My boyfriend and I are soon moving to Vancouver Island from Europe and we are wondering if it is conceivable to bring back some of our kitchen appliances, specifically an espresso coffee machine, a bread making machine and a raclette machine. We have bought a house and would like to know if it is possible to have a 220 volt outlet installed in the kitchen. We could bring a European faceplate home with us to ensure that appliances bought in Canada were not inadvertently plugged into it. Could we run two appliances off one outlet, say the coffee machine and the bread machine together, or would we need two outlets? We certainly don't want to do anything to void our house insurance and so cannot consider this if it would be in violation of the building codes. Would you also have an idea of the approximate cost to get such an outlet installed? We also wouldn't bother if it is prohibitively expensive.
Answer:
Only your imagination will restrict what you can do with electricity in Canada. All work, of course, has to be inspected by the local power authority inspector but other than that, almost anything can be done. As far as installing wiring for non-North American appliances goes, you may want to discuss your plans with an electrical company in Vancouver before finalizing your moving plans. Cost has to be considered and you may very well be farther ahead leaving some of the appliances behind and buying new ones once you're settled here. By the way, the best espresso I've tasted (love the stuff) is made right here (Ottawa, ON) in a local restaurant. Please stay in touch and the best of luck to you.
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Remember, even if you don’t do your own work around the house have to hire someone, you put yourself at a great advantage when you can intelligently discuss a project with the various trades people.
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