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Wiring A House
First published in 1996, with over 200,000 copies sold, this critically acclaimed, perennial strong seller has been updated to account for changes to the electrical code made in the past 10 years. New material has been added on home video security systems. In addition, there's a completely revised tool chapter. Keeping with its familiar and accessible design, this book offers up-to-date information in the same easy-to-read format.
336 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 25, 2012
It's Not for Dummies!
Rex has done a great job giving the newbie a heart-to-heart about electricity, but doesn't treat you like a dummy. He expects that if you are going to touch electricity, you want to know how to do it right, not just how to do the minimum.
I highly recommend this book over the stanley Manual, which, as Rex says, looks like it was written by a "desk jockey" and is incredibly boring.
Rex has done a great job giving the newbie a heart-to-heart about electricity, but doesn't treat you like a dummy. He expects that if you are going to touch electricity, you want to know how to do it right, not just how to do the minimum.
I highly recommend this book over the stanley Manual, which, as Rex says, looks like it was written by a "desk jockey" and is incredibly boring.
October 24, 2021
Page turner
Compellingly written for a technical work - they are often dry and sterile. Cauldwell explains the electrical code (and its evolution) using real world examples. He shows how to implement the code and how to take a reasonably easy step beyond. Answered all of my questions for designing and wiring a small detached guest house. Well done.
Compellingly written for a technical work - they are often dry and sterile. Cauldwell explains the electrical code (and its evolution) using real world examples. He shows how to implement the code and how to take a reasonably easy step beyond. Answered all of my questions for designing and wiring a small detached guest house. Well done.
May 10, 2021
I would recommend this for anyone who is looking to do any form of wiring in their homes. Easy to read diagrams and pictures.
April 3, 2013
This is a great book -- and surprisingly fun. I really recommend it.
I'm not probably ever going to wire a house, but I realized that I didn't really understand how electricity got into and around my house, so I read this book. It was perfect.
There's a basics section that got me up to speed on how electricity gets from the pole at one voltage and into your house at 110 and 220 V. Then things got more advanced.
It covers everything from the differences between modern and old systems of wiring, the tools you'll need for a variety of jobs, planning ahead to go above code when it will help you in the future, working with conduit, GFCI and AFCI installation and purposes, lightning protection, generators, grounding, and even specifics like installing heaters, fans, pumps, hot tubs, etc.
What I didn't expect was how well-written and even entertaining the book is. Cauldwell uses a lot of humour and it keeps things from being dry. I laughed out loud several times. He also gets how important it is to explain the whys and hows to the reader, giving us enough history and enough of the science to make the lessons stick in your mind.
This books covers everything. I was left with no questions at the end. And I feel like I'm going to be more knowledgable and safer in my day-to-day life as a consumer of electricity and user of electrical lights, outlets, and appliances. Oh yeah, and I'll always use my portable GFCI whenever I use power tools, from now on. I didn't understand why I should, but now I do.
I'm not probably ever going to wire a house, but I realized that I didn't really understand how electricity got into and around my house, so I read this book. It was perfect.
There's a basics section that got me up to speed on how electricity gets from the pole at one voltage and into your house at 110 and 220 V. Then things got more advanced.
It covers everything from the differences between modern and old systems of wiring, the tools you'll need for a variety of jobs, planning ahead to go above code when it will help you in the future, working with conduit, GFCI and AFCI installation and purposes, lightning protection, generators, grounding, and even specifics like installing heaters, fans, pumps, hot tubs, etc.
What I didn't expect was how well-written and even entertaining the book is. Cauldwell uses a lot of humour and it keeps things from being dry. I laughed out loud several times. He also gets how important it is to explain the whys and hows to the reader, giving us enough history and enough of the science to make the lessons stick in your mind.
This books covers everything. I was left with no questions at the end. And I feel like I'm going to be more knowledgable and safer in my day-to-day life as a consumer of electricity and user of electrical lights, outlets, and appliances. Oh yeah, and I'll always use my portable GFCI whenever I use power tools, from now on. I didn't understand why I should, but now I do.
February 22, 2013
I love this book. I am on my 3rd edition (I do not know the actual edition number, it is just the 3rd one for me) as I buy these every few years as the book is updated to reflect the latest NEC changes. I have purchased this book for friends who are experienced with wiring and have upcoming electrical projects.
Like the series title says "For Pros by Pros". This does not mean that you must be a professional electrician to use this book, but you do need to have a good understanding of electricity, basic wiring techniques, and the different types of circuits a modern home will use.
One of the features of this book I really like is that Rex will explain how to wire a circuit "to code" and then often will offer a "better than code" alternative method. His "alternate" methods make sense and are at least a little better than code and often are much better than code. These are not methods which violate NEC and will get you in trouble with your building inspector, these are just logical ways to go "above and beyond" what is required. Having used these books over the course of several years, it is interesting how many of Rex's suggested methods, end up being adopted into a future version of NEC.
In short, it is a great reference tool. If you are working on wiring projects, this is book you will find yourself consulting again and again.
Like the series title says "For Pros by Pros". This does not mean that you must be a professional electrician to use this book, but you do need to have a good understanding of electricity, basic wiring techniques, and the different types of circuits a modern home will use.
One of the features of this book I really like is that Rex will explain how to wire a circuit "to code" and then often will offer a "better than code" alternative method. His "alternate" methods make sense and are at least a little better than code and often are much better than code. These are not methods which violate NEC and will get you in trouble with your building inspector, these are just logical ways to go "above and beyond" what is required. Having used these books over the course of several years, it is interesting how many of Rex's suggested methods, end up being adopted into a future version of NEC.
In short, it is a great reference tool. If you are working on wiring projects, this is book you will find yourself consulting again and again.
January 3, 2009
An incredibly thorough and detailed tour of residential wiring, complete with clear diagrams and useful tips. This book covers every aspect of electricity in the home from how transformers work and panel layouts, to wiring individual appliances and proper grounding. An invaluable and (best of all) accessible reference for anyone wanting to know more about what goes on inside the walls of their home. I especially appreciated the illustrations and photos which showed actual job sites, instead of hypothetical (and ideal) conditions. Real building conditions usually are cramped, dusty, corroded, and filled with spiders and things- basically nothing like what you typically see illustrated in many wiring manuals. This books was written for someone who has never thought about electricity before, yet (unwisely) intends to wire an entire house from scratch tomorrow. Next-level instruction.
February 1, 2010
This is one of the few books that takes you through the entire process from power line to light socket. This along with the current wiring simplified, your local codes and your inspectors phone number will allow you to wire anything in and around your home. It's clear, precise and has great rules-of-thumb to live by when you are wearing your electrician's hat.
May 5, 2016
great book. Gives you a good overview on almost any residential wiring task, and does so in a manner most people could grasp. I highly recommend it. Not only does he show you how to meet code, but he goes further...showing you a preferable "above-code" way of doing things. Remember, the code is the bare minimum, so it is often better to go beyond it.
February 18, 2026
This is my favorite residential electrical wiring book. Rex Cauldwell not only tells you what's required to meet code, but he makes some great recommendations to be above code. After having read this book cover to cover, I continue to reference it on a regular basis as I work on my house.
December 11, 2007
The single most helpful book I've read on house wiring. Way more digestable than an electrician school textbook (or the NEC), yet still detailed enough to be useful on its own.
August 16, 2008
A good reference book, as are most of those published by Taunton Press. This book is primarily for persons doing a substantial residential wiring job.
May 2, 2012
Great book on wiring
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews