For more than a century, Electrician Handbook (formally American Electricians’ Handbook) has been the industry’s thumb-worn reference. The latest 17th Edition (March 2021) stretches to 1 568 pages and folds the 2020 National Electrical Code, modern safety rules, and emerging technologies such as PoE and photovoltaics into its time-tested format. Let’s see whether this heavyweight still deserves space in your kit.
Table of Contents
Book at a Glance
| Title | Electrician Handbook (American Electricians’ Handbook) |
| Authors | Terrell Croft, Wilford Summers, Frederic P. Hartwell |
| Publisher / Date | McGraw-Hill Professional • March 2021 |
| Edition / Length | 17th • 1 568 pp. |
| Print Format | Hardcover |
| Typical Street Price | ≈ US $105 (hardcover) |
| Core Audience | Licensed electricians, inspectors, designers, apprentices |
Why the 17th Edition Still Matters
- Code currency – Fully aligned with the 2020 NEC and the latest NESC safety provisions.
- Modern tech coverage – Adds Power over Ethernet, photovoltaics, induction lighting, and updated energy-efficiency tables.
- New safety chapter – Walks through lock-out/tag-out, arc-flash boundaries, and OSHA correlations—critical for day-to-day jobsite compliance.
- All-weather utility – Keeps rarely documented legacy wiring methods alongside cutting-edge gear, so you’re covered on retrofit calls as well as new installs.
What’s Inside – Section Snapshot
| Section | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Fundamentals | Math refreshers, SI/US conversions, basic circuits |
| Conductors & Splicing | Ampacities, terminations, insulation classes |
| Circuit Calculations | Voltage drop, power factor, non-unity loads |
| Transformers & Motors | NEMA standards, variable-speed drives |
| Solid-State Devices | SCRs, VFD programming, soft-starts |
| Interior Wiring | Raceway fill, box sizing, device mounting |
| Outside Distribution | Pole lines, grounding grids, lightning protection |
| Lighting | LED retrofits, induction lighting, photometrics |
| Optical Fiber | Connectors, bend radii, fusion splicing basics |
| Wiring & Design Tables | Quick-reference NEC tables, derating factors |
| Safety (NEW) | Arc-flash PPE, lock-out/tag-out, energized work permits |
Real-World Strengths
- One-book toolbox – Schematics, tables, and formulas eliminate mid-project code hunts.
- System-over-code layout – Chapters focus on equipment and field practice, not just statute verbatim, making material easier to apply.
- Legacy + future mix – Old two-wire knob-and-tube methods sit beside PoE and PV, a boon on rehab projects.
- Heavy-duty build – Stitched binding and coated pages survive truck boxes and jobsite grit.
Limitations to Note
| Limitation | Practical Impact | Quick Work-around |
|---|---|---|
| Sheer size (2-inch spine) | Not pocket-friendly | Keep in the van; use sticky tabs on go-to tables |
| No companion app | Digital search requires eBook purchase | Scan personal reference pages into your tablet |
| Focus stops short of EV charging specifics | Designers need extra EVSE references | Pair with IAEI EVSE guide or NEC Annex D |
Who Should Buy Electrician Handbook?
- Journeyman & master electricians – Instant NEC look-ups and sizing tables slash field math time.
- Inspectors & plan reviewers – Cross-reference designs with code and safety narrative in one source.
- Apprentices & trade-school students – Comprehensive theory plus install photos reinforce classroom lessons.
- Engineers & designers – Legacy wiring details help during facility audits and retrofits.
FAQ
Is Electrician Handbook beginner-friendly?
Yes. Early chapters recap circuit basics before advancing to complex systems.
Does it include 2020 NEC changes?
Absolutely—the 17th Edition is fully updated to the 2020 cycle and highlights new requirements in margins.
How current is the technology coverage?
It adds PoE, PV, induction lighting, and modern safety methods, but skips deep EV charger design—use a dedicated EVSE guide for that.
Print or digital?
The hardcover survives harsh sites; the eBook offers quick keyword search. Many pros keep both.
