looking some books for starting as an electrician

[alanmcm]

Hi im after some books to tell me how to wire up houses factories etc. I know not all houses and businesses are the same layout but if I had a general idea of what im doing it will help greatly. The guy im working for is dead on but he tells me what he wants done and leaves for hours. I can drill the holes cut the pipes and join everything up but I havent a clue when it comes to wiring in the lighting circuits. Theres power from the cu to the lights in the kitchen and locker room in the same circuit but he wants another room with two lights added into the same circuit with a twin switch but im not sure how to do it. Ive said to the boss and he keeps talking to me like im a qualified electrician but I havent the foggiest idea whats going on so im gonna research as much as possible to help myself and suggestions of books that would help are greatly appreciated.

Thanks Alan

 

[guest119]

Wind up?

Boydy

 

[VoltzElectrical]

OMG. As John McEnroe famously exclaimed "You can NOT be SERIOUS!"

 

[alanmcm]

no being serious thats why im on looking advice and help, I have a general idea of safety when working with electrics but its the actual wiring thats getting me.

 

[alanmcm]

anyone at all that can help, im just looking a helping hand in learning more about this. Im studying electrical/mechanical engineering and its all theory based and the guy im working with only has me in once or twice a week so its not enough to help me further myself.

 

[telectrix]

best bet is to look for a job as a mate where you will be taught, not just used as a labourer.

 

[alanmcm]

Ive been trying to get something like that but with the course im doing I need a wide range of subjects rather than specialising in just electrics. He does alot of work at the docks and stripping boat engines which is where im comfortable but hes trying to get me into the electrics side of things and is going to put me through my 17th edition and inspection and testing but Im worried about what to expect and I need as much information as possible quickly. I know its not the best way to learn but Im just looking a general idea of how it all comes together so I can be more confident when looking at circuits and being given instructions.

 

[telectrix]

try here:

Basic Electricity - Google Books

and various other publications

 

[telectrix]

and be sure not to buy any book written by a certain mr. d. cockburn.

 

[alanmcm]

thanks very much the only helpful member on this thread. As I said its only for some guidance I know im not going to get qualified using books

 

[not_today]

pm me your email address

 

[telectrix]

he's from another planet, so his ideas about earth are alien.

 

[alanmcm]

Ive been warned off books by John Bird, ive been told hes a mad man when it comes to equations and explaining things

 

[telectrix]

anything by chris kircher is useful. some inaccuracies, but on the whole, well explained and easy to follow.

 

[alanmcm]

thanks again

 

[Rockingit]

Brian Scadden has written a good library of useful books written from a (mostly) real-world basis.

 

[telectrix]

second that ^^^^^.

 

[Rockingit]

Ahh....the perfect pint analogy......that's the way to learn!

 

[VoltzElectrical]

The JTL books are good. I didn't mean to be flippant, but just re-read your OP - 'left alone to wire a job you have no idea how to wire' - please tell me how to do it?? Seriously?

 

[alanmcm]

I know it sounds crazy lol the guy is doing the work for the place but its not being paid for. Think its as a favor so theres no urgency on it. I've installed 2 3 phase wall connections this week used steel armored 4 core cable, that was simple but the lighting circuit mystifies me. I can do all the other work that goes along with the installation like hanging the lights and installing the switched ceiling roses but getting cables from the cu to the switch and then to link into the rest of the circuit is where im at a loss. On top of that hes wanting to send me on training courses for 17th edition wiring regs and the inspection and testing course. Im thinking you would need more than a basic understanding of circuits before even attempting theses courses let alone claiming to be qualified to perform the tasks. I appreciate the recommendation of the books.