Restaurants and food service businesses have some of the most demanding electrical requirements of any commercial operation. A typical commercial kitchen runs multiple high-amperage appliances simultaneously -- ovens, fryers, refrigeration units, hood ventilation systems, dishwashers, and warming equipment -- all on circuits that must handle sustained heavy loads in a hot, humid, grease-laden environment. An electrical failure during dinner service does not just inconvenience you; it costs you revenue and can spoil thousands of dollars of food inventory.
Unity Power & Light provides specialized restaurant and food service electrical work throughout Aiken, SC and surrounding areas. We understand the unique demands of commercial kitchens, the strict requirements of health department inspections, and the reality that your electrical system must perform reliably during peak hours when every circuit is loaded to capacity. From new restaurant buildouts to equipment upgrades and emergency repairs, we keep your kitchen running.
What We Do
Restaurant electrical work requires specialized knowledge of commercial kitchen equipment, food safety codes, and high-demand electrical systems.
Kitchen Equipment Circuits
Commercial ovens, fryers, ranges, and griddles require dedicated circuits sized for their specific amperage draw. A commercial convection oven may need a 50-amp 208/240V circuit, while a bank of fryers requires its own dedicated panel space. We size and install every circuit to match the exact equipment being connected.
Hood Ventilation Wiring
Commercial exhaust hoods are required by fire code over cooking equipment that produces grease-laden vapors. The hood system includes the exhaust fan, makeup air unit, fire suppression interlock, and hood lights -- all of which require proper electrical connections. We wire hood systems to meet both NEC and NFPA 96 requirements.
Walk-In Cooler & Freezer Electrical
Walk-in refrigeration units require dedicated circuits with correct voltage, amperage, and disconnect switches. The compressor, evaporator fans, interior lights, and door heaters all need proper electrical connections. We install circuits that handle the high starting current of compressor motors without tripping breakers.
Commercial GFCI Protection
Health department and NEC codes require GFCI-protected receptacles in commercial kitchens within six feet of water sources. This includes outlets near sinks, dishwashers, and prep areas. We install commercial-grade GFCI receptacles and breakers rated for the heavy use environment of a restaurant kitchen.
Panel Upgrades & Load Balancing
Many restaurants outgrow their original electrical service as they add equipment over time. When you add a new pizza oven or an additional walk-in freezer, your panel may not have capacity. We upgrade panels, balance loads across phases, and ensure your electrical service can handle your full equipment complement.
Emergency Power & Backup
A power outage can cost a restaurant thousands in spoiled food. We install generator connections, transfer switches, and emergency circuits that keep refrigeration and critical systems running during outages. We prioritize the circuits that protect your food inventory and allow safe kitchen shutdown.
Our Process
Equipment Review & Load Calculation
We review the nameplate data on every piece of kitchen equipment to determine exact voltage, amperage, and phase requirements. We perform a complete load calculation to determine whether your existing electrical service has capacity or needs upgrading. For new buildouts, we work from your equipment list to design the electrical system before construction begins.
Code Compliance Planning
Restaurant electrical work must satisfy NEC requirements, NFPA 96 (commercial cooking ventilation), South Carolina building codes, and DHEC health department standards. We plan every circuit, receptacle, and disconnect to pass inspection the first time. We coordinate with your hood installer, plumber, and general contractor to avoid conflicts.
Installation During Off-Hours
For existing restaurants, we schedule electrical work during closed hours to avoid disrupting your service. New circuit installations, panel upgrades, and equipment connections are completed overnight or during your slowest periods. For new buildouts, we coordinate with your construction schedule to keep the project on time.
Testing & Inspection Support
We test every circuit under load, verify GFCI protection works correctly, confirm equipment operates properly on its dedicated circuit, and prepare for the electrical inspection. We are present during the inspection to address any questions from the inspector and ensure you pass on the first visit.
Why Professional Installation Matters
Restaurant electrical work carries higher stakes than typical commercial projects. Here is why professional expertise matters.
Health Department Compliance
DHEC health inspectors check electrical installations during restaurant inspections. Missing GFCI protection, improper receptacle placement, exposed wiring, and inadequate lighting in food prep areas are all violations that can delay your opening or result in citations. We install everything to pass health department inspection from day one.
Fire Safety
Commercial kitchens combine high electrical loads with grease, heat, and moisture -- a dangerous combination when electrical work is substandard. Overloaded circuits, undersized wiring, and loose connections in this environment create serious fire risks. We size every circuit with appropriate safety margins and use commercial-rated components designed for kitchen environments.
Equipment Protection
Commercial kitchen equipment represents a significant capital investment. Improper electrical supply -- wrong voltage, undersized circuits, or poor power quality -- damages expensive equipment and voids manufacturer warranties. We match every circuit precisely to manufacturer specifications, protecting both your equipment and your warranty coverage.
Operational Reliability
A tripped breaker during Friday night dinner service is more than an annoyance -- it is lost revenue. Properly sized and balanced circuits handle peak loads without tripping. Dedicated circuits for high-draw equipment prevent one appliance from affecting another. We design your electrical system for the worst-case scenario: every piece of equipment running at full capacity simultaneously.
Restaurant Electrical Pricing
Unity Power & Light provides detailed project proposals with fixed pricing for restaurant electrical work. Every project is scoped based on your specific equipment and facility requirements.
Pricing varies based on the number of equipment circuits needed, panel capacity requirements, three-phase versus single-phase service, and the extent of existing electrical infrastructure. We provide an exact quote after reviewing your equipment specifications and surveying your space.
For more information on restaurant electrical requirements, read our blog post: Restaurant Electrical Code Requirements in Aiken, SC
Why Choose Unity Power & Light
Need other commercial electrical work? We offer a full range of commercial electrical services including lighting, panel upgrades, and electrical maintenance for all business types.
Need Restaurant Electrical Work?
Serving Aiken, SC and surrounding communities including North Augusta, Graniteville, New Ellenton, Jackson, and Clearwater. Get your project quoted today.