House Wiring with the NEC

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding book
Review: Clear concise reading with lots of illustrations. I can't recommend it to beginners, but if you have a working knowledge of electrical wiring, this is a must read. Contains a multitude of information that the most DIYer books leave out.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding book
Review: Clear concise reading with lots of illustrations. I can't recommend it to beginners, but if you have a working knowledge of electrical wiring, this is a must read. Contains a multitude of information that the most DIYer books leave out.

Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Reference
Review: Hits a just-right level of depth between that of skinny hardware store "Step-by-Step" books and slogging through the code proper. Well illustrated, and lots of practical tips in addition to the code-required facts.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Resource for the Skilled Do-It-Yourselfer
Review: Kind of a textbook for residential wiring with complete references to the 1999 NEC Code every step of the way. Very helpful for DIY folks who want to tackle simple, straightforward home electrical work SAFELY and to Code. Great book!

Rating:
Summary: A solid textbook... but not really for DIY's
Review: The book gave me an in-depth description of how to electrically wire my house. It purposely leaves out the mechanics of pulling wire, fixing dry-wall, etc., but describes exactly how to connect wires, outlets, receptacles, three-way switches, etc. My only complaint (very small) is that answers to the chapter questions in the book are omitted.

In my county, you need to pass a homeowner's exam on the 1996 National Electric Code (NEC) with regard to residential wiring to do electrical work on your home. This book on the 1999 NEC gave me the ability to pass the exam by referencing and illustrating exact portions of the NEC manual. It really pointed out the relevant information in the NEC manual. Changes between the 1996 rules and 1999 rules used in the book were slight and since the book referred to specific NEC sections, it was very easy for me to compare the rules. Although it's great to be able to pass the exam after studying the book, it additionally describes how to use this info so that you can wire your house.

Note it took me two weeks to completely study the book at about 2.5 hours per day. It was interesting reading though because the book made use of concrete examples and explained conceptually why the various NEC rules are needed.

Rating:
Summary: Great Details of How to Actually Wire Things
Review: The book gave me an in-depth description of how to electrically wire my house. It purposely leaves out the mechanics of pulling wire, fixing dry-wall, etc., but describes exactly how to connect wires, outlets, receptacles, three-way switches, etc. My only complaint (very small) is that answers to the chapter questions in the book are omitted.

In my county, you need to pass a homeowner's exam on the 1996 National Electric Code (NEC) with regard to residential wiring to do electrical work on your home. This book on the 1999 NEC gave me the ability to pass the exam by referencing and illustrating exact portions of the NEC manual. It really pointed out the relevant information in the NEC manual. Changes between the 1996 rules and 1999 rules used in the book were slight and since the book referred to specific NEC sections, it was very easy for me to compare the rules. Although it's great to be able to pass the exam after studying the book, it additionally describes how to use this info so that you can wire your house.

Note it took me two weeks to completely study the book at about 2.5 hours per day. It was interesting reading though because the book made use of concrete examples and explained conceptually why the various NEC rules are needed.

Rating:
Summary: A solid textbook... but not really for DIY's
Review: This book is useful if you just want to learn the NEC. It's a textbook, with lots of exercises and chapter reviews. I'm a do-it-your-selfer and love working on my house. I have experience as an electronics technician, so I understand basic electrical theory. I bought this book along with Electrical Code Check and Black & Decker Advanced Home Wiring to have a reference for learning some residential electrical work. I really needed something in between. This book has lots of regulations, but it's not a fun read. The explanations are pretty dry and don't illustrate the "how-to" all that well. If you are learning to be an electrician, then this might be your book. But for us plain handy-folks, we'll still need a few more trips to Home Depot for more specific advice.

Rating:
Summary: Exceptionally well done!
Review: This text is exceptionally well done. It is technically accurate and well referenced to the NEC. A wise investment for all involved with residental wiring.