I’m looking for a good book on electrical wiring, beyond the basic Time-Life type book. Ideally I’d like a book that gets into some minor electrical theory in addition to the practical aspects. In other words I’d not only like to know whether or not a circuit can be wired a certain way, but also why? I love detail.
I’m not looking to become an electrician, nor do I intend this to be a how to manual for risky wiring jobs. Rather I want to know, even if I have a qualified electrician doing the job, why he’s doing what he’s doing.
I hope this provides enough info on what sort of book I’m looking for. Any recommendations?
Thanks.
ps. Pictures are always nice too 🙂
Replies
"practical electrical wiring: residential, farm, and industrial "
Authors are H.P. Richter, W Creighton Schwan. Most current print is 2005
Check it out at your local library and see if it answers some of your questions
Edited 11/30/2005 6:52 pm ET by nkhandyman
rex cauldwell book by taunton press is one of the best Ive seen
http://www.taunton.com/store/pages/070639.asp
ditto. 2+3=7
rex cauldwell book by taunton press is one of the best Ive seen -----Agreed.
I own a copy that has been very useful for several projects, one a 200-amp service upgrade that passed inspection.
Check out the For pros by Pros book, "Wiring a house" by Taunton press. Lots of good information. Another is "Wiring Simplified, 41st edition by Richter/Schwan/Hartwell. Also , Fine Homebuilding has selected articles. Good Luck from another amatuer.
The NFPA's Handbook to the NEC. Takes each paragraph of the NEC and explains what it really means. Pricey, but worth it.
no profile filled out so .. Electrical Code Simplified Residential Wiring, P.S. Knight avail at HD and Chapters ..
I have Rex Cauldwell's book, and it's really very good.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1561581135/qid=1133561800/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/002-9528791-3246463?n=507846&s=books&v=glance
I second the NEC handbook for you if you want tons of detail. Supplement that with one of the others so you don't spend too much time reading parts of the Handbook that are for "non-residential" applications.
The handbook is spendy, but if you have a friend that works in industrial or factory maintenance you may be able to borrow a copy for a weekend to review.
"Wiring Simplified" is a pamplet-sized book that has been in publication for a long time. It is a great starter course on wiring.
Go to Amazon.com and read the reviews.
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Edited 12/2/2005 5:42 pm ET by Stinger