Low-voltage projects live or die by code compliance and calculation accuracy. Schneider Electric’s free Electrical Installation Guide distils IEC 60364 and companion standards into a single, searchable reference that designers, inspectors, and contractors have relied on for more than two decades. The newly refreshed 2024 edition adds IEC 61200-102 DC-systems advice, energy-efficiency chapters, and updated tables for Amendment 2 of the wiring rules.
Table of Contents
Book at a Glance
| Full Title | Electrical Installation Guide (According to IEC International Standards) |
| Editorial Team | Schneider Electric LV & power-distribution experts |
| Publisher / Year | Schneider Electric • 2024 (20th anniversary update) |
| Length | ≈ 600 pages (PDF) / continuously updated wiki |
| Formats | Free PDF download, interactive wiki |
| Typical Price | €0 (digital) • prior print run listed ~€60 |
| Primary Audience | Consulting engineers, contractors, panel builders, facility managers, EE students |
| Key Focus | Design rules, protection, cable sizing, power quality, energy efficiency, LVDC |
Why the Electrical Installation Guide Still Matters
- Code-aligned clarity – Every formula and selection table cites the latest IEC clauses, removing guesswork when cross-checking designs.
- Breadth in one file – Protection, selectivity, short-circuit calculations, EV-charger integration, lightning protection, PV, UPS, and now LVDC appear side-by-side.
- Always up to date – The companion wiki is revised throughout the year by Schneider engineers and the community, so you’re never stuck with stale data.
- Zero-cost access – Unlike national handbooks that cost triple digits, Schneider’s PDF is free—perfect for learners and budget-tight firms.
Chapter (Section) Highlights
| Section | What You’ll Learn | 2024 Refresh |
|---|---|---|
| Basics of Electricity | Earthing systems (TN, TT, IT), IP/IK ratings, diversity factors | Added tables for arc-flash energy reduction |
| Protection Against Electric Shock | Touch-voltage limits, RCD selection, automatic disconnection times | Alignment with IEC 60364-4-41 Amd 2 |
| Circuit Sizing & Voltage Drop | k-factor cable tables, correction factors, bundled conductors | XLPE and AL/Cu mixed-conductor guidance |
| Short-Circuit & Electrodynamic Stresses | k²t formulas, peak-current checks, switchgear specification | Built-in calculator links via QR codes |
| Power-Factor & Harmonics | THDi limits, detuned filter sizing, IEEE-519 cross-refs | New section on active harmonic filters |
| Energy Efficiency & Prosumer Systems | Load-management architectures, metering, EcoStruxure examples | LVDC microgrid design (IEC 61200-102) |
| Special Installations | Hospitals, data centers, marinas, PV, EV charging | Updated EV-charger diversity & RCD Type B rules |
Strengths
- Practical, example-driven – Worked samples walk through every key calculation, from fault current at the DB to cable derating in 45 °C plant rooms.
- Visual aids galore – Clear one-line diagrams, flow charts, and colour-coded tables speed decisions on site.
- Multilingual availability – English, French, Spanish, and more—handy for global project teams.
- Integration with free tools – QR links launch Schneider’s Ecodial and MyEcodial apps to auto-fill values.
Limitations
| Limitation | Impact | Work-around |
|---|---|---|
| IEC-centric | North-American NEC users must translate tables | Pair with NFPA 70 + ABB/Siemens handbooks |
| Brand flavour | Examples use Schneider breakers and meters | Swap in equivalent specs if using other brands |
| No hard-copy print run since 2018 | On-site red-lining tricky | Print key pages or use tablet with markup stylus |
How It Compares
| Feature | Electrical Installation Guide (2024) | ABB Electrical Installation Handbook (2020) | IET Wiring Regulations Explained (2022) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free PDF | Free PDF | £45 |
| Standards Basis | IEC 60364 series | IEC & EN | BS 7671 |
| Software Links | Yes (Ecodial) | No | No |
| LVDC Guidance | Full chapter | Brief mention | None |
| Ease for Students | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
FAQ
Is the Electrical Installation Guide suitable for beginners?
Yes—each section starts with plain-language theory before diving into code clauses, making it popular for final-year B-Eng projects.
Does the guide cover EV chargers and PV arrays?
Absolutely. The 2024 edition updates EV-charger RCD and diversity factors, plus enhanced PV-string calculation examples.
Where can I download the latest edition?
Directly from Schneider Electric’s website—the PDF and wiki are both free.
Is there a printed version available?
Schneider last printed a 2018 hard copy (~€60). Since 2021 it has been digital-only; consider printing sections you reference often.
