Expert Review
10 min read

The Top Electrician in Cuesta Park Mountain View

A living room with a chair and a lamp.
Written by
Bob Moore
Published on
March 14, 2025

Summary:

We reviewed 4 contractors for 3 projects: A new 200-Amp Panel, Installing EV Charging and adding new outlets. Grey Electric's workmanship is excellent, his pricing was among the lowest, and he adjusted well to unique circumstances of our projects. See our full Review below

Meet Our Expert Inspector

Bob Moore, our chief electrical inspector brings over 15 years of experience in evaluating electrians. With a background in construction management and a keen eye for detail, he ensures every review is thorough and reliable.

License #: HI6792080-0519

Why you should trust us

The 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC/NFPA 70) is over 900 pages long and contains approximately 750 separate articles organized into 9 chapters. When you include all the specific provisions, subsections, and requirements, there are over 4,000 distinct rules and regulations that electrical professionals need to understand and follow. This doesn't even include the additional California-specific amendments in the CEC or local Mountain View modifications, which add several hundred more provisions. We know the rules!

OUR REVIEW

Electricians We Tested in Mountain View:

Hiring the wrong electrician can be a costly mistake. That’s why we don’t waste your time with bad recommendations. We tested multiple electricians in Mountain View—and only one made the cut.
‍
Electricians We Tested (But Don’t Recommend)
After evaluating several contractors, these did not meet our standards:
❌ BayView Electric
❌ Roses Electric
❌ John Manny Electric
‍
These electricians struggled with reliability, unclear pricing, or poor-quality work. We only review electricians we’d trust in our own homes, and unfortunately, these didn’t make the cut.
‍
The One Electrician We Trust:
✅ Gray Electric
‍
Gray Electric stood out as Mountain View’s most reliable and skilled electrician for modern home upgrades and repairs. We tested them across multiple real-life projects, and they nailed it every time:
•⚡ 200-amp panel upgrade for a 1960s home (Bonita Ave)
• 🔌 Kitchen outlet installation (Grant Rd)
• 🚗 Level 2 EV charger setup (Waverly Park)
• 🏡 Sub-panel addition for a garage conversion (Cuesta Dr)
‍
Why Gray Electric Wins
✔ Expertise with older homes & solar/EV integration
✔ Clear pricing & detailed documentation (no surprises!)
✔ High-quality work that lasts
‍
The Bottom Line
If you want an electrician who gets it right the first time, Gray Electric is our choice.

Reviewed Electrical Projects

200-Amp Panel Upgrade

Upgrading a 1950s Home on Bonita Avenue from 100-Amps
Major Project
Expert Review
Requires Permits
View project

Installing Car EV Outlet

Homeowner wanted to install a new EV outlet in their Garage
Upgrade Project
Required Permit
Quality Assurance
View project

Extra Outlet Installation

A 1950s kitchen needed new GFCI electrical outlets to keep up with the multiple kitchen appliances on her countertop
Kitchent
Upgrade
Expert Review
View project

Project 1

Cuesta Park 200-Amp Electrical Panel Upgrade

Upgrading electrical service panels is particularly critical in Mountain View's Cuesta Park neighborhood, where many homes still operate on original 100-amp services installed in the 1950s and 60s. These older panels weren't designed to handle modern electrical loads from EV chargers, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and home offices. When evaluating Grey Electric's panel upgrades, we found their pre-installation planning process particularly impressive, including detailed load calculations that account for future solar installation and EV charging needs common in the area.

Electrical Panel Inspection Details

Here are 9 of the most important parts of our Electrical Panel replacement inspection

Load Planning and Future Proofing

Our evaluation found Grey Electric's load planning to be exceptional. Before beginning the panel upgrade, they conducted a comprehensive assessment of both current and anticipated electrical needs - critical for Mountain View homes where EV charging and home offices are becoming standard. Their calculations included headroom for future solar installation and accounted for seasonal variations in power usage.

Detailed Load Calculation Sheet

Smart capacity planning that accounts for your growing needs
‍
The contractor's detailed load calculation sheet shows exactly how Grey Electric determined the appropriate capacity for your home. Notice how they've accounted for future EV charging (48A) and solar backfeed (30A) - ensuring your panel won't need another upgrade as your electrical needs evolve.

Reserved Panel Spaces for Future

Strategic circuit arrangement with room to grow

The thoughtfully organized panel includes eight reserved spaces specifically labeled for future additions. This forward-thinking approach by Grey Electric means adding solar, a second EV charger, or a home battery system won't require expensive panel modifications later.

Enhanced Grounding System

Rather than the minimum single ground rod, Grey Electric's installation includes a professionally installed dual ground rod system with proper bonding. This provides significantly better protection against lightning strikes and reduces the risk of electrical damage to sensitive electronics throughout your home.

Corrosion-Free Components

No signs of moisture damage or corrosion – a testament to the quality of materials and installation techniques used. This speaks to long-term durability and continued protection.

Clean Breaker Installation

Circuit breakers are uniformly installed, properly labeled, and aligned. No crowding, no makeshift solutions – just a professional, systematic approach that makes future maintenance easier.

Secure Connection Points

All connection points are tight and secure, with no signs of loose or potentially problematic connections. This is crucial for maintaining electrical integrity and preventing potential hazards.

Proper Conductor Sizing

Each wire is carefully matched to its circuit's requirements. This attention to detail prevents overheating and reduces the risk of electrical fires. It's like ensuring each piece of clothing fits perfectly – function meets precision.

Code Compliance Confirmation

Our local code inspector has thoroughly reviewed the installation, ensuring it meets all safety regulations and standards. This isn't just about meeting minimums – it's about creating the safest possible environment for your home.

200-Amp Electrical Panel Upgrade Results

  • Exceptionally organized wiring that makes future maintenance easy
  • Every circuit clearly labeled in plain language
  • Smart layout that leaves room for future needs like solar and EV charging
  • Installation completed without any damage to walls or paint
  • High-quality parts used throughout the installation
  • Added protection for sensitive electronics on important circuits

Based on the quality of work we observed, Grey Electric's panel upgrades offer the perfect balance of current needs and future preparation. Their careful installation process and thorough documentation mean homeowners get a safe, reliable electrical system that's ready to handle modern demands.

Electrical Panel Installation Checklist

🛡️

Safety & Code Compliance

Circuit load calculated ✓
Proper wire gauge selection ✓
GFCI/AFCI protection ✓
Box fill calculations ✓
Voltage drop considered ✓
🔧

Installation Quality

Wire routing Excellent
Insulation preservation Superior
Device installation Professional
Wire management Superior
Material quality Premium grade
📋

Process & Documentation

Pre-installation planning ✓
Circuit mapping ✓
Testing documentation ✓
Photo documentation ✓
As-built diagram ✓

Project 2

Waverly Park - EV Charger Installation

If you're joining the growing number of Mountain View EV owners, you'll want more than just a basic charging setup. Today's EV charger installations need to be smart - balancing charging speeds with your home's other power needs and potentially working alongside solar panels. It's not just about getting power to your car; it's about integrating the charger into your home's entire electrical ecosystem.

The Waverly Park installation we evaluated showcases exactly what a modern EV setup should look like. Beyond just installing a Level 2 charger, Grey Electricadded load management capabilities that automatically adjust charging speeds based on your home's other power needs. They even prepared the system for future solar integration - increasingly important given California's energy goals.

Project 2: EV Inspection Details

Here are 9 of the most important parts of our EV installation

Electrical Capacity Verification

Confirmed the 240V circuit is correctly rated and sized to handle the specific EV charger's power requirements without overloading the home's electrical system.

Mounting Integrity Assessment

Evaluated the charging station's mounting, checking for secure attachment, proper alignment, and structural integrity that meets manufacturer and local building code specifications.

Conduit and Wiring Inspection

Thoroughly examined the conduit routing, ensuring proper protection, minimal bend radius, and secure connections with no exposed wiring or potential strain points.

Grounding System Evaluation

Verified the dedicated ground connection, checking for proper bonding, resistance measurements, and compliance with electrical safety standards.

Circuit Protection Analysis

Inspected the dedicated circuit breaker, confirming correct amperage, proper labeling, and appropriate overcurrent protection for the EV charging installation.

Weather proofing  Protection

Assessed external components for appropriate weatherproofing, checking seal integrity, outdoor-rated components, and protection against moisture and environmental factors.

Clearance and Accessibility Review

Evaluated the installation's adherence to clearance requirements, ensuring easy access, proper spacing from other utilities, and compliance with safety codes.

Proper Conductor Sizing

Each wire is carefully matched to its circuit's requirements. This attention to detail prevents overheating and reduces the risk of electrical fires. It's like ensuring each piece of clothing fits perfectly – function meets precision.

Charger Panel Connection Verification

Meticulously checked the connection points between the EV charger and electrical panel, looking for proper torque, no signs of arcing, and clean, secure connections.

Project 2: EV Charger Installation Final Findings

Installing an EV Charger: What We Observed:

  • Clean installation with hidden wiring
  • Careful load management to prevent circuit overload
  • Professional cable management for easy charging
  • Weather-protected components for long-term reliability
  • Simple instructions for daily use

Of all the EV charger installations we've evaluated, Grey Electric stands out for their combination of practicality and polish. The Homeowner got a charging system that's not only powerful enough for any electric vehicle but smart enough to work seamlessly with their home's existing electrical system.

  • 60-Amp circuit installation
  • Mobile app Monitoring
  • Solar Ready Configuration
  • Professional Cable Management

Reference: EV Charger Detailed Technical Checklist

🛡️

Safety & Code Compliance

Proper circuit sizing ✓
Load calculation verification ✓
Required disconnects installed ✓
GFCI protection installed ✓
Dedicated circuit provided ✓
🔧

Installation Quality

Professional conduit routing Excellent
Weather-rated components Superior
Proper mounting height Professional
Cable management Superior
Material quality Premium
⚡

Reliability & Usability

Clear labeling ✓
Strain relief for cables ✓
Complete weatherproofing ✓
Easy access for charging ✓
Owner documentation provided ✓

Project 3

Waverly Park - New Kitchen Outlet Installation

Mountain View's mid-century homes, particularly those built in the 1950s, often come with electrical systems that are woefully inadequate for modern kitchen demands. This Mountain View homeowner was struggling with a kitchen that seemed designed for another era – just two outdated outlets, both poorly positioned and unable to handle today's electrical load.

The breaking point came during holiday cooking. With a stand mixer plugged in, the coffee maker running, and a phone charging, the old outlet strip was a tangled mess of adapters and extension cords – a fire hazard waiting to happen. Worse, the outlets were located in inconvenient spots, forcing awkward appliance placement and creating potential safety risks. Original cloth-wrapped wiring, brittle and degraded, posed a significant electrical danger, typical of homes from this period.

‍

Project 3 Details: Outlet Install

5 the most important findings of our Outlet installation

Electrical Load Verification

Carefully assessed the existing circuit's capacity to safely support additional GFCI outlets without overloading the electrical system, ensuring optimal performance and safety.

Precise Location Mapping

Strategically planned outlet locations to maximize functionality, considering countertop usage, appliance placement, and current building code requirements for kitchen electrical safety.

Grounding and Protection

Conducted thorough examination of existing grounding systems, ensuring each new GFCI outlet provides maximum protection against ground faults and potential electrical hazards.

Moisture and Environmental Resistance

Assessed the kitchen's unique environmental challenges, selecting GFCI outlets designed to withstand potential moisture exposure near sinks and high-humidity areas, ensuring long-term safety and performance.

Compliance and Code Verification

Meticulously checked installation against latest electrical codes, ensuring each outlet meets or exceeds current safety standards for residential kitchen installations.

Project 3 - Outlet Installation Results

This installation represented a comprehensive installation of multiple kitchen outlets with several critical improvements:

  • Wire Quality and Replacement: Completely removed degraded cloth-wrapped wiring, replacing it with high-grade, copper-clad aluminum wire that meets current electrical standards. This eliminates potential fire hazards inherent in vintage home electrical systems.
  • Premium Component Selection: Installed commercial-grade Leviton GFCI outlets with solid brass terminal screws and robust zinc alloy mounting brackets. These high-quality components provide superior durability and reliability compared to budget-grade alternatives.
  • Precise Installation Technique: Implemented meticulous wiring connections, carefully torquing each terminal to manufacturer specifications. Every connection was methodically checked to prevent potential loose connections that could lead to arcing or overheating.
  • Code Compliance and Safety Enhancement: Ensured full compliance with current electrical codes, with particular emphasis on proper grounding and GFCI protection. Each outlet was verified for correct ground connection using corrosion-resistant hardware and comprehensive continuity testing.

The result transforms an outdated kitchen electrical system into a safe, reliable, and modern infrastructure that meets the demanding electrical needs of contemporary home life.

Our Checklist for the Outlet Project

🛡️

Safety & Code Compliance

Kitchen GFCI circuit requirements ✓
NEC kitchen outlet spacing rules ✓
Proper ground fault protection ✓
Electrical box compatibility ✓
Dedicated kitchen circuit verified ✓
🔧

Installation Quality

Precise outlet positioning Excellent
Commercial-grade GFCI components Superior
Secure mounting technique Professional
Wire termination quality Superior
Box fill calculation Premium grade
⚡

Reliability & Usability

Clear outlet identification ✓
Proper cable strain relief ✓
Load capacity verification ✓
Weatherproof seal integrity ✓
User operation instructions ✓
AboutCareersTermsPrivacy
HelpTrust