Relocating a production line or opening a second plant is a big project, and electrical power is often the item that decides when machines are actually running again. This checklist covers what to sort out before the trucks arrive, so your equipment can be connected safely and on schedule.
1. Build an equipment list with nameplate data
For every machine, record the voltage, phase, frequency, full-load amps (or kW/HP) and any control or compressed-air needs. Photograph the nameplates before disconnecting. This list is the basis for every electrical decision that follows.
2. Compare it with the new building’s service
- What voltage and phase does the new building have: 120/208V or 347/600V?
- Is there enough capacity in the service and main distribution for all the equipment, plus room to grow?
- Are there machines that will need a transformer because their voltage does not match?
If the service is too small, a service or panel upgrade may involve the local utility, so start early.
3. Plan the layout around power
Mark each machine’s position on the floor plan and decide how power will reach it: busway, cable tray, conduit drops or floor trenches. Planning this with your electrician before the move avoids expensive changes later.
4. Disconnect safely at the old site
- Use lockout/tagout before any disconnection.
- Label every conductor and control wire, and photograph terminations.
- Make the old circuits safe once equipment is removed.
5. Prepare circuits and disconnects at the new site
Each machine needs a correctly sized circuit, overcurrent protection and, where required, a lockable disconnect within sight of the machine. Having these in place before the equipment lands lets the connection day go quickly. See machine wiring and equipment connections.
6. Check approvals for older or imported machines
Electrical equipment used in Ontario must be certified for Canada (for example CSA or cUL marked). Older or imported machines without a recognized mark may need a field evaluation before they can be connected. Find out early, because it can affect your schedule.
7. Connect, verify and test
- Verify phase rotation on 3-phase equipment so motors turn the right way.
- Test controls, emergency stops and interlocks before production.
- Label circuits at the panel and update your single-line drawing.
8. ESA notification and inspection
New circuits, disconnects and equipment connections are covered by an ESA notification filed by your licensed electrical contractor, with inspection where required. Build it into the timeline.
Quick checklist
- Equipment list with nameplate data
- Service capacity and voltage confirmed
- Transformers ordered where needed
- Layout and power routing agreed
- Circuits and disconnects ready before move day
- Approvals checked for older or imported machines
- Phase rotation and controls tested
- ESA notification filed
We provide industrial and factory electrical services including 3-phase and 600V power and industrial troubleshooting across the GTA.
Talk to a licensed electrical contractor
North York Electrical Inc. has served businesses, facilities and homeowners across the Greater Toronto Area since 1996. We are ESA-licensed (#7011426), insured and WSIB-covered, estimates are free, and we offer 24/7 emergency service, 365 days a year. Call (647) 990-2696 or send us your project details.
