An Exceptional Electrical Upgrade Experience with Duke Electric -- True Professionals Who Get It Right the First Time!
If you're looking for an honest, skilled, and detail-oriented electrical contractor who listens and delivers exactly what you envisioned -- call Duke Electric in Campbell, CA.
After years of research and hesitation, I finally found the right team -- Duke Nguyen, Eddie Carrera, and Alex Miranda -- to modernize my home's electrical system. Their work was phenomenal.
After installing my Tesla Solar Roof in 2021, I knew I needed to upgrade my 200A breaker panel for future EV chargers and smarter monitoring.
I first looked into the SPAN IO Smart Panel, but after months of poor communication and unreliable installers, I walked away. Two panels would've been required -- nearly $13K just for hardware -- and confidence was low.
Other contractors quoted $25K-$35K, pushed 400A upgrades, and refused to use Leviton Load Centers. I wasn't convinced, so I waited -- and that proved wise.
In 2025, Leviton launched its 2nd-Gen Smart Breakers, offering remote ON/OFF control and per-circuit monitoring. Backed by 100 years of safety, it was the clear choice over any startup.
The Project -- Smart Design & Craftsmanship
Duke replaced my old panel with a three-panel 225A Leviton system featuring full smart monitoring:
* Main 225A All-in-One: Meter lower right, 30 spaces above.
* 42-Space Subpanel: Added beside the main for expansion.
* 20-Space Subpanel: Dedicated for two Tesla Wall Connectors, one on each side of the garage -- no visible conduit, perfectly symmetrical.
With Leviton's Whole-Home Monitor, I can track each circuit and toggle breakers remotely. Duke's crew also reorganized decades of messy wiring into a clean, labeled setup.
Why I Chose Duke
Before Duke, another company had the permit and PG&E disconnect scheduled -- then canceled two days before, blaming an unsigned, incomplete quote.
Frustrated, I contacted several companies on Sept 22. Duke responded first and arrived that same noon. Within minutes he spotted errors in the materials the prior contractor told me to buy -- total pro.
Others either seemed overwhelmed or tried to simplify my plan. Duke was different -- confident and resourceful. Because I already had a Tesla Solar Roof, he coordinated a custom offset service pipe through his fabrication partner. While others declined, Duke embraced the challenge.
Pre-Work -- Preparation & Precision
Days before PG&E's disconnect, Duke's team began pre-work: installing the main subpanel, EV subpanel, and two Tesla chargers, while rerouting tangled old conduits into a tidy junction box.
This prep ensured that on disconnect day, they could remove the old panel, mount the new one with the offset conduit, and restore power the same day.
Opening the stucco revealed an out-of-code service pipe, poorly bent and misaligned. Duke and Eddie measured precisely, corrected multiple violations, and ran 125A feeders through the attic to the EV subpanel. Every conduit was straight, every label exact, and the worksite spotless.
PG&E & Inspection Day
Before 7 AM, Duke and Eddie were already on-site checking everything. When PG&E arrived at 7:25, they disconnected service, and the team immediately replaced the old panel and conduit with the new Leviton Load Center.
By noon all wiring was complete. That afternoon, the city inspector asked for a redundant ground -- unnecessary but easy. Duke's crew added it, and PG&E reconnected power the same day.
Stucco & Finishing Touches
Before the meter-release inspection, Duke's stucco partner repaired the exterior wall, added insulation, moisture paper, and mesh -- fixing poor insulation likely dating back to 1962. I even ran out to grab insulation, which they used on the spot.
Because the first inspector wasn't electrical, the final sign-off was rescheduled. After the Oct 20 inspection, the stucco team returned: first sealing with concrete, then on Nov 1 finishing with an acrylic coat perfectly matching the original texture.
On Nov 2, Duke personally came for a full walkthrough, verifying every detail before calling it done.
Final Thoughts
Duke Electric isn't just another contractor -- they're masters of their craft. Duke, Eddie, and Alex work with precision, pride, and integrity. Duke often said he could only take on such a complex job because of his amazing team -- from his pipe-fabrication partner to the stucco crew.
Had I stayed with the previous company, I'd have been left in limbo with an unapproved permit and an exposed wall. Instead, I thank God for that cancellation -- it led me to Duke Electric.
If you need an electrician for smart panels, solar integration, or EV chargers, call them. You'll get honesty, craftsmanship, and true peace of mind.
They've earned my trust, my gratitude, and a lifelong customer.
As Duke said with a confident smile:
"Now that your main breaker is done, anything else you'll need will be a piece of cake for us." read more