recommended reading
The following books can be of great benefit to your studies or simply a handy refresher if you have been out of education for a long time.
Basic Electrical Installation Work by Trevor Linsley (4th Edition)
"A useful book when you begin your studies as an electrician. It is well written and probably the closest to the actual City and Guilds syllabus you can find. Not as comprehensive as Electrical Installation Work by Brian Scaddan but does make up for it by being well structured. There are some excellent additions for the new 2330 topics such as the very informative generation section and a useful lighting section."
Verdict: Bits of the book are still from older versions and some diagrams and drawings need updating but overall, a worthy purchase for Level 2 students.
Click here to purchase Basic Electrical Installation Work from Amazon
Electrical Installation Work by Brian Scaddan (4th Edition)
"Probably the book to end all books in terms of content. Really in depth subjects, contains all the information you will ever need to know and lots more besides. Adapted from the old 2360 scheme, some content is no longer overly relevant and some is in desperate need of updating. Brian Scaddan does have his critics, but his credentials speak volumes and this book is no exception. The only real alternative to this book is Trevor Linsleys book, the choice really comes down to whether you are an information hungry potential electrician or a straight to the point qualification go getter."
Verdict: If you wanted a book that does all and more besides, but lacks the structural quality of Trevor Linsleys books, then this is the one for you.
Click here to purchase Electrical Installation Work from Amazon
Electrician's Guide to the Building Regulations (Approved Document P, Electrical Safety in Dwellings) published by the IEE
"A surprise book from the IEE. Many have found this book to be very useful to the practising electrician and particularly those involved with domestic electrical work. Excellent diagrams and strong content borrowed from it's sister book, the On Site Guide, has made this a favourite amongst students. One other strength is that it closely follows domestic installer schemes so can be used as support for gaining these types of qualifications."
Verdict: A surprise package from the IEE that manages to remain both technical and informative without losing much either way.
Click here to purchase Electricians Guide to the Building Regulations from Amazon
Guidance Note 3 to IEE Wiring Regulations BS7671: Inspection and Testing (Guidance Notes for Bs 7671) published by the IEE
"Absolutely essential purchase for those studying the 2391 or those carrying out inspection and testing activities within the industry. Probably the best of all the guidance notes, especially in terms of being a useful book to carry in the side pocket of the transit."
Verdict: Essential to those involved in inspection, testing and certification and studying the 2391 qualification.
Click here to purchase Guidance Note 3 from Amazon
IEE on Site Guide (BS 7671: 2001 16th Edition Wiring Regulations Including Amendment 2: 2002) published by the IEE
"Contains virtually all the relevant information needed to practise as an electrician on site. Heartily recommended, if not a necessity, for those taking the City and Guilds 2330 Levels 2 and 3. If they combined the Building Regulations book with this a lot of publishers might get worried!"
Verdict: Should be a copy in every van. An essential purchase for those studying to be an electrician.
Click here to purchase The On Site Guide from Amazon
Advanced Electrical Installation Work by Trevor Linsley (4th Edition)
"It's debatable whether this book is of too much help however there have been a lot of failures on the Level 3 multi choice exam and this may be an option if you do not already own the basic version. If you do, you may well want to give this one a miss as there are a lot of repeated sections. The content doesn't really surpass the level 2 book and really is only on a par with Brian Scaddans book."
Verdict: One to buy only if you are looking for that little bit extra from your studies. There are better books available for the Level 3.
Click here to purchase Advanced Electrical Installation Work from Amazon
Electrical Installation Calculations Volume 1 by A.J Watkins
"The book is not particularly laden with information and is not recommended for standalone purchase...however... if you are struggling with the maths part of the course, then this is the book to buy. It's relatively inexpensive and contains a ridiculous amount of calculations and scenarios to exploit. Those who are involved in teaching may well find this book invaluable as a time saver, it has certainly saved many an hour of calculation designing for me."
Verdict: An essential purchase for those struggling with the maths part of the course or delivering electrical courses. Despite it's obvious limitations, highly recommended.
Click here to purchase Electrical Installation Calculations Volume 1 from Amazon
Electrical Installations NVQ and Technical Certificate Book 1 by JTL
"A book that initially has quality written all over it soon reveals itself as a standard book as far as content goes. There is no denying the quality of this book though, the images and photos are very professional and really enhance some pretty solid writing. The biggest issue is perhaps the price. Were it a little cheaper it may well compete with some of the more popular books such as the Trevor Linsley and Brian Scaddan alternatives, until it comes down in price though, it will more than likely struggle against the far more competitively priced equivalents, especially for financially strapped trainees."
Verdict: Excellent quality at a not so excellent price. Look past the cost and you will see a good quality resource for electrical study.
Inspection, Testing and Certification: Including Periodic Reporting by the NICEIC
"Regarded by many as the most useful supporting book for those taking the 2391 or those who infrequently inspect and test. Some excellent writing backed up by clear diagrams have made this book a favourite. If it could reduce it's price a bit, it may well find itself an essential purchase for all level 3 and above students."
Verdict: Again, another that's expensive which may deter potential buyers. A very good resource though, one worth picking up if the price is right.
Electrical Installations by Christopher Shelton
"A mixed opinion on this book. Initially, it seems up to date, well modernised with some excellent illustrations. Once you get past the 'up to dateness' of the book, you quickly realise that there is absolutely no structure to the book at all, it simply follows no logical pattern either from a progression point of view or from the City and Guilds syllabus point of view. This isn't to say the quality is not there, some of the chapters contain some excellent well written material and as said, well illustrated, it's just that from a practical point of view, it really does come in last place."
Verdict: One to buy for those looking to create a library of electrical training books. One to avoid if you have any of the books above.
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