Orvac Electronics

Thank God there’s a place selling the electronics parts /​insulated and noninsulated terminals /​crimpers etc. more or less locally that I need, which has a huge selection, is tidy and neat and well organized like Orvac. Which is not to be confused with that archaic obsolescent sloppy disorganized disaster known as FRY’S. Orvac is a rarity, a hobbyist electronics supplies paradise, which has fortunately survived while Radio Shack and similar turned into a blip on life support. Yes it’s in an odd Duarte location but that’s fine — easy enough to run out there and get stuff I otherwise would have to order from electronics suppliers in Texas, Ohio, etc. Did I say organized and tidy?

Very helpful people.
I came here as a fish out of water trying to get batteries for a led strip, long story short I got some advise that was very helpful and a inexpensive alternative.

This is a place that anyone that does telephones, computers, networks, car stereos, or other low voltage stuff needs to know about.
Parking could be better, and they are somewhat hidden (access is off the parking lot), so call ahead (626−793−1195) and get directions.
They have a WIDE selection of products and tools.
They will do special orders — for example, I needed a box of sunlight-​resistant network cable (the regular stuff goes away in a few years of SoCal sunlight). Jack was kind enough to take my order for a box (just one) on Tuesday and had on Friday. On another occasion, I needed to re-​battery a number of UPS units for a client. I gave Jack a telephone heads-​up that I’d be needing three dozen of a certain size rechargeable battery that they only stock ten of and he had them in two days.
Good people!
Note that they close early on Saturday.

I like this place. This is the last store of its kind that I know of in my area, besides C&H Surplus nearby. But C&H sells mostly recycled items, as evident in the name.
Orvac has almost everything I may need. I say this because After searching for any USB jack to build power plugs for a car, I was told they don’t have anything related to USB. I’m not an electronics professional fabricator. I don’t like buying anything without physically seeing it, which is why I shop locally as much as I can.
But they have a good variety of other items. So I always stop by before looking anywhere else.

Jack. Thats what makes this store awesome. Not like jack but Jack the man. He will treat you with respect and is very knowledgeable. Go into the store and ask for Jack. Not only will he make your visit pleasant but you will get the materials you need. I have been a customer since they were Glendale. They moved to Pasadena and now here to Monrovia. The store is well organized and has all your low voltage needs. Call ahead and they are happy to set aside an order or check to see if they have a part.

I recently found this gem after failing to find what I needed at Radioshack, which is switching more into consumer products and less into parts.
I work with electronics as a hobby. Here I found most of the parts I needed for a small project, e.g. switches, relays, cables, and connectors. The staff is friendly and very knowledgeable. This is one of my new favorite places.

I have been coming to Orvac Electronics for years now. Its been through many title changes, Orvac, Duvac, Marvac etc. No matter what the name its always been on Colorado next to PCC. I drove past last week and was horrified that it was gone. Was so relived to find that they had just moved, and luckily for me closer to my house.
Orvac is the perfect place for that hard to find cable part etc for some electrical tinkering. They sell cables, batteries, security cameras you name it. They are my go-​to source for quick parts i need for work etc.
I really like coming here because of the staff. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Always willing to help out when you cant find something. I purchased a network punch down tool a year back and it broke on me within the first couple weeks. Without question he took it back and replaced it for me. That’s the type of customer service i like. Come here and support local businesses.