Electrician Apprentice HQ #1 Online Resource For Becoming An Electrician 
Last updated on February 29th, 2024.
The best study guides for electricians contain detailed information on wiring, NEC tables, and reference tables with common unit conversions and equations.
Conversely, a trash study guide can make the exam seem a lot harder than it actually is (because it teaches you the wrong things).
So to help you separate the good and bad electricians books—we reviewed the Top 6 Books for Electricians of 2024.
Buy with the confidence that you’re buying one of the best electrical study guides available.
Let’s dive straight into the reviews.
| Preview | Product | Key Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall  | Ugly’s Electrical References, 2020 Edition |
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| Premium Choice  | National Electrical Code 2020, Spiral Bound Version (National Fire Protection Associations... |
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| Excellent Value  | Wiring a House: 5th Edition (For Pros By Pros) |
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 | Ultimate Guide: Wiring, 8th Updated Edition (Creative Homeowner) DIY Home Electrical Installations... |
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 | 2017 Journeyman Electrician Exam Questions and Study Guide |
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 | Electrical Trainee Guide, Level 1 |
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Top 6 Best Books for Electricians
Ugly’s Electrical References
- Miller, Charles R. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 214 Pages - 12/27/2019 (Publication Date) - Jones & Bartlett Learning (Publisher)
Kicking off our list, Ugly’s Electrical References stands out as an indispensable resource, freshly updated in 2021. Tailored for both novice and seasoned electricians, this guide serves as an on-the-job companion, offering clear answers and essential information that tackles the common queries beginners often encounter.
There are tables covering things like national electrical codes, mathematical formulas, conduit bending methods or voltage drops; first-aid procedures also appear when there might be some injury incurred during work with wiring systems such as fuses burning out or circuits going haywire.
For those that are undergoing electrician apprenticeship training, this is the right book for you. It includes charts to help you determine the best wire to use for a circuit. This helps prevent house fires by using the wrong type of wires so it’s important not skip on any steps when doing wiring repair or installation!
There are also diagrams and tables in case one needs an electrical reference guide with common formulas used today while working around electricity like Ohm’s Law which states “the voltage equals current flowing into resistance.” Not only does this book include helpful information but it provides quality content as well since there isn’t too much text per page.
The Ugly’s Electrical Code handbook is an extremely handy tool for any electrician. It features information on how to properly use tools, as well a hints based off of Ohms Law that are vital in the trade. This book also has conveniently colored images throughout and never leaves your side while you’re out doing electrical work because it’s so compact!
Whether you need help studying or just want some insights into what goes through an electricians head when they get home from their job – this pencil case sized guide fits right inside your pocket ready at anytime needed- no matter where life takes them next.
CHECK PRICE- Straightforward instructions
- Fantastic 'how to' instructions
- Detailed information on wiring and electrical design
- Essential book for electrician apprentices
- Textbook includes NEC tables
- ENT Values need to be upgraded
National Electrical Code (NEC Code)
- (NFPA) National Fire Protection Association (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 896 Pages - 10/01/2019 (Publication Date) - Delmar Cengage Learning (Publisher)
The National Electrical Code (NEC) is the definitive framework for electrical standards across various sectors. The 2021 edition is comprehensive, detailing the latest practices in equipment installation, and grounding mechanisms for safeguarding against overcurrents and short circuits.
One major revision seen with this book are updates that offer protections from potentially deadly hazards known as trips which can occur due to advanced electrical workers being exposed simultaneously while working near other live parts during installation work at power distribution systems like those found within homes where you might see multiple branch circuit breaker panels installed by electricians who use it among many ways they know how to protect people such as themselves from harm when dealing with electricity.
If you need to renew your electrician’s license or are studying to obtain one, this is the right book for you. The book was written at all levels- providing detailed information on most facets of electrical work.
Another reason why this book is sought after is due its adherence to NEC rules- it has more up-to date versions than past 2017 and 2014 copies because they were updated every 3 years! This means that you get access with relevant data needed in order pass any exam related
This book is a must-have for electricians. It offers advice on how to work with high voltage systems that were previously in the utility domain, and has enough information to keep as a reference guide while you’re at work!
The National Electronic Codebook is an important book for contractors, designers, AHJs, and engineers. With tabs to find the right information on a certain topic as quickly as possible! So consider getting this helpful book if you want to stay up-to-date with electrical safety.
CHECK PRICE- Essential training book for apprentices and journeyman alike
- Can be used to study for electrician exams
- Tabs for chapter organization
- Revised information
- Relevant Information on the NEC Codes
- Slightly pricier (although well worth the cost)
- Text is too small for some readers
Wiring a House: Completely Revised and Updated
- Cauldwell, Rex (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 368 Pages - 10/28/2014 (Publication Date) - Taunton Press (Publisher)
“Wiring a House” offers a contemporary lens on home wiring practices. Rex Caldwell, a seasoned expert with over 37 years in the field, equips readers with innovative strategies for efficient power distribution and appliance functionality. He covers basic advice such as how to keep track of tools before delving into more technical concepts like wires or other tested industry trips that will save you money down the line!
The book comes with detailed pictures and explanations to help novice electricians get up to speed. With over 120 instructive illustrations, it helps you easily refer back when stuck or need guidance using the right tools- like for wiring your house without burning it down in the process.
Safety is an important factor when dealing with electrical work: this book has information on how protect yourself from harm each time – GFCI/AFCI protection of homes was recently expanded by including more instructions making hard jobs easier!
This book has been revised to meet the 2020 National Electric Code (NEC) guidelines. The updated version covers more than just wiring your home, too! You’ll find information on inverters and electrical vehicle chargers as well. This is helpful for those looking to go green or learn about sustainable energy options in their community firsthand.
Grab this one if you want a comprehensive overview of all things electrician-related without getting bogged down by unnecessary industrial lingo that would otherwise be difficult for any novice but especially newbies!
CHECK PRICE- Meets the NEC Guidelines
- Includes GFCI and AFCI protection information
- Provides information on wiring
- Helps with beginner DIY electrical work
- Excellent price
- No practice tests
- Not to be used as an electricians study book
Ultimate Guide: Wiring (Creative Homeowner)
- Editors of Creative Homeowner (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 304 Pages - 01/03/2017 (Publication Date) - Creative Homeowner (Publisher)
The Ultimate Guide: Wiring from Creative Homeowner is an essential toolkit for homeowners venturing into DIY electrical work. It demystifies home wiring with straightforward visuals and instructions, presenting reliable and adaptable methods tailored to various household scenarios.
This book is a must-have for any electrician. It includes information on all the basics of residential wiring, such as low voltage lighting and outdoor power.
This section also offers helpful advice in installing light switches and timers so your home can be safe from electrical hazards while looking stylish. The only downside to this guidebook are its limited explanations about LED equipment; however other than that it covers everything you could want!
CHECK PRICE- Clear photographs and instructions
- Tools, equipment, and material lists
- Informative tables and charts
- Helps with properly wiring a house
- Detailed diagrams
- Limited circuit diagrams
- Outdated pictures
- No reference to LEDs
Journeyman Electrician Exam Questions and Study Guide
- Holder, Ray (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 420 Pages - 02/15/2017 (Publication Date) - Brown Technical Publications Inc (Publisher)
The Journeyman Electrician Exam and Study Guide is a great tool for anyone who needs to get ready for their exams. It provides information on the most common topics you’ll come across in your exam, such as motors, transformers, overcurrent protection, conductor sizing and protection. This book also covers commercial an residential load calculations so that you’re prepared no matter what comes up!
Additionally, it features practice tests to help you study for the exam. It has short examples of exam questions that will help you get prepared. The Journeyman Electrician Exam and Study Guide also covers renewable energy technologies.
This book is up to date, giving you enough information needed to meet the NEC 2018 guidelines! You’ll be set with all this info in mind-you’re sure to ace your exams and become a fully qualified Journeyman Electrician.
CHECK PRICE- Good for learning general methods and calculations
- Excellent textbook
- Includes 12 practice exams
- Describes renewable energy technologies
- Great electricians study guide
- Wrong code reference
- Bad page layout
- Can’t be used for E2 exam
Electrical Level 1 Trainee Guide
- Great basic electrical info used for modules in Electrical course
- NCCER (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
The Electrical Level 1 Trainee Guide is next, ideal for those new to the electrical field. It lays a solid foundation, providing a step-by-step approach to mastering the basics of electrical work in a professional context.
The levels are broken down into easy to follow sections, and each section has an overview of what it entails as well as valuable illustrations for when things seem unclear or complicated. For novice electricians just starting out their careers, this guide can be invaluable!
This book was designed to go with NCCER’s Construction Site Safety Technician course and will give you all of the information needed in order to pass your exam!
The content that’s provided in the book includes: electrical safety, raceways and fittings, electrical test equipment, conductors and cables. It also has an introduction to National Electrical Code (NEC).
The only setback is its binding which falls apart when used for a short period of time by consumers who have purchased it. Even with this drawback though; electricians find it helpful as they learn basic concepts about electricity through reading this great tool!
CHECK PRICE- Good exam prepartion examples
- Complements the NCCER's Construction Site Safety Technician Course
- Includes charts, formulas, and tables
- Illustrations for further explanation
- Excellent electricians textbook
- Limited notes
- Weak book bindings
