This book makes excellent use of photographs and four-color diagrams throughout for illustrating principles, tools and materials. It's laid out in a logical manner and is organized so that it's easy to find what you're seeking.

This book's greatest value is its focus on clearly illustrated layout diagrams and techniques. It contains over 20 example circuits of various common types, including some subtle variations on themes such as three-way switched circuits that have not-so-subtle differences in implementation. It includes a clear and complete section on wiring a bedroom/office addition with a bathroom and closet, using various types of circuits, from the ground up.

The text is light on code-related issues, probably to avoid the need for frequent revisions to keep it current with the NEC's three-year publication cycle. This makes it more difficult to rely on information it presents as authoritative when it comes time to meet the electrical inspector.

I found this book a useful blend of text and graphics for learning the basics of house wiring. To take the next step, I strongly recommend Rex Cauldwell's "Wiring a House." It's far more substantive and NEC-compliance-oriented.


A very helpful guide to understanding household electricity.   July 6, 2001
 4 out of 5 found this review helpful

I found the book to be a very informative guide to understanding the residential electrical system. Very clear discriptions, and pictures guide you through the history of home wiring. Modern electrical systems are described as well as old. A very straight forward and simple guide to understanding one of our homes most misunderstood systems. A good choice for those wanting to understand home electricity better.


Very good wiring reference...   May 29, 2001
 24 out of 24 found this review helpful

Of all the books I browsed and purchased, this was the best. The wiring diagrams are great as a reference. Any circuit I've had to wire up so far was diagramed in the book. There are pages of diagrams so I would expect that most people would find what they needed there.

There's a good example of adding a sub-panel if you're up to that task. They warn that if you want to re-wire or replace your main panel, you should hire an experienced electrician. That's a task not recommended for even the handiest of homeowners. Good advice....

There's tons of info here. If you are reasonbly handy and willing to heed all of the safety warnings, this book is a great one to have.

There's examples of wiring room additions, kitchens, etc., that are very informative.

I also have the Home Depot "Wiring 1-2-3" book. It's good also. Arranged on a task by task basis... sort of cookbook-like. Most taks homeowners would tackle are in there but the Black & Decker book covers more issues. I also see that there what I believe is a new edition of this book (Mar '01 vs Apr '98 publication). Haven't seen contents but maybe that's the one to get.


Good detail, well organized.   March 22, 1999
 108 out of 118 found this review helpful

I found this book to be most informative; lots of detail, that isn't buried in volumes of text. Tons of pictures, and real-world examples. Would be valuable for the novice, as well as the seasoned home-improvement enthusiast.