Ultimate Guide: Wiring
If you're looking for a good reference book to help you with a range of home and shop wiring repairs and improvements, then you need to pick up a copy of Creative Homeowner's Ultimate Guide: Wiring. Monkeying around with electricity isn't something you want to do unless you really know what you're doing. You can damage equipment, start fires, or seriously hurt yourself.
If you already have a basic understanding of how electricity works, then you can start at the front of this book. It delves right into wiring methods - installing junction boxes, receptacles and switches; adding circuits to a service panel; and repairing cords and sockets. From there the book goes on to cover a range of wiring techniques, including replacing various lighting options, installing inside and outside home appliances, low voltage appliances, telecommunications equipment, and home power protection systems.
However, if you're new to the wonderful world of wiring, then you should really start at the back of the book, or more accurately, Part 2: Fundamentals. It's a fairly short section (59 pages) but gives an excellent primer on how electricity works in the home, the tools that you'll need to tackle those wiring jobs, and the right kinds of wire and accessories to use.
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My advice is to start with some of the simpler projects, and work your way through the more involved projects as you become more comfortable with the tools and techniques and build up your skills. Each of the projects is rated according to the required skill level (easy, challenging and difficult).
You'll likely still need the services of a licensed electrician for some things - particularly major changes to (or replacing) the main service panel. Also be aware that many municipalities require permits before major re-wiring projects can be undertaken.
The Ultimate Guide: Wiring is a 'Green Edition' book that is made from paper that includes post-consumer recycled fibre, manufactured in plants governed by strict environmental protection laws, and produced in the US.

CHAPTERS:
- Introduction
- Part 1: Projects, Improvements, Repairs
- Wiring Methods
- Lighting
- Appliances and Equipment
- Specialty Wiring
- Outdoor Wiring and Low-Voltage Wiring
- Emergency Power Equipment
- Home Automation
- Part 2: Fundamentals
- Understanding Electricity
- Tools and Their Uses
- Materials and Equipment
- Resource Guide
- Glossary
- Index
- Credits
- Metric Equivalents
PUBLISHER: | Creative Homeowner |
AVAILABLE FROM: | Your local bookseller or online |
RETAIL PRICE: | $22.95 |
FORMAT: | Softcover, 303 pages |
ISBN: | 978-1-58011-487-5 |
YEAR PUBLISHED: | 2010 |
AUTHOR: | Creative Homeowner |
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