Best Practices for Campground Electrical Systems in Western Canada

If you own or run a campground in Western Canada, you know how important a good electrical system is. After all, keeping campers safe, comfortable, and happy is key! From the bustling campgrounds near Edmonton and Calgary to the remote sites in Fort Saskatchewan, offering reliable electrical service to campers is crucial. 

This article will explain the best ways to set up and maintain campground electrical systems in Western Canada. At Grounded Contracting, we’re the experts in professional campground electrical installations and maintenance services. 

Want to ensure your Western Canada campground meets its electrical system demands? Read on for more information.

Understanding Campground Electrical Load Requirements

When planning the electrical system for a campground, you have to carefully consider the power demand. You need to know how much electricity all the RVs, lights, and other amenities will need. This is especially important during peak season in areas like Jasper and Banff, when campgrounds are at full capacity.  

To figure out how much electricity you need, you have to do some power capacity planning. This involves understanding RV electrical requirements, how to do amperage calculations, and how the grid is handled in areas like Edmonton. It's also important to know how much total electricity (Alberta electrical service capacity) the campground can use. 

Grounded Contracting can help you figure out the right size for your campground's electrical system. Reach out to us at any point for expert advice and consultation.

How Many Amps Do Modern RVs Require? 

RVs use different amounts of electricity. To accommodate all types of RVs, campgrounds in Alberta need to offer a variety of electrical hookups. Whether you’re in the Calgary area or Northern Alberta, this will make sure your campers feel accommodated and run into no surprises when they show up!

Here are the different types of hookups for modern RVs:

• 15- amp service. These connectors are for tent trailers or smaller camping units with minimal electrical needs.

• 30-amp service. Perfect for smaller to mid-sized RVs. The 30-amp service can power appliances and other essential systems.

• 50-amp service. For larger RVs, especially those with air conditioners and/or more extensive electrical needs.

Providing power pedestals that are correctly wired and rated for the services they offer is crucial. These pedestals serve as the interface between the campground's electrical supply and the campers' RVs.

Careful planning for peak demand, especially during your busy season, is also essential. This can prevent overloads and ensure a stable power supply throughout the campground. To do this, try to make accurate calculations of the expected load from all campsites and common areas.  

Weather-Resistant Electrical Installations for Alberta's Harsh Climate

Alberta has all kinds of weather! From frigid winters in Edmonton to significant snowfall in Banff, your electrical systems need to be tough.

To keep your system working reliably in harsh weather, you'll need to choose durable materials and take precautions. In this section, we’ll explain some ways you can weather-proof your electrical system and protect your investment.

How To Protect Your Electrical Components in Alberta

In Alberta, the weather can get very cold, and this can damage some parts of a campground's electrical system. So, we need to give these parts extra protection.  

• GFCI protection. GFCI outlets protect people from getting electrical shocks, especially when using near water. In cold climates, it's important to make sure these outlets are working right and protected. Cold temperatures can sometimes cause them to fail or be compromised.

• Weatherproof receptacles: Regular outdoor plugs can get ruined by snow, rain, and ice. That's why we use special weatherproof receptacles. They're built to keep the weather out and keep the plugs working safely.  

• Sealed junction boxes: Wires are connected inside boxes called junction boxes. If water gets inside, it can cause problems. So, we use sealed junction boxes. These boxes are designed to keep water and snow out, protecting the wire connections.  

• Conduit drainage: Wires are often run through pipes called conduits. In Alberta, where it can frequently snow then melt, water can get into these pipes. If the water freezes, it can break the pipes and wires. To prevent this, we use conduit drainage. This means making sure there are ways for the water to drain out of the pipes.  

• Insulation requirements: In very cold places, even the wires themselves need protection! Cold can make wires less efficient. So, we use extra insulation to keep the wires working well, even when it's freezing outside.  

By taking these precautions , you can keep your northern Alberta campgrounds powered in the harshest weather.

Safety Standards and Regulatory Compliance in Alberta Campgrounds 

Campground electrical installations in Alberta must follow the Canadian Electrical Code and Alberta provincial regulations. This helps to keep your system working well and ensures the safety of campers and staff. 

Getting safety inspections and permits are a necessary part of the installation process. Working with a certified electrical contractor can make this a breeze! Contractors like us have a thorough understanding of federal and provincial code compliance and can ensure that all installations meet the required safety standards. 

Contact us to get started.

How Often Should Alberta Campground Electrical Systems Be Inspected? 

If you want to keep your electrical system working well, even in peak season, you'll need to inspect it regularly. Planning inspections and preventative maintenance will keep your electrical system for longer.

Annual Alberta inspections can identify potential issues early and ensure you're covered, even at peak times. It can also prevent costly repairs and extend the lifespan of electrical equipment. Here’s what to look for during an inspection:

• Signs of wear and tear, such as damaged wiring, corroded connections, and malfunctioning equipment.

• Good condition of GFCIs and circuit breakers.

• Damage or loose connections in power pedestals.

• Verify that all electrical components are properly grounded and bonded.

If you’ve inspected your system and have noticed some issues, it might be worth it to call a professional for your own safety. These can include flickering lights, frequent tripping of circuit breakers, or unusual smells. Note: For your own safety, don’t ever do testing or repair work with live electricity.

Grounded Contracting offers electrical testing and maintenance services in Fort Saskatchewan and the Edmonton area, helping you keep your campground's electrical systems working smoothly.

Proper Grounding Techniques for Campground Systems 

Proper grounding of your campground electrical system is your best bet to protect people and equipment from electrical faults. Alberta’s diverse topography, from the prairies to the Rocky Mountains, means that an effective grounding system isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. 

Proper grounding techniques include the use of ground rods and equipotential bonding to minimize the risk of electrical shock. Understanding Alberta soil resistivity is crucial for designing effective grounding systems, and implementing lightning protection measures is essential in areas prone to thunderstorms. Effective fault protection systems are also vital for ensuring the safety of campers and staff. 

What Grounding Challenges Are Unique to Banff and Jasper Campgrounds? 

Campgrounds in the Rocky Mountains, particularly in Banff, Canmore, and Jasper, have unique grounding challenges. This is largely because of the terrain and soil composition.  

Rocky Mountain grounding methods need to work in rocky terrain, high elevations, and extreme soil conditions. Backup grounding techniques may be needed to get proper grounding with shallow soil. Ground grid systems can provide effective grounding in areas with high soil resistivity. Doing soil composition testing is the first step to designing grounding systems that will function well in these locations. 

Energy Efficient Lighting Solutions for Edmonton Area Campgrounds 

Campgrounds can make use of modern lights to improve visibility at night for campers and help them feel safer. These lights also help save energy and prevent light pollution, especially in the greater Edmonton area.

LED pathway lights are bright and don't use much power, making them perfect for sidewalks and open areas. Motion sensors can turn lights on only when someone is there, preserving energy. 

Solar power in Alberta is another great option to power lights. Solar energy harnesses our year-round sunlight, while saving money and helping the environment. Following Calgary's dark-sky rules means using lights that don't shine too much into the sky, so you can still see the stars. 

At Grounded Contracting, we can help answer any questions you may have about modern light options and/or solar power at your campground. 

Which Lighting Options Work Best for Remote Alberta Campground Locations?

Campgrounds in remote Alberta locations can face power challenges. These are often related to unreliable grid power and harsh environmental conditions.  

However, there are a number of ways to keep the lights on during these events. Alberta solar-powered lights are a reliable and sustainable lighting solution, especially for areas without access to the grid. Installing a battery backup system provides a Plan B for lighting in the event of an outage. 

Low-voltage lighting systems are energy-efficient and safe for outdoor use. For campgrounds in areas like Jasper, wildlife-friendly options minimize light pollution and its impact on local ecosystems. Also, autonomous lighting systems provide reliable illumination without the need for manual operation.

Upgrading Existing Campground Electrical Systems in Fort Saskatchewan 

Many campgrounds in areas out of the city like Fort Saskatchewan have older electrical systems. These aged systems may not meet the demands of modern RVs and amenities. Upgrading existing systems is often necessary to improve safety, reliability, and capacity.  

Doing upgrades in stages means campgrounds can fix their power little by little. This way, they don't have to close down completely while they are working. In the long-term, these adjustments can help your electrical system handle newer RVs that need more electricity. Hopefully, in turn, this brings in more profit from happy campers!

An assessment is crucial for identifying potential hazards and figuring out if an upgrade is required. Additionally, in cities like Edmonton and Calgary, city infrastructure upgrades can boost reliability.

Grounded Contracting can provide cost-effective improvements and upgrades to your existing campground electrical systems. We can also work in phases to reduce the impact to your customers. Learn more about our electrical services.

When Is It Time to Completely Replace Outdated Electrical Systems?

In some cases, minor repairs and upgrades may not be enough to fix an outdated campground electrical system.  

Look out for signs that a full system replacement may be necessary. This can include recurring failures, safety hazards, and upgrade limitations.

An investment in a full system upgrade has some perks! These include adding increased capacity, improving safety, and reducing maintenance costs, to name a few. 

Long-term planning is essential for budgeting and scheduling a major electrical system overhaul. At Grounded Contracting, we’ll work with you to assess your electrical system, determine your long-term goals, and come up with a phased approach to upgrade your electrical system.

Providing a safe and enjoyable camping experience in Western Canada starts at your electrical system. The reliability and safety of your campground's electrical systems is crucial.

When setting up or upgrading your campground's electrical system, you need an experienced and local partner. An electrician with local expertise can help you navigate the complexities of power demands. Whether it's weather conditions, lighting options, or regulatory requirements, we're here for you.

Grounded Contracting is committed to serving the electrical needs of campgrounds in Fort Saskatchewan, Edmonton, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today for a consultation and to learn more about our services.