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Black & Decker The Complete Guide to Wiring, Updated 7th Edition: Current with 2017-2020 Electrical Codes
For over 15 years, BLACK+DECKER The Complete Guide to Wiring has been the best-selling home wiring manual in North America. With this 8th edition, get the clearest, most up-to-date advice available.As the most current wiring book on the market, you can be confident that your projects will meet national wiring codes. You’ll also spend more time on your project and less time scratching your head thanks to more than 800 clear color photos and over 40 diagrams that show you exactly what you need to know about home electrical service; all the most common circuits, all the most-needed techniques, all the most essential tools and materials. Chapters Safely with WiringWire, Cable & ConduitBoxes & PanelsSwitches (including wall switches and specialty switches)ReceptaclesPreliminary Work (planning your project, highlights of the National Electrical Code, and more)Circuit MapsCommon Wiring Projects (whole-house surge arrestors, underfloor radiant heat systems, doorbells, backup power supply, and many more)Repair Projects (light fixtures, ceiling fans, lamp sockets, plugs and cords, and more)The information in this book has been created and reviewed by professional electricians under the watchful eye of the experts at BLACK+DECKER. You can find plenty of articles and videos about wiring online or in other publications, but only The Complete Guide to Wiring has passed the rigorous test to make it part of the best DIY series from the brand you trust.
Spiral-bound
Published December 26, 2017
978 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 14, 2024
Wow, what a useful book for a home DIYer!
I read this guide completely, literally word for word, took copious notes, and feel much more willing to tackle the "swap-out" types of repairs and upgrades our home needs. It also will probably keep me from going too far on some of the other "expansion" upgrades we were talking about doing. I think I know just about when to call in the pros.
All in all, it is quite readable, not too overwhelming, logically structured, yet very comprehensive. I liked the annotated pictures and the schematic diagrams, and it appears to be up-to-date on NEC codes, although I am not an expert on that.
It starts out with basics and progresses nicely from there. Very well done!
I read this guide completely, literally word for word, took copious notes, and feel much more willing to tackle the "swap-out" types of repairs and upgrades our home needs. It also will probably keep me from going too far on some of the other "expansion" upgrades we were talking about doing. I think I know just about when to call in the pros.
All in all, it is quite readable, not too overwhelming, logically structured, yet very comprehensive. I liked the annotated pictures and the schematic diagrams, and it appears to be up-to-date on NEC codes, although I am not an expert on that.
It starts out with basics and progresses nicely from there. Very well done!
Read
April 28, 2024DNF Wasn't bad, just couldn't hold my attention. Seems good for beginners, but as always, suffers a bit from "by men-for men" syndrome.
To be fair, electricity has somewhat of a higher introductory information hurdle to jump, just due to the potentially lethal nature of the subject.
To be fair, electricity has somewhat of a higher introductory information hurdle to jump, just due to the potentially lethal nature of the subject.
December 12, 2025
Excellent information and pictures. Covers the basics and common wiring including three and four way switches. Gives information on code requirements.
August 3, 2025
Concise, very nice. Love it, especially the diagrams.
February 7, 2022
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Complete Photo Guide to Wiring 8th Edition is a reformat and a re-release update of the classic reference by the editors of Black & Decker. Due out 8th Feb 2022 from Quarto on their Cool Springs Press imprint, it's 336 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats (ebook format available now).
One thing that characterizes these Black & Decker reference guides is the uniform logical layout. The books are streamlined and information is grouped thematically in chapters - so relevant info is easy to find and easy to use. The introduction includes a solid overview over safety and working safely with electricity (obviously very important). The following chapters build on one another: wire cable & conduit, boxes & panels, switches, receptacles, project planning & preliminary work, circuit maps, common wiring projects (including some really useful tutorials), repairs, and troubleshooting.
The emphasis throughout is on clearly written information which is correct, up-to-date, and safety conscious. Tutorials are accompanied by step by step instructions and photos. Materials and tools are clearly labeled and listed in bullet lists throughout the text. Measurements throughout (as well as standards for code-work) are given in American standard (no metric measurement equivalents are given).
The codes and standards used are specific for North America and are current from 2021-2024 as written to comply with requirements.
Five stars. This is a great resource for DIYers, homeowners, and would be a good choice for school and public library acquisition. All the books in this series are well written, accessible, and safety conscious.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Complete Photo Guide to Wiring 8th Edition is a reformat and a re-release update of the classic reference by the editors of Black & Decker. Due out 8th Feb 2022 from Quarto on their Cool Springs Press imprint, it's 336 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats (ebook format available now).
One thing that characterizes these Black & Decker reference guides is the uniform logical layout. The books are streamlined and information is grouped thematically in chapters - so relevant info is easy to find and easy to use. The introduction includes a solid overview over safety and working safely with electricity (obviously very important). The following chapters build on one another: wire cable & conduit, boxes & panels, switches, receptacles, project planning & preliminary work, circuit maps, common wiring projects (including some really useful tutorials), repairs, and troubleshooting.
The emphasis throughout is on clearly written information which is correct, up-to-date, and safety conscious. Tutorials are accompanied by step by step instructions and photos. Materials and tools are clearly labeled and listed in bullet lists throughout the text. Measurements throughout (as well as standards for code-work) are given in American standard (no metric measurement equivalents are given).
The codes and standards used are specific for North America and are current from 2021-2024 as written to comply with requirements.
Five stars. This is a great resource for DIYers, homeowners, and would be a good choice for school and public library acquisition. All the books in this series are well written, accessible, and safety conscious.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
June 7, 2018
Whether you attempt the electrical work on major construction projects or simple repairs and installations, as I do, this book should be your bible. It covers almost every conceivable job, from updates to often dangerous legacy systems to installation of the latest technologies. The photos and illustrations are definitively clear and understandably sequential, and the text is simple and elegant.
The Complete Guide to Wiring conforms tightly to the National Electrical Code and even reproduces key sections of the code. I shudder to think of some of my past DIY work, and vow to call a licensed electrician more often. Or at the very least, have the book in my toolkit.
The Complete Guide to Wiring conforms tightly to the National Electrical Code and even reproduces key sections of the code. I shudder to think of some of my past DIY work, and vow to call a licensed electrician more often. Or at the very least, have the book in my toolkit.
September 24, 2022
Comprehensive guide for the homeowner and early professional
Great book to take you through a wide variety of electrical projects from simple repairs to full scale remodeling. Appropriate for the homeowner to understand what is really involved in all types of projects. Use it as a reference for small projects and a primer for meeting with your electrician. Includes discussion of new construction as well as finish installation.
Great book to take you through a wide variety of electrical projects from simple repairs to full scale remodeling. Appropriate for the homeowner to understand what is really involved in all types of projects. Use it as a reference for small projects and a primer for meeting with your electrician. Includes discussion of new construction as well as finish installation.
October 14, 2020
Whether you're wiring up outlets or need to know how the to fix a broken lamp or light fixture, this book is a clear, concise, but thorough reference that should make that work safer and easier.
* Obvious disclaimer that some material covered in the book may be required by your local ordinances to be done by a professional electrician.
* Obvious disclaimer that some material covered in the book may be required by your local ordinances to be done by a professional electrician.
April 5, 2022
I have never felt comfortable with wiring. I’ve been known to say many a times “I don’t mess with electricity” and while if I’m honest I’m still freaked out, after reading this book I’m slightly less terrified.
Great step by step instructions with pictures to help.
Great step by step instructions with pictures to help.
August 4, 2021
Read the parts I wanted to. Recommend for anyone doing home repairs with electric implications.
April 25, 2022
Seems to cover most applications. Decided to call a professional for a couple of projects after reading this and seeing all that is involved.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews