ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Electrical textbooks

hey guys,
first time poster on ecn, although i have enjoyed the reading for months. I've been doing electrical full time for almost 4 years working for my dad. He did controls and industrial wiring for years and has only done res and comm for the last 7. Everything I've learned though has been hands on with no "education". Can any of you recommend a good textbook to suppliment my lack of technical knowledge. ie: electrical theory, grounding and bonding.

Welcome to the board. There are many good books and not so good books. It is a matter of taste. Some will swear by them while others will swear at them. Kind of who builds the best trucks

I have used books from Mike Holt Enterprises. I feel the books cover their respective topics very well and the graphics are top notch. I still have my text books as part of library of books I use daily in my job.

I also recommend The Soares Book on Grounding and Bonding 2005. Some, to include I would argue that it is the book on grounding. Much of Article 250 of the NEC is based on findings of Eustace C. Soares. Mr. Soares has done for grounding what Edision has done for the DC power and Tesla has done for AC power. I have no clue on when the the 2008 will be out but I am sure it is definently in the works.

A reference book that is a popular one from all walks in the trade is the Ugly's Electrical References.

I second Soares. You could really find an older version cheap and do well by it but getting the latest one is probably best (new code updates). If you are really looking at code issues the handbook is the best place to go. It gives you commentary that explains some of the confusing parts. Some of the road warriors put on a good show too. If you get a chance to see Mike Ode or Jim Pauley it is worth the money. I assume there are other good guys in other regions.

While the books recommended so far are fine books, I don't think they're what you want - yet.

You need to start at the very beginning, and be presented with the whole scope of the trade in a systematic manner. Some of the information you need is "code," other is "trade.'
Prentice Hall publishes books on the electrical trade, that are use in the training of apprentices by many established programs. There's a book for each year (4), plus some supplementary materials. These are what you are looking for.

For more details on these books, and how to get them, look at this: http://www.prenhall.com/crafttraining/Catalog.pdf Details as to the electrical program start on page 24.
Please note there is a slight delay in the availability ... the materials are being updated to reflect the latest edition of the NEC. They might still be willing to sell the older editions; it won't hurt to call and ask!

I would start with the basics first even though you have experience. Ohms law, and simple electrical math formulas. Many guys in this trade are very good installers but not very good electricians.

Ditto that JV!

I have always been a big fan of Tom Henry's books and products.

The American Electricians' Handbook is a long read but is a great reference to have.

I also strongly suggest the book 'Overcurrents and Undercurrents' by Earl W. Roberts.

Most of the books published in cooperation with the IAEI are also really well done, especially the Analysis of Changes book.

I remember Tom. I saw a video of his about transformers. He does a pretty "interesting" imitation of the expansion and collapsing of the magnetic field. Never saw any of the books though

Thanks for the info, I will look up some of these titles.  I agree with JValdes "Many guys in this trade are very good installers but not very good electricians".