My philosophy in writing this book was to distill all my experience in electrical design so that if I were to be out of the field for a few years, all I would need to refresh my skills would be to study this book. The important NEC Tables are there plus computer drafting methods, AUTOCAD drawings to illustrate technique, sample specifications, and even some computer programs that many designers write for themselves.

I also offer some design software via a form in the book for voltage drop, lighting, and short circuit analysis. All these programs are available for free download from my web page. They are very helpful in learning some of the more abstract concepts of electrical design.

There are also some sections on basic electrical theory that many contractors and field personnel do not usually know. These concepts are helpful to making their jobs safer and perhaps more interesting. Especially in light of the modern trend toward more design-build projects, in which the more design skills a person has the more competitive he or she can be.

I have also written a textbook with McGraw-Hill on energy conservation, and many ideas in that field are included in the book. A good electrical design is not only inexpensive but it provides efficient use and distribution of power. There are several sections on harmonics, in which I present the latest theories on how to minimize this ubiquitous problem in power distribution systems. No one really knows for sure how to best minimize harmonics, but it is important to keep current in the latest theories and proven design and installation techniques.

6 of 7 found the following review helpful:


response from the author  Mar 30, 2006 By William Clark II
The previous reviewer comments on my saying fiber optic cable is difficult to splice. He takes my words out of context. I said what I did to emphasize that only skilled, experienced individuals should work with fiber optics. No one can deny that splicing copper cables is not as challenging as splicing optical networks, or that people without proper training and certification should not do so.

He also comments on my disparaging remarks about HVAC designers. I am licensed to seal mechanical and hvac projects as well as electrical. I have another book published with McGraw-Hill "Retrofitting for Energy Conservation" which is mostly mechanical. In proper context, I said that HVAC designers are lazy when specifying electrical components for HVAC systems. For example, they routinely spec variable frequency drives for all motors, globally. Assuming that VFD's are the most efficient options. Another important factor is the facility - a small, rural, or remote facility might be better served with a two speed motor, which is almost as efficient as a VFD. My comments on this were intended to motivate electrical designers to get more involved in the specification of mechanical systems, so that the most efficient system can be provided to the client.

I will clarify these points in the next edition, and I appreciate their being brought to my attention.

2 of 2 found the following review helpful:


Valuable Resource  Sep 01, 2002 By R Reliant "rapid_r_l"
It seems difficult to find a good general guide for electrical engineering pertaining to commercial buildings. This book manages to cover the essentials, adds in some experience related data and some of the theory behind the concepts. It does not provide the type of information contained within books such as the American Electrician's Handbook (also recommended), but is valuable nonetheless.

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