Practical Electrical Wiring: Residential, Farm, Commercial, and Industrial » (20th Edition)

Herbert P. Richter was a licensed electrician who wrote the first edition of Practical Electrical Wiring in 1939. Frederic P. Hartwell is nationally known for his expertise on National Electrical Code topics. He is the author of Wiring Simplified and will become the new author of the American Electricians' Handbook with the 15th edition in 2008. He lives in Amherst, Massachusetts.

Critical revisions in technical topics driven by emerging technology and code changes comprise this truly comprehensive reference that gives an insider’s look at how the electrical trade works. The guidelines provide an essential context for understanding the major industry segments—residential, farm, commercial, and industrial—and the techniques help solve all wiring problems. A wealth of tips and handy tricks offered in a professional, down-to-earth style make this a favorite on-the-job resource. Professional practitioners, students and apprentices, and those seeking more information to wire at home will find everything they need to know about the wiring trade in a single, compact volume.

Detailed contents

Tables

Foreword

Preface to the ninth edition

Preface to the twentieth edition

Introduction and guide

Part 1 Wiring Principles

1 NEC, Product Standards, and Inspection 1

2 Numbers, Measurements, and Electricity 14

3 AC and DC; Power Factor; Transformers 38

4 Basic Electrical Power Utilization Systems 55

5 Basic Devices and Equipment 67

6 Overcurrent Devices 85

7 Selecting Conductors 98

8 Making Wire Connections and Splices 113

9 Grounding for Safety 129

10 Outlet and Switch Boxes 150

11 Wiring Methods 163

12 Planning Residential Installations 204

13 Residential Electrical Distribution 220

14 Residential Lighting 242

15 Residential and Farm Motors 263

Part 2 Residential and Farm Wiring

16 Installing Service Entrances and Grounds 279

17 Installing Specific Devices 308

18 Finishing: Installation of Switches, Receptacles, and Luminaires 340

19 Limited-Energy Wiring 362

20 Wiring for Multiple Circuits and Specialized Loads 372

21 Modernizing Old Work 396

22 Farm Wiring 419

23 On-Site Engine Power Generation and Supply of Premises Wiring 440

24 Manufactured Homes, Recreational Vehicles, and Parks 454

25 Wiring Apartment Buildings 466

Part 3 Commercial and Industrial Wiring

26 Sizing Conductors for All Load Conditions 476

27 Nonresidential Wiring Methods and Materials 493

28 Planning Nonresidential Installations 523

29 Nonresidential Lighting 559

30 Industrial and Commercial Motor Applications 578

31 Wiring Specific Locations and Occupancies 613

Appendix 638

About the authors 645

Further reading 646

Index 647