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Introduction
Modern Residential Wiring provides you with a solid background of electrical principles and prac-
tices, as well as a thorough understanding of National Electrical Code® requirements. Once having
mastered the information given here, you will be well equipped to design and install modern and
safe residential wiring systems that meet the electrical power demands of the new millennium.
Modern Residential Wiring covers not only the “how” but the “why” of safe electrical wiring
practice. Although the content is concerned primarily with residential installations, many of the
same concepts and principles may be applied to commercial and industrial electrical construction.
The chapters are arranged in a logical sequence. The order of instruction follows the normal
order in which the installation would be made. However, each chapter is designed to stand alone
and may be studied independently to suit a specifi c need.
Modern Residential Wiring makes the study of electrical wiring easy. Even the most complicated
procedures are simply explained and easy to understand. Procedures are explained step-by-step
while the many illustrations are fully integrated into the easy-to-read text. The illustrations should
be carefully examined as they will often clarify and explain the more diffi cult principles of elec-
tricity and the requirements of the National Electrical Code®.
This new edition of Modern Residential Wiring is revised to be consistent with changes in the
trade practices, materials, and the requirements of the 2011 National Electrical Code. It has been
expanded to cover new areas and methods of residential wiring.
The principles of electricity remain fi xed. The methods, materials, and tools of the trade are
continuously evolving. Modern Residential Wiring presents both the fundamentals of electrical
wiring and the latest practices used in the trade.
The author wishes to express his sincere appreciation to each of the individuals, organizations,
and associations that provided input, assistance and illustrative materials for the new edition. A
special thanks to my wife, Linda, for her active assistance in the creation of this edition.
Harvey N. Holzman