looking some books for starting as an electrician

alanmcm · Dec 20, 2013

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

Rockingit · Dec 20, 2013

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

telectrix · Dec 20, 2013

second that ^^^^^.

Rockingit · Dec 20, 2013

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

VoltzElectrical · Dec 20, 2013

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 · Dec 20, 2013

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.

VoltzElectrical · Dec 20, 2013

alanmcm said:
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.

3 phase wall connections? Can you post a picture, 'cos that's a new one on me.

Lighting wiring- one way, two way, intermediate is easy, and easily googled. No-one wants to draw you a picture!

alanmcm · Dec 20, 2013

3 phase power going to outdoor wall terminals I shouldve said, again im not technically minded so probably use a lot incorrect terms. Something similar to the below link.

380-415V Legrand Hypra Interlocked Switched Inclined Socket 3P+E+N (IP44) | Screwfix.com

Ill google everything I need and ill be reading alot over xmas, im determined to succeed and learn more about it all.

7029 dave · Dec 20, 2013

What!!

Richard Burns · Dec 20, 2013

VoltzElectrical said:
No-one wants to draw you a picture!

Yeah OK

[ElectriciansForums.net] looking some books for starting as an electrician

shanky887614 · Dec 25, 2013

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

If you read his book's your cock will get burned

GLENNSPARK · Dec 25, 2013

alanmcm said:
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

eh?...

R G · Dec 25, 2013

Try the Wickes how to leaflets !1

GLENNSPARK · Dec 25, 2013

alanmcm said:
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