees. Record access and interruption assumptions so a quotation does not quietly depend on working conditions the building cannot provide.

CCT 07Approvals and completion

Use the Commercial electrical permits in Calgary guide to plan the trade-permit scope. Base-building and tenant work have separate electrical permits in Calgary. ¹

At handover, retain inspection results, final drawings, operating instructions and a list of resolved and outstanding deficiencies. Assign responsibility for ongoing inspection and maintenance.

These pages concern Calgary. Confirm the authority and wire-service provider for Airdrie, Rocky View County or another neighbouring municipality. The applicable permits and connection process may differ.