Switchgear and Control Handbook [Hardcover]

Robert W. Smeaton (Editor), William H. Ubert (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0070584516 | ISBN-13: 978-0070584518 | Publication Date: October 1, 1997 | Edition: 3 Sub

A switchgear is a device that opens and closes an electrical circuit (the simplest example being a light switch). These devices are important in the function of electrical systems in power stations as well as commercial and industrial facilities. This edition aims to cover all the major aspects of switchgear design, applications, safety and maintenance. With the expansion in the use of computers, solid state control devices and programmable controls, engineers, electrical contractors and other technical specialists need an understanding of the information provided in this book to meet today's needs in selecting and specifying switchgear and control equipment. Features of this third edition include sections on lighting protection for buildings, electrical equipment and distribution systems, high and low voltage electrical distribution cable, machine and process line control using programmable controllers and computers.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

The One Expert Source for Switchgear and Control Information and Data. Here is the only practical reference tool you need to specify, select install, and maintain switchgear and control devices in any electrical system. Written by a staff of over 30 outstanding electrical engineers and professionals, this comprhensive handbook helps you achieve the highest performance standards in all types of buildings and facilities. Famous for its authority and usefulness in prior editions, this vastly revised and improved Third Edition of the Switchgear Control Handbook enables you to: optimize the effectiveness of high- and low-voltage distribution systems; install the best lightning protection for buildings, electrical equipment, and distribution networks; achieve maximum machine and process line control using microprocessor-based programmable controllers and computerized control systems; conform to applicable standards of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and others. This revised and expanded edition also includes--for the first time--a glosary providing you with concise definitions of common terms used in the description of electrical equipment and controls.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 928 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Companies; 3 Sub edition (October 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0070584516
• ISBN-13: 978-0070584518
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 2.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 1.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,788,280 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars An Odd and Ungainly Reference, September 27, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Switchgear and Control Handbook (Hardcover)

You know there may be a slight problem when you find large numbers of punctuation and grammatical errors early in a big book sold at this price. When you more than once find two or three contributors' articles rehashing the same material (but using slightly different "standard" diagram symbols), your reservations about the editorial standards involved increase. Learning half a dozen different ways to control blenders and hair clippers, when you were thinking more of 13.8 KV switchgear, is a further awkward twist. Want a sampling of makes, models and photos? Forget it. I do hope you want to take Electric Motors 101 several times, though. (I didn't even think it was ABOUT motors when I bought it!)

So anyway, I was pretty bummed, and I wouldn't have shelled out for it, I don't think. I'm keeping it around, though. I did come across some nice tables, and it has an index. There's also one, slpendid, nuts, bolts and numbers article on coordinating overcurrent protection. I mean, this guy does this to relax! They should have put it in a small book and charged [less] for it. (It would take up less room and be lighter to hold.) Some people could also find a use for the breakdown torques of induction and synchronous motors, etc. (I'd let them add that to the small book), but there's just too much disorganization and fat.

I would speculate that one way to make a living is to hustle articles from eager contributors into a "big, expensive book", kick back and enjoy the margin. I for one will keep this in mind while shopping in future.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Misleading title, January 10, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Switchgear and Control Handbook (Hardcover)

The book is less about switchgear and more about the broad field of electrical engineering. It gets so far off track that it even has diagrams of resistor-diode logic circuits. It covers far too many topics in very little detail. For example, from the title I expected more than four very short paragraphs on current transformer burden. My initial disappointment told me to return the book; but I have a hard time letting go of any book with any use, even if I paid too much.