Whether you’re an apprentice electrician wiring your first factory or a journeyman updating an aging plant, Stephen L. Herman’s Electrical Wiring Industrial, 15th Edition remains the go-to guide for industrial installations under the 2014 NEC. Packed with step-by-step procedures, full-colour diagrams and real-world building plans, this 352-page manual delivers hands-on know-how right where you need it .
Table of Contents
Book at a Glance
| Title | Electrical Wiring Industrial (15th Edition) |
| Author | Stephen L. Herman |
| Publisher / Year | Cengage Learning • January 13, 2014 |
| Print Length | 352 pages |
| ISBN-10 / 13 | 1285054210 / 978-1285054216 |
| Format & Price | Paperback • US $29.98 (new) |
| Audience | Apprentice & journeyman electricians, industrial contractors, maintenance techs |
Why Electrical Wiring Industrial Still Matters
- Task-oriented style. Chapters unfold in clear, step-by-step fashion—ideal when you’re on the shop floor and need quick, accurate guidance
- Code-driven updates. Every procedure highlights the 2014 NEC changes, from service‐entrance requirements to fiber-optic grounding.
- Rich visuals & plans. Full-colour schematics, photographs and a complete set of industrial building blueprints bring abstract code language to life.
- On-the-job reference. Concise and portable, it’s as useful for exam prep as it is for recalculating feeder‐bus capacities during a shutdown.
Chapter Highlights
| Ch. | Topic | What You’ll Learn |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Plans & Sitework | Review construction drawings, site safety and layout | Interpret industrial blueprints and prepare for trenching |
| 2. Unit Substations | Install and ground pad-mounted transformers | Size grounding conductors and service-entrance cables |
| 3. Feeder Bus Systems | Configure bus ducts and tap-off assemblies | Calculate ampacity and derating factors for bus runs |
| 4. Panelboards | Wire industrial motor control centres (MCCs) | Lay out breakers, ground bars and feeder taps |
| 5. Trolley Busways | Plan and connect moving-crane power rails | Maintain safe clearances and conductivity under load |
| 6. Conductor Sizing | Use wire tables and k²t values | Choose cable gauges for short-circuit and thermal criteria |
| 7. Signaling Systems | Wire alarm circuits and control cables | Select appropriate low-voltage conductors and terminations |
| 8. Motor Controls | Install starters, overloads and control wiring | Coordinate motor starters with MCC layouts |
| 9. Motor Installation | Mount and wire industrial motors | Balance mechanical alignment with electrical connections |
| 10. Power Factor | Add capacitors and detuned reactors | Improve system efficiency and reduce utility penalties |
| 11. HVAC & Facilities | Wire HVAC controls, lighting and building services | Integrate electrical installations with mechanical systems |
| 12. Protection & Safety | Apply feeders/fuses and arc-flash mitigation | Select protective devices per NEC and safety standards |
| 13. Site Lighting & Special Systems | Install industrial luminaires and hazard-location wiring | Plan lighting levels and cable routing in challenging environments |
Key Strengths
- Practical focus. Procedures are written by a veteran electrician-instructor, emphasizing real-world pitfalls and solutions
- Visual clarity. High-resolution photos and colour-coded diagrams turn complex bus-duct or MCC layouts into intuitive tasks.
- Code integration. NEC references accompany each topic, so you know exactly where to find the governing rule.
- Comprehensive scope. From foundations to finishing touches—sitework, substations, busways, motors, lighting and beyond—all covered in one volume.
Limitations
| Limitation | Impact | Work-around |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 NEC only | Doesn’t include 2017/2020 code updates | Cross-check with latest NEC handbooks for amendments |
| US-centric content | NEC focus may differ from CENELEC/IEC users | Pair with local wiring-regulation guides for international projects |
| No digital interactive tools | PDF or eBook lacks built-in calculators | Use mobile apps (e.g., NEC code apps) for on-the-fly computations |
How It Compares
| Feature | Herman 15e | Commercial & Industrial Wiring (Barnett) | Industrial Electricity & Motor Controls (Miller) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pages | 352 | 496 | 512 |
| Code Edition | NEC 2014 | NEC 2017 | NEC 2014 |
| Photos & Diagrams | Full-colour | B&W & colour | Colour |
| Project Plans | Complete building blueprints | Sample control panels | Emphasis on motor drives |
| Best for | Comprehensive industrial wiring | General residential/commercial | Motor control focus |
FAQ
Q1: Is Electrical Wiring Industrial, 15th Edition beginner-friendly?
A: Yes—its task-oriented, photographic style helps new electricians master industrial installations without wading through dense theory.
Q2: Does it cover NEC changes?
A: The 15th Edition integrates 2014 NEC updates throughout; for 2017+ changes, consult the latest NEC handbook.
Q3: Who should use this book?
A: Apprentice and journeyman electricians, industrial contractors, plant maintenance engineers and electrical-engineering students.
Q4: Where can I buy it?
A: Available new for around US $29.98 on Amazon (ISBN 9781285054216), and second-hand for $20–$25.
