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Rating: 
Summary: Author's Comments
Review: I am the author of this book and wanted to add a few comments to the publisher's remarks.My philosophy in writing this book was to distill all my experience in electrical design so that if I were to be out of the field for a few years, all I would need to refresh my skills would be to study this book. The important NEC Tables are there plus computer drafting methods, AUTOCAD drawings to illustrate technique, sample specifications, and even some computer programs that many designers write for themselves. I also offer some design software via a form in the book for voltage drop, lighting, and short circuit analysis. All these programs are available for free download from my web page. They are very helpful in learning some of the more abstract concepts of electrical design. There are also some sections on basic electrical theory that many contractors and field personnel do not usually know. These concepts are helpful to making their jobs safer and perhaps more interesting. Especially in light of the modern trend toward more design-build projects, in which the more design skills a person has the more competitive he or she can be. I have also written a textbook with McGraw-Hill on energy conservation, and many ideas in that field are included in the book. A good electrical design is not only inexpensive but it provides efficient use and distribution of power. There are several sections on harmonics, in which I present the latest theories on how to minimize this ubiquitous problem in power distribution systems. No one really knows for sure how to best minimize harmonics, but it is important to keep current in the latest theories and proven design and installation techniques.
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Summary: Few errors, but very helpful book
Review: I really like this book. There are a lot of useful details on different issues; plain English and logical sequence in explanation of modern design of Electrical Systems for Buildings. Very good Chapters on Estimating, Value Engineering and HVAC equipment. There are some mistakes, but they are minor.
Rating:
Summary: Few errors, but very helpful book
Review: I really like this book. There are a lot of useful details on different issues; plain English and logical sequence in explanation of modern design of Electrical Systems for Buildings. Very good Chapters on Estimating, Value Engineering and HVAC equipment. There are some mistakes, but they are minor.
Rating:
Summary: Valuable Resource
Review: It seems difficult to find a good general guide for electrical engineering pertaining to commercial buildings. This book manages to cover the essentials, adds in some experience related data and some of the theory behind the concepts. It does not provide the type of information contained within books such as the American Electrician's Handbook (also recommended), but is valuable nonetheless.
Rating:
Summary: Valuable Resource
Review: It seems difficult to find a good general guide for electrical engineering pertaining to commercial buildings. This book manages to cover the essentials, adds in some experience related data and some of the theory behind the concepts. It does not provide the type of information contained within books such as the American Electrician's Handbook (also recommended), but is valuable nonetheless.
Rating:
Summary: Good but he does NOT understand fiber optics at all!
Review: My main grips is what he says about fiber optic cables (P. 73)
"They are sensitive to magnetic fields from motors, air handling units, and other large electrical appliances."
Completely untrue. One of the BENEFITS of fiber is immunity to EMI/RFI interference.
"Fiber opric cable is extremely difficuit (i.e. costly) to splice".
This may have been true oh, say back in 1968, but modern splicing and repair techniques make this much simpler and cost effective then ever before.
Oh, also on page 330: "Most HVAC designers are lazy". Now, how can he make a blanket statement like this? That is like saying most garbage men are Mexican!
Bottom line, its a good book for someone new to the field either as a designer, drafter, engineer, or electrician. It explains the basics of power systems for commercial buildings, and what major choices influence the design process. I would give the book an A- grade if only for the points mentioned above.
Rating: 
Summary: Not what I expected !!!!!!!!!!1
Review: This book might have a lot of useful information, but it definitely wasn't what I expected. The book is literally too small. What I expected was a very large book with many photos of electrical equipment in commercial buildings, enough photos to thoroughly educate someone in the design of commercial building electrical systems. It seems that everyone compromises when writing a technical book like this,,,,,,,,and that is what makes people like me return such books.
Rating:
Summary: Not what I expected !!!!!!!!!!1
Review: This book needs to go back through editorial review. Many figures are mis-labeled and out of sequence. Most of the details and drawings are so small that you cannot read them even with a magnifying glass. The general content is practical and useable. I'd give the content a "B+", but the presentation and delivery a "D-".
Rating:
Summary: This book requires editorial review.
Review: This book needs to go back through editorial review. Many figures are mis-labeled and out of sequence. Most of the details and drawings are so small that you cannot read them even with a magnifying glass. The general content is practical and useable. I'd give the content a "B+", but the presentation and delivery a "D-".
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