Customer Reviews

Residential Wiring to the 2008 NEC (Residential Wiring to the NEC)

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1 star:		(0)

 

 

A licensed general contractor for more than 30 years, author Jeff Markell is also and instructor on electrical wiring to apprentice electricians.

As he points out in his introduction, this book "isn't a substitute for the National Electrical Code". However, it goes far towards making the Code clearer and more useful by providing numerous illustrations of Code principles and actions. Although arguments have raged for decades about the NEC's necessarily legalistic text, no other shortcomings in the Code comes close to its lack of illustration.

Easy to read throughout, the books 14 chapters begin with two on basic electricity, including circuits, power sources, and flow, and the effects of electrical energy. Safe use of tools and instruments, in Chapter 3, is followed by chapters on conductors and raceways: "electrical boxes"; makeup and reading of plans; and wiring -- devices, installation, and procedures.

Because electricians often encounter additions and changes to existing wiring (sometimes generations old and not up to current standards), Chapter 12 covers that subject.

Troubleshooting and repairs in Chapter 13 are followed by material on such supplementary installations as signaling, alarms and entertainment systems.

One surprising omission: although use of ground-fault interrupters is well covered, no mention is made of the arc-fault interrupter, expanded use of which is one of the more controversial requirements of the 2008 NEC.

For the book to serve as a self-study guide, each chapter concludes with multiple-choice questions (answers are at the end of the book). In addition, a CD-ROM is included containing the complete text plus all the study questions in interactive self-test software.

This isn't meant for the do-it-yourself amateur, but for "anyone who intends to make a living" as an electrician. It can be a valuable adjunct for an apprenticeship or license exam program. -- RLN

I bought two earlier versions of this book; the 4th edition (...to the 1996 NEC) and the 6th edition (...to the 2002 NEC). The titling of the books is deceiving, as there is not a faithful correlation between changes in the code and the new edition of this book. If you have an older version, you know this is a usefull book. However, there is no need to spend money to upgrade to the latest edition. It appears that the publisher simply revises the title page and reprints the previous version. For example, in 2002, AFCI protection became a requirement in the NEC, but it is not mentioned anywhere in the 6th edition. As pointed out in another review for the 2008 printing, AFCI is still not even mentioned (meaning the latest book is out of date by at least two revisions of the NEC). I think this is unfortunate, since the title of the book implies that it is up to date.

The portion of the code relating to residences does not change dramatically, so it really can't be too much work to get that information into the book. There should be an appendix, preface, or chapter devoted to the changes in the latest code that are now included. This would give some demonstration to the user that this new version does actually contain the latest code information. Otherwise just title the book "Residential Wiring" and quit issuing new editions.

Useful for general wiring but it does not highlight the changes to the 2008 code from the 2005 version. Worse, it does not make mention of some of the more obvious changes that any inspector will catch as being allowed under the 2005 but not under the 2008 code. I am still looking for a book that will highlight the major changes.

I received this book quickly from Amazon.com. I immediately read the first 2 chapters which teach the basic structure of matter, and how it relates to electricity. It was just like my first year engineering training of 40 years ago. Then I read the next 2 chapters, which were really good. They tell about wiring gauge sizes, and current capacity. Then the requirements for securing Romex wire and conduit sections when installing electrical wiring in a house. This is exactly why I bought the book... so I can do this work myself to code. It's well worth the price of this book.

Power is essential to residences in the twenty first century, so wiring is essential as well. "Residential Wiring: To the 2008 NEC" is an introductory text for electricians to be. Focusing on making electricians' work meet the demanding standards of the NEC - the National Electrical Code. With professional level standards, author and wiring expert jeff markell goes over the uses of every bit of an electrician's tools, dealing with older wiring systems, replacing or adding new wires, repairing your mistakes, and troubleshooting issues, among other topics. Enhanced with a CD-ROM with a study guide program to help would-be electricians cram the vital information into their heads, "Residential Wiring" is an essential instructional and reference guide for students, do-it-yourself amateurs, and professional electricians.