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Shrader Electric vs Therma
Santa Clara Electrical Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
You're comparing an electrical contractor with residential focus to a commercial mechanical contractor specializing in industrial fabrication.
| Shrader Electric | Therma | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 5.0 | ★ 4.6 |
| Years Licensed | 21 years | 9 years |
| License # | 851049 | 1027316 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Campbell, CA | San Jose, CA |
| Website | shraderelectricinc.com | www.therma.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Shrader Electric
Customers consistently praise Shrader Electric for quick communication, personal attention, and fast service delivery on electrical projects including specialty fixture installations.
Therma
Customers emphasize Therma's high-quality custom fabrication capabilities, professional approach, and position as a leading mechanical contractor for industrial and commercial clients.
Key Takeaway: Shrader's reviews reflect a residential-friendly service model emphasizing communication and responsiveness, while Therma's feedback focuses on technical manufacturing capabilities and commercial-scale project execution.
Customer Reviews
Shrader Electric
Our handcrafted ceramic Tiki Sconces were ordered by Denny and he was quick to communicate with us on behalf of his client to get what they needed and was super nice with all of our team members in al...
Personal , Professional , and Fast
Therma
Did Stanford blood donation here today.
Can't say enough about this company this group of guys the work that they do and the high technology that they are getting involved in. There is a manager Paul there, great guy hard worker. The compan...
Top notch mechanical contractor. Very professional.
Consider Shrader Electric if...
- ✓ You need electrical work such as panel upgrades, circuit installations, lighting, or specialty fixture installations for residential or commercial properties
- ✓ You value responsive communication and personal attention throughout your project, particularly for coordination with homeowners
- ✓ Your project requires a contractor with over two decades of experience diagnosing electrical issues and navigating local code requirements
- ✓ You prefer working with a contractor who maintains high owner involvement and quick response times
Consider Therma if...
- ✓ You need commercial mechanical systems work including HVAC ductwork, plumbing, medical gas systems, or process equipment for industrial facilities
- ✓ Your project involves custom metal fabrication, specialty ducting components, or precision manufacturing requiring high-volume capabilities
- ✓ You're managing a commercial or industrial facility in Silicon Valley that requires a mechanical contractor with fabrication shop resources
- ✓ You need a contractor experienced in complex commercial mechanical systems rather than residential electrical services
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Confirm with each contractor that their license classification covers your specific project scope—electrical work requires an electrical contractor, mechanical systems require a mechanical contractor
- → Ask Shrader about their experience with your specific type of electrical project and whether they handle both residential and commercial work
- → Ask Therma whether they take on smaller commercial projects or focus exclusively on industrial-scale fabrication and mechanical systems
- → Request references from projects similar in scope and building type to what you're planning
The Bottom Line
This comparison only makes sense if you're deciding between electrical and mechanical work, as these contractors operate in completely different trades. Choose Shrader Electric for any electrical project—residential or commercial—where you need responsive service and veteran-level expertise in electrical systems. Choose Therma for commercial mechanical projects requiring custom fabrication, HVAC ductwork, or industrial systems work. If your project needs both electrical and mechanical contractors, plan to hire both separately or work with a general contractor who coordinates multiple trades.
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Frequently Asked Questions
No, these are separate trades requiring different licenses. Shrader Electric is licensed for electrical work only, while Therma is licensed for mechanical systems including HVAC, plumbing, and steam systems. If your project requires both disciplines, you'll need to hire separate contractors or find a general contractor who coordinates both trades.
Therma's reviews and project history emphasize commercial and industrial clients, particularly manufacturing and fabrication for Silicon Valley facilities. Their focus on high-volume custom duct manufacturing and medical gas systems suggests they primarily serve commercial clients. You should ask directly if they handle residential HVAC projects.
The experience difference is significant, but they work in different trades, making direct comparison less relevant. Shrader's additional 12 years means more exposure to code changes, complex troubleshooting, and diverse electrical challenges. However, Therma's 9 years still qualifies them as experienced in mechanical contracting, particularly for their commercial specialization.
It depends entirely on what systems you're upgrading. If you need electrical panel upgrades, lighting, or power distribution, choose Shrader Electric. If you need HVAC ductwork, plumbing systems, or mechanical equipment, choose Therma. For a comprehensive facility upgrade involving both, you'll need both contractors or a general contractor managing multiple trades.
Looking for the Best?
See our ranked list of top electrical contractors in Santa Clara.
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How We Compare Contractors
License Verification
All license data is sourced from official California CSLB records and verified regularly.
Review Analysis
Customer reviews are aggregated from Google and analyzed to identify patterns in service quality.
Detailed Comparison
We analyze credentials, insurance, experience, and feedback to highlight meaningful differences.
Not all licensed contractors are created equal. While a valid license is the baseline requirement in California, contractors can vary significantly in experience, insurance coverage, and customer satisfaction.
- Experience matters: A contractor with 15+ years of experience has likely encountered and solved problems that newer contractors haven't faced yet.
- Workers' compensation protects you: If a contractor without workers' comp insurance has an employee injured on your property, you could be held liable.
- Reviews reveal patterns: Individual reviews can be misleading, but patterns across many reviews often reveal a contractor's true strengths and weaknesses.
- Bond amounts vary: A contractor's bond provides financial protection if they fail to complete work as agreed. Higher bonds offer more protection.
Taking time to compare contractors on these factors can save you from costly mistakes and help ensure your project is completed by a qualified professional.
Data Sources: License information from California CSLB. Ratings and reviews from Google. Last verified March 12, 2026.
This comparison is based on publicly available information. We recommend getting multiple quotes and verifying all credentials directly before hiring.
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