Mechanical and Electrical Systems in Buildings (3rd Edition) (Hardcover)

by William K. Y. Tao (Author), Richard R. Janis (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Designed to bridge the ever-widening gap between the realities that confront engineering and construction professionals, this book provides an overview of the principles and applications of all basic mechanical and electrical systems–with a focus on what, why, and basic design data examples. The book places emphasis on the operating principles of equipment and systems–rather than on construction details, identifying systems and providing readers with an explanation of principles.  Topics incorporate new developments in all the major disciplines, and reinforces the relationship of mechanical and electrical systems design in the overall context of the built environment. Includes some key topics such as Sustainable Design, Noise and Vibrations in M/E systems, the latest communications and illumination engineering technologies, Building heating, air conditioning, electrical, illumination, plumbing, and fire protection systems, Valuable data for space planning, cost, and environmental impact of building M/E systems. For design professionals involved in the development, construction, and management of commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings.

From the Publisher
Designed to bridge the ever-widening gap between textbooks and the realities that confront engineering, and construction professionals, this text provides an overview of the principles and applications of all basic mechanical and electrical systems -- with a focus on what, why, and basic design data examples. It explores emerging technology and environmental issues, and makes reference to essential engineering calculations and condensed data to illustrate principles. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 688 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 3 edition (July 9, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0130341533
• ISBN-13: 978-0130341532
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #616,913 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Mechanical and Electrical Systems in Buildings (3rd Edition), February 14, 2007

By	Nhan Nguyen - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is terrible. If you are a certified HVAC specialist, it is for you. However, if you are new to this then it is a total waste of money. Explanation is bad, example are nowhere relate to the section discussed. And worst of all, there is no answer keys. You will not have a clue if you are correct or not. Every chapter there are as least half of the review question are calculations, yet in each chapter there will be probably one page showing how calculation is done. Example one of the simplest thing:
COP = Cooling Effect / Power Input. If you look up the index, you cannot find the word "cooling effect", find out whichever chapter they discuss, or show you how to calculate the "cooling effect".
You are in luck if you do not have class that uses this book. You have bad luck if you have a "good" teacher that using this book. You are doom if you have a "bad" teacher who using this book, might as well drop it. Waste of time and money.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mechanical and Electrical Systems in Buildings, 2nd, June 20, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Mechanical and Electrical Systems in Buildings (2nd Edition) (Hardcover)

Very good book. Helps you understand the systems inside (and outside) of buildings in use everyday that most folks don't have a clue about. If you are interested in understanding how your building equipment functions this is a good book for you. Down to earth and well written. Recommend to property management personnel.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for newbies!, May 1, 2001

By	kane (Singapore) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mechanical and Electrical Systems in Buildings (2nd Edition) (Hardcover)

If ur stepping into the building services industry, this book will be a comprehensive packaged info for your reading pleasure. Includes lotsa real-life diagrams, plan routings, concepts and explanation. It's 4am over here in Singapore and I've just finished reading one of the topics, just imagine how attractive the contents this book has! However, the only and regretable drawback is: the units are empirical which make it very difficult for me for in my country, we use SI metric units.