Discovering the Best Electrical Stores in Ottawa: A Guide to Superior Products and Services

Looking for the best electrical stores in Ottawa, Ontario? Discover a wide selection of superior products and services for all your lighting and automation needs.
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Matt Fortin
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Best Electrical Stores in Ottawa

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Ready to cast your Ottawa space in the best possible light? Whether you desire an elegant lighting solution to grace your living room or functional pod lights that meld convenience with modern style, Ottawa’s finest lighting stores offer an opulent selection of chandeliers, fixtures, and professional lighting services, presenting top brands known for their quality and innovation. Commence your bright journey here, with a handpicked guide tp the premier lighting havens that Ottawa has to offer.

What are the Best Stores Anyway?

The short answer is, “it depends.” It depends on your project, desired outcome, time frame, budget and goals. That is why we have considered various pain points of the buyers at these stores to give our recommendation. 

We have conducted extensive research, interviewing 1800 homeowners and contractors and analyzing thousands of online reviews to identify the strengths and weaknesses of various suppliers. We also visited many stores to add our personal insights.

What are the Best Stores in ottawa

During our interviews, the following pain points were mentioned time and again.

  1. Price discrepancies – The buyers mentioned the same products available at different costs in different stores.  
  2. Quality of products –  The buyers expressed concern about finding sub-standard products in different stores. 
  3. Customer service – The buyers frequently noted that efficient customer service could greatly help improve the shopping experience. 
  4. The cost of product delivery – Some interviewees mentioned that local stores might sell inexpensive products, but they would charge extra for delivering the products.
  5. Availability – A few suppliers might not promptly deliver their products. Their wait time could be more than a week, which poses challenges if you have a timeline to follow.

In this comprehensive guide, we will offer advice for DIY enthusiasts, homeowners, and electricians. Choose the best place to shop for your supplies depending on the nature of your project. 

Are You Shopping On Budget?

Before we give you a rundown of some of the great stores in the area, here are a few places to buy your supplies cheaply. These places can help you find stuff, if you are a DIY enthusiast, a beginner or a homeowner shopping on a budget.  

ReStore

This store is operated by Habitat for Humanity and sells new, as well as gently-used building materials and electric supplies at reduced costs.  

Ottawa Train Yards

You can find affordable supplies at Ottawa Train Yards, a premier shopping district with over 150 shops and services. Visit their directory to explore the variety of stores available for your needs.

"Save the Tax" or "Scratch and Save Options" and Home Depot/Rona+

Shopping at Home Depot and Lowes can help you save money with their “save the tax” or “scratch and save” events. These promotions can offer a discount of 13-15% on the products. Keep an eye out for these deals to maximize your savings on supplies and other home improvement needs.

In the following section, we offer an in-depth review of the important electrical stores in Ontario. Let’s dive in. 

1. City Electric Supply Ottawa East

Your Go-To for Professional Electrical Projects

City Electric Supply Ottawa East
Visit website
View location
Phone: +1 613-248-1799

CES is a well-known provider of equipment and inventory catering to industrial and residential applications. They have several branches, but this review focuses on the Ottawa East branch of CES. 

Pros

  • Many customers rave about the excellent service they receive at CES. Staff members like Matt and the team are frequently mentioned for their friendly and helpful demeanour. 
  • During our visit to the store, we noticed that CES employees are very knowledgeable and experienced. They helped us get the right tools and products for our needs.
  • One of the online reviewers praised the efficiency of the team, saying that they “could quickly provide multiple solutions and the right tools for any job.” This efficiency is a significant advantage for those needing prompt and accurate assistance.
  • One of the interviewees praised CES for its well-stocked inventory. He mentioned that the store has good stock levels for most items and even offers delivery services for tradespeople, making it a convenient choice.
  • Another reviewer noticed that the staff at CES waited past closing time to ensure he got the materials needed to complete his job. This shows that City Electrical Supply offers good customer service. 
  • They offer some equipment like cable pulling equipment on a rental basis, too.

Cons

  • While most reviews are positive, there are occasional complaints about service inconsistencies. For instance, one online reviewer experienced a discrepancy between what was promised over the phone and what was delivered at the counter regarding wire cuts.
  • A few online reviews mention poor customer service. A reviewer described the Ottawa branch as the worst, citing very rude customer service. Such experiences, although rare, highlight that there can be variations in service quality.
  • They have a very limited stock of residential items. While the company claims to carry residential products, it might depend on specific needs, which could be a downside for some shoppers.

Products

  • Switchboards
  • Motor Control Centers
  • Combination Starters
  • Soft Starters
  • Variable Frequency Drives
  • Light Fixture
  • Lamps
  • Fire Alarm
  • Transformers

Brands

  • Arlington Box Extenders

    • Mulberry Weatherproof Products. These include lamp holders, pool junction boxes, and photo controls.
    • Littelfuse circuit protection products
    • Broan NuTone products. These include range hoods, ventilation fans, roof and wall caps, wall switches, heaters, and ceiling fans.
    • Balanced ventilation systems
    • Killark electrical construction products for standard, harsh and hazardous locations
    • PVC box and accessories

    Visit the website for further details about the brands and the products.

Competitive Pricing and Deals

  • At the time of writing this article, the following offers and deals are available on their website: 

    • Free delivery on all orders over $75.
    • Featured Product Specials:
      • Generac Home Standby Generators: Ensure comfort, security, and convenience with a permanently installed Generac home backup generator.
      • Lutron Outdoor Smart Plug: New Castea outdoor smart plug for advanced control.
      • Sunnata Pro LED Dimmer: Expanded load control capabilities in the latest generation of LED dimmers. 

2. Robertson Electric Wholesale

Top Choice for Comprehensive Electrical Solutions

Robertson Electric Wholesale
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View location

  • Robertson Electric Wholesale is one of the leading Canadian distributors with almost 70 years of experience in the industry. The well-trained and active staff provide a very efficient and quick service, and they also ensure the same day delivery. They are also known for their budget-friendly products and timely project completion.

     

    The staff at Robertson get rigorous and specialized training. They have an excellent team of in-house experts. 

Pros

  • They offer a comprehensive range of products, including specialized items for residential, commercial, and industrial needs.
  • With 18 branches across Canada, customers have convenient access to their products.
  • Their knowledgeable staff provides excellent customer support and industry insights.
  • The Robertson Rewards program allows customers to earn points on purchases.

Cons

  • As a wholesale supplier, prices might not always be competitive with big box retailers for small-scale purchases.
  • Specific product availability might vary by location, requiring customers to check multiple branches or wait for restocks.

Products

There is a wide range of products available here at Robertson. Some of them are mentioned below in the list:

 

    • Boxes and Enclosures
    • Connectors, Crimps and Terminals
    • Conduit and Raceway
    • Fasteners and Hardware
    • Wiring Devices
    • Data, Video, Audio
    • Sealants, Lubricants and Cutting fluid
    • Security and Signaling
    • Distribution
    • Fuses
    • Motor Control and Automation
    • Tools, Test equipment
    • Heating and Ventilating
    • Lamps, Ballast and Accessories
    • Hazardous Location Products

Competitive Pricing and Deals

  • Milwaukee promotions 
  • Legrand Cable Management 
  • Connectrac Kits

Discover Ottawa's Best Electrical Stores with Expert Help

At Ottawa Electric, we know the top providers in the city. Find the perfect store for your project with our comprehensive guide.

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Smiling electrician wearing a red hard hat, holding a bundle of electrical wires while standing in a work uniform

3. Daltco Electric 1979 Ltd

Excellence in Expert Advice and Customer Support

Daltco Electric 1979 Ltd
Visit website
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Phone: 613-592-5511
kanata@daltco.com

Daltco Electric has earned a “Gold Standard” status for having top-notch management and a team of experts. The company has been awarded the title of “Canada’s Best Managed Company” for four consecutive years. The expert staff and team here at Daltco have received many other notable awards. 

 

These include the Business of the Year award (2019) from the Brockville Chamber of Commerce. Due to the forward-thinking approach of the company with a strong commitment to excellence and innovation, Daltco Electric became the finalist for the Ontario Business Achievement Award. 

 

These achievements speak volumes about the efforts to maintain high standards of service at the store. 

Pros

  • During our interviews, several people praised the friendly and helpful staff at the store. 
  • They offer same-day order and pick-up options. This comes in handy for professionals and contractors who need quick turnaround times. 
  • Several online reviewers noted that they offer a wide range of products, making it a one-stop shop for everything electrical. 
  • The staff is quite experienced and ready to offer advice to the customers. 

Cons

  • Some online reviewers mentioned that the items required for residential projects are often out-of-stock.

Products

A wide range of products are available here at Daltco Electric. These products have varying functionalities. Here is a list of the products:

Brands

Some of the best quality brands offered here at Daltco are the following:

  • Schneider
  • HUBBELL
  • HOLOPHANE
  • Hammond 

4. Westburne Electric

Comprehensive Electrical and Energy Solutions

Westburne Electric
Visit website
View location
Phone: +1 613-747-9573

If you are looking for comprehensive electrical or energy solutions, Westburne is your go-to place. They have customized solutions for all kinds of electrical problems. You can easily get an expert opinion from the certified experts at Westburne. 

 

That being said, if you are looking for supplies for a small DIY project, you are also covered. Their product categories include light installation, wire, cable, automation, and more, ensuring a one-stop shop for all your electrical needs. 

 

The additional benefit of Westburne is that they also have an upgraded online store. You can easily access all the products of this store from other parts of Canada as well.

Pros

  • They are known for their excellent customer service. They also offer consultations with experts and how to troubleshoot errors. 
  • They have a great online store. With this amazing service, all your favourite electrical products are just a click away.  
  • The online store of Westburne has multiple options. The user can easily access the account. They can easily view the invoices of the past two years, share saved carts and much more. They can also check stock availability or live chat with the experts before product selection. 

Cons

  • Some items, such as CO monitors, are a bit more expensive here. 
  • There are not very good deals or better pricing for paint and hand tools. 

Products

Brands

  • 3M
  • ABB
  • Acuity Brands
  • Brady
  • Burndy
  • Eaton
  • Fluke
  • Energizer
  • Hubbell

Competitive Pricing and Deals

  • A monthly draw to win a gold or platinum level premio reward worth up to $900

5. Nedco Ottawa

Specialist in Advanced Lighting Solutions

Nedco Ottawa
Visit website
View location
Phone: +1 613-747-9573

a reputation for providing sustainable products and innovative solutions to meet your needs. Their specialists evaluate your requirements, assess the current setup and recommend solutions. They also offer an incentive application assistance program. If you sign up for that, their experts will help you apply for the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) incentives. 

 

The most remarkable of their offerings is a vast selection of lighting products from leading brands. Whether you need solutions for residential, commercial, or industrial applications, Nedco has you covered.

Pros

  • Many online reviewers mentioned that their staff is highly experienced and helpful. This makes the whole shopping experience quite convenient. 
  • When we visited their store, we noticed that they have many products and brands catering to various electrical needs.

Cons

 

  • Some online reviewers noted that a few items are a bit expensive here. This happens more frequently if you do not have a contractor account.
  • One of the interviewees mentioned inconsistent service quality, with certain staff members perceived as less accommodating to non-experts.
  • Issues with order tracking and returns have also been reported in several online reviews.

Products

Nedco offers a comprehensive range of electrical products, including:

 

Lighting

  • The specialists assess your needs. 
  • Add value to retro-fits with incentive programs
  • Energy Analysis to show savings and ROI
  • Applicant representative to help apply for IESO incentive
  • IESNA & ARI Certified

 

Wire & Cable

  • Specialists on Staff | Quotation Services
  • Custom cuts and packaging
  • Requirements for all customer vertical markets
  • Stocking more than 600 products at three national warehouses
  • Branches fully stocked with industry-standard products
  • Custom cuts and same-day delivery

 

Distribution

  • Specialists on Staff
  • Design-build support
  • Product recommendations
  • Equipment combinations – i.e. Transformers, Panels etc.
  • Focused on Medium and High Voltage equipment

Brands

  • 3M
  • ABB
  • Acuity Brands
  • Brady
  • Burndy
  • Eaton
  • Fluke
  • Energizer
  • Hubbell

Competitive Pricing and Deals

While NEDCO Ottawa may not frequently offer special deals, their commitment to high-quality products and excellent customer service ensures that you receive good value for your investment. Customers are encouraged to visit the store or check their website for any ongoing promotions and updates.

 

In conclusion, NEDCO Ottawa stands out for its knowledgeable staff and comprehensive product selection, making it a preferred choice for electrical supplies despite some areas needing improvement.

Shopping at Nationwide Big Box Stores

There are several advantages of buying your supplies online from large chains of stores like Home Depot and Rona+. These stores offer a huge variety of products, regardless of the nature and scope of your project. Some of the advantages of shopping from these stores are the following: 

 

  1. These stores have extensive online stores. Some products might seem a little expensive compared to the local electrical supply store. However, you can get prompt delivery of what you need right at the job site.
  2. These stores offer high-quality products. 
  3. They have an excellent customer service. 

Additional Tips

  • Always check if the materials are CSA or UL-listed to ensure quality and safety.
  • Compare online prices with store prices to find the best deals, but be cautious of non-certified products online.
  • Engage with customer service to address any specific needs or queries you might have regarding products or pro services.

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6. Home Depot

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Home Depot stands out for its extensive inventory of professional-grade tools and building materials, catering specifically to contractors and serious DIYers. The Pro program at Home Depot offers significant benefits, such as credits for materials purchased, which can be used to generate leads without additional costs. Their knowledgeable staff provides expert advice, ensuring customers get the right products for their needs. 

 

Home Depot also offers flexible purchasing options and competitive pricing, making it a reliable choice for both large-scale construction projects and smaller home renovations.

7. Rona+

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Rona+ is a go-to destination for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals, offering a broad selection of home improvement and construction products. Known for its friendly customer service and well-organized stores, Rona+ makes it easy to find everything from basic tools and hardware to high-quality appliances and home decor.

 

 Their competitive pricing and frequent sales make it an attractive option for those looking to save on large projects. Additionally, they provide various services, including installation and repair, helping customers complete their projects efficiently.

 

Conclusion

Our comprehensive guide for finding the best electrical stores in Ottawa will solve all your problems. You can easily navigate through the list and find the best store with quality products according to your needs. This list of some of the finest stores in Ottawa caters to all types of people, whether you’re a homeowner in need of reliable electrical equipment or a tech enthusiast seeking top-notch products.

 

The City Electric Supply Ottawa is the best for providing quality service and a wide range of products. Accessotronik/Gervais Electronics offers a diverse range of electronic devices with excellent customer support. Robertson Electric is known for its wholesale products. Daltco Electric has earned a Gold Standard status with expertise in industrial products. 

 

Visit our website to hire the best electricians for all your needs. Start shopping smarter and make your next electrical project a breeze!

faq

Ontario has the largest system owned by the municipality. The system is known as “Energy Ottawa”. This system is regarded as Ontario’s largest green power system as it has hydroelectric, landfill, solar and gas-to-gas generating facilities.

There are specified off-peak hours. This includes the early morning hours and late hours at 

night. If you are interested in saving your bill you can always shift most of your electric load to that time as most of the people are not using electricity during those hours.

  • You must always unplug all kinds of electronic devices before working with them.
  • It is very important to keep all kinds of liquids away from electrical things.

A tripped circuit breaker is like a red flag or an alarm bell for an underlying problem. There are two most common reasons behind a tripped circuit breaker. The most common reason is an overload to the circuit, or there could be a short circuit somewhere. Whenever there is a tripped circuit breaker, you must completely switch it off and try to reset the switch; if the switch doesn’t even reset on trying, it means there is an issue that needs immediate rectification.

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