TD West Electric, Inc. provides electrical repair, installation, and maintenance services for residential and commercial clients in Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, and San Mateo Counties. The company has the in-house capabilities to handle everything from electrical panel upgrades to whole house rewiring projects, and it’s also qualified to install charging systems for Teslas and other electric vehicles.
Owner Dinh Nguyen says TD West Electric’s ability to troubleshoot and solve complicated electrical issues has been a key element of its success. “There are always challenges and problems that arise with electrical work, but we’re good at switching gears and coming up with solutions on the fly. Some companies will just swap out faulty components or apply temporary patches, but we focus on identifying the root of the problem and providing a permanent fix.”
TD West Electric prioritizes communication on each project, which Mr. Nguyen says is essential for ensuring positive results. “We take the time to answer our clients’ questions and educate them about the nuances of what we’re doing. We also follow up with them after the work is complete to confirm that everything has been done correctly. They really appreciate that type of ongoing support.”
“Our goal is to provide every client with the best possible electrical service, regardless of the size of their job. By maintaining the highest standards of quality, while adhering to current electrical codes and completing jobs in a timely manner, we are able to leave our clients with the best possible experience.”
Should you replace your electrical panel?
Electrical repairs can be expensive, so things like electrical panel upgrades often get pushed back until they’re absolutely necessary. However, according to experts like Dinh Nguyen, owner of TD West Electric, Inc. in Union City, sometimes the best move is upgrading electrical panels before they’re obsolete or dangerous.
“As electric vehicles and appliances become more popular, homes need bigger panels and more power,” he explains. “But codes and requirements are also changing, and some of them make installing new panels more expensive. If you’re remodeling your home or considering a panel upgrade, this might be a good time to do it before the process becomes harder and more expensive.”
Here’s when you should consider upgrading your home’s electrical panel:
Your panel is old or has specific risk factors. Most electrical panels are designed to last for 25 to 40 years. “I recommend replacing electrical panels when they’re no longer safe due to age, wear or malfunctions,” says Mr. Nguyen. “You should also consider replacing panels that have been recalled or if the manufacturer is no longer in business.”
You’re thinking about selling your home. New electrical panels can increase home resale values. Buyers often see upgraded panels as a plus for home safety and more available power for their appliances and other electrical needs.
You’re remodeling or adding on to your home. Bigger homes need more power that only larger panels can provide.
You’re buying an electric vehicle. EVs require more electrical output for in-home chargers. If your current panel can’t support the power demands, it can take longer or be impossible to charge your electric vehicle.
Your current electrical system is problematic or outdated. Overloaded breaker boxes, single breakers with dual wires (also called double-tapping) and overcrowding can create conditions for power arcing, arc flashes, and electrical fires. The fix? Replace crowded panels with larger ones.
Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for electrical contractors that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For TD West Electric, Inc., the key to keeping clients happy is simple: take a detail-oriented approach to every project, even when it comes to work that nobody will see. “Even if we’re running a wire in a crawl space or an attic, we have to do it perfectly because we take pride in our work,” says owner Dinh Nguyen. “I learned that lesson as a journeyman electrician and passed it on to my staff. Our mission is to provide quality, safe electrical installations that look great and work correctly.”
TD West Electric has been providing electrical repair, installation, and maintenance services for residential and commercial clients in Alameda, Santa Clara, and San Mateo Counties since 2017. The company is qualified to handle everything from electrical panel upgrades to whole house rewiring projects, and it also has the training and equipment to install electric vehicle (EV) charging systems.
Unlike less experienced electrical contractors that push through jobs without bothering to explain their process to clients, TD West Electric takes the time to answer its customers’ questions and give them insight into their projects. “Most people have no idea how or why electrical work is done, so they often have a lot of questions, and we’re never too busy to answer them,” says Mr. Nguyen. “That helps relieve some of their tension and makes the work environment a lot better for everyone. They feel at ease because we’re able to prove that we know what we’re doing.”
Ultimately, Mr. Nguyen sees TD West Electric’s dedication to quality and value as its most important attribute. “Our prices aren’t always the lowest, but we stand behind our work and do it correctly the first time,” he affirms. “We arrive in a timely manner and provide support, answers, and upfront pricing. Our quotes are very thorough because we want our clients to know exactly what they’re paying for. They appreciate our clarity and love that there are never hidden fees or upcharges, regardless of how complicated the work ends up being.”