In electrical work, there are many tools readily at hand, and, surprisingly, we believe that books are one of them. While there is a lot of information available on the Internet regarding any electrical topic, it is still a good call to pick up a printed guideline and figure things out. There is a lot of electricians literature out there, and the quality varies, but the best books for electricians have some things in common: they are evidence-based, written by professionals, easy to read, and are updated as often as needed. To celebrate World Book Day, we give you our definitive guide on top 5 books for electricians, including the reads for beginners, professionals, and amateurs. Plus, we added a bonus entry for those of you who enjoy reading as a hobby.

1.NEC Handbook

NEC Handbook is a go-to book for every electrician working in the United States. Sure, every skilled electrician can always address the article he needs in the NEC, but a handbook is so much more than that. It gives the readers a better understanding of the meaning behind each requirement, making them better professionals. 

The goal of the NEC Handbook is to explain the reasoning behind every norm found in the Code. Everything needs to make sense in the electrical industry, so having a well-rounded, logical interpretation of the concepts is a must. NEC Handbook is updated every year to reflect the changes in the National Electrical Code. The handbooks are exclusively sold by NFPA, the National Fire Protection Association of the USA. Those who register for free access at the NFPA website can read the handbook for free legally.

2.Basic Electricity: A Self-Teaching Guide (Wiley Self-Teaching Guides) by Charles W. Ryan

If you are a beginner just starting your job as an electrical apprentice or studying to become an electrician, Basic Electricity is an excellent book for you. It explains all basic concepts of electricity found in the real world, such as what makes the lightbulb work and why your car has the structure it does. While this might seem very basic for everyone with years of practice, the book begins with the easiest concepts and gradually builds up to give you a good knowledge of the fundamentals of electrical work.

3.Anything by Mike Holt

For practicing electricians, Mike Holt's website is a wonderful reference point that includes guides on all aspects of the electrical industry. Holt has been the CEO of Mike Holt Enterprises, the company specializing in electrical training, since 1975. 

His library includes literally anything you need, from the literature on understanding the National Electrical Code and exam preparations for electricians to calculations, fundamentals of electricity, and the guides to leading electrical business. Mike Holt always catches up with new burning topics in the industry. The forum administered by his company, https://forums.mikeholt.com/, is one of the best places on the Internet to discuss your electrical questions and issues with other professionals.

4. Ugly's Electrical References, 2020 Edition by Charles R. Miller

With its memorable name, Ugly's Electrical References is the best book if you need a reference tool that contains literally everything you can think of, whether you are looking for job solutions or passing an exam. This book does not have a lot of narration; it is mostly a toolkit that contains NEC updates, math formulas, ampacity charts, bending info, and conversion stats. Just pick this guide whenever you have to check something on the spot, and you'll have your solution.

5.Wiring a House: 5th Edition (For Pros By Pros) by Charles R. Miller

This is your guide to an essential electrician's task that literally everyone in the industry has to complete on a regular basis: wiring a house. While other entries on our list are mostly of interest for electricians (pros and amateurs alike), Wiring a House will also be of use to all the DIY enthusiasts dealing with the wiring in their own homes.

The book is written in a very simple language, and the overall approach is very straight-to-the-point. Written by a practicing electrician with almost 40 years of experience, it contains images and illustrative guides to every electrical issue within the house, including panels, fixtures, grounding, service entrance, and wiring systems. A new edition of the book keeps up with the trends, focusing heavily on photovoltaic (PV) electrical systems, energy cost tips, and new approaches to home wiring.

Bonus

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values by Robert M. Pirsig 

If you enjoy pop philosophy in your spare time, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance might be a read that will click with you. The book uses a story of an interstate road trip shared by a father and son to flash out and comment on many philosophical dilemmas. This book appeals to people in many specific professions, like architecture and electrical work, because one of the most profound themes of the book is the philosophy of quality. 

Pirsig meditates on problem-solving skills and the balance between pragmatism and romanticism in real life. One of the most profound themes of the book is the philosophy of quality. And best of all, he uses the process of motorcycle maintenance as a metaphor for what he has to say.