Best Electrical Home Improvement Books of 2026

Ugly’s Electrical References, 2023 Edition is a must-have on-the-job reference tool for electrical industry professionals. This edition offers the most up-to-date information, including updated NEC code and table change information, mathematical formulas, and conversion tables. The author, Charles R. Miller, is a well-known figure in the electrical industry and has written several nationally published texts on the NEC. The new features in this edition, such as expanded coverage of full-load currents for 3-phase transformers and maximum number of conductors in electrical metallic tubing, make it an essential resource for electricians. Overall, this book is an indispensable guide for anyone working in the electrical industry.

The 9th updated edition of "Ultimate Guide: Wiring" by Charlie T. Byers is the ultimate home wiring guide for DIYers and homeowners. With 328 pages of easy-to-understand language, step-by-step photography, and detailed illustrations, the book demystifies home wiring and residential electrical systems. Readers will learn how to make common electrical repairs, add new switches and receptacles, install lighting fixtures and appliances, run wiring from room to room, and much more. The book also includes a dedicated section on wiring methods, basic circuitry, and outdoor lighting. Overall, this updated edition provides the latest information on smart home automation, renewable energy, LED wafer lighting, and indoor and outdoor emergency systems, making it a must-have for any homeowner or DIYer.

Ugly’s Electrical References, 2020 Edition is an indispensable on-the-job reference tool for electrical industry professionals. This book offers the most up-to-date information used by electricians, including mathematical formulas, wiring configurations, and conversion tables. The new edition has expanded coverage of essential topics such as junction box size calculations, selecting, testing, and using multimeters, clamp-on ammeters, and non-contact voltage testers. The book is updated to reflect changes to the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC). Charles R. Miller, the author, is an expert in the field. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone in the electrical industry, and its comprehensive coverage makes it unique.

Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning is an excellent resource for those looking to learn about installing and servicing refrigeration and HVAC systems. With a focus on both theory and practical skills, this book provides up-to-date technical content and features a logical organization, superior art program, and enhanced assessments. The inclusion of career and workplace readiness content makes it a valuable tool for those seeking a successful career in the HVACR industry. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone interested in electrical home improvement and is a great addition to the Goodheart-Willcox brand.

The Black & Decker The Complete Guide to Wiring Updated 8th Edition is a comprehensive home wiring manual that has been the best-selling guide in North America for over 15 years. The book provides clear, up-to-date advice on wiring projects that meet national wiring codes. With over 800 color photos and 40 diagrams, readers can easily understand home electrical service, common circuits, essential tools, and materials. The book also includes chapters on safety, preliminary work, and common and repair wiring projects. The book is an excellent resource for homeowners who want to tackle their own electrical projects.

For those who want to learn about heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technology, "HVAC for Beginners" is a must-read. This book is perfect for technicians and DIY enthusiasts who want to learn about HVAC technology and how to optimize it at home. It explains the principles of HVAC in simple terms, provides common troubleshooting tips, and highlights energy-saving and money-saving tips that work in any environment. The book also covers different types of systems, common installation mistakes, and key maintenance considerations. Overall, "HVAC for Beginners" is an excellent resource for anyone looking to learn about HVAC technology and improve their existing setup in minutes.

Ugly’s Electric Motors and Controls, 2020 Edition is an updated pocket guide designed to provide electricians, contractors, designers, engineers, instructors, and students with the most commonly required information on motors and controls. The book reflects the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) and features full-color diagrams, calculations, and quick explanations to ensure jobs are completed safely and correctly. The author, Charles R. Miller, is a renowned electrical industry instructor and co-hosts a home improvement radio show in Nashville. Overall, this book is an essential tool for anyone who works with motors and controls, and it stands out for its easy-to-read format and useful content.

Ugly’s Residential Wiring, 2020 Edition is an essential reference tool for electricians, contractors, designers, instructors, students, and do-it-yourself homeowners. The book has been updated to reflect the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC), providing the most commonly required electrical wiring information for residential work in an easy-to-read, easy-to-access format. The book covers basic residential requirements, including allowable ampacities, Ohm’s Law, grounding, parallel and series circuits, services and service points, conduit fill, wiring diagrams, and rules. The author, Charles R. Miller, is a renowned expert in the electrical industry and has written several books on the NEC. Overall, Ugly's Residential Wiring is a must-have resource for anyone working on residential electrical projects.

Electrical Wiring Residential, Twentieth Edition is a comprehensive and authoritative guide to the latest industry standards and procedures in electrical wiring. The book covers essential electrical theory and applications and guides readers through critical tasks and responsibilities expected of professional electricians in new and existing homes. The text is reader-friendly, with detailed explanations that are not overly technical, and vivid illustrations that coordinate with the latest NEC regulations. The book is an excellent resource for electricians and a must-have for anyone looking to pursue a career in electrical wiring.

The Research & Education Association's Handbook of Basic Electricity is a practical manual designed for electrical training courses. It explains the concepts of basic electricity in a clear, concise, and easy-to-understand manner, making it an excellent resource for beginners and licensed electricians alike. The book covers direct-current and alternating-current devices and circuits, magnetism, as well as motors and generators. It also features numerous illustrations to simplify learning. Overall, this book is a valuable foundation for anyone interested in pursuing more advanced topics in electricity.