Author: Harvey N. Holzman

Modern Residential Wiring presents the latest electrical wiring installation and repair practices in accordance with the 2026 National Electrical Code® (NEC). Ideal for introductory courses covering the basics of residential wiring, this text uses clear and simple language to provide essential information regarding safety, electrical theory, tools, and electrical systems. Applicable Code references, including step-by-step instructions for using Code tables, Code Alert features, and Know the Code questions help students better understand the NEC. The text emphasizes safety through a safety chapter at the beginning of the book and Safety Notes and Caution Notes throughout the text. It also features specialized installations, such as swimming pools and emergency standby systems, and a special math section that reviews the math skills needed by electricians. Modern Residential Wiring and Modern Commercial Wiring provide a consistent approach, making them very compatible for a two-course sequence in electrical wiring and electrician programs. Online users have access to the eBook content, online workbook, videos, and interactive activities.

Table of Contents

Abbreviated Contents

Modern Residential Wiring 14e, Online Textbook

• Modern Residential Wiring
• Copyright © 2027 by The Goodheart-Willcox Company, Inc.
• Preface
• About the Author
• Reviewers
• Acknowledgments
• New to This Edition
• The National Electrical Code®
• Credentialing Partners and Support
• • NOCTI Certifications
• Features of the Textbook
• • Chapter Opening Materials
  • Additional Features
  • Illustrations
  • End-of-Chapter Content
• Tools for Student and Instructor Success
• • Student Tools
  • Instructor Tools
• Brief Contents
• Contents
• Features
• • Procedures
  • Thinking Green
  • Code Alerts
• Section   1   Fundamentals
• Chapter 1 Electrical Careers
• • Chapter 1 Outline
  • Chapter 1 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 1 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 1 Introduction
  • 1.1 Career Categories
  • 1.2 Applying for a Position
  • 1.3 Succeeding in the Workplace
  • 1.4 Owning a Business
  • 1.5 Training and Career Development
  • Chapter 1 Summary
  • Chapter 1 Internet Resources
  • Chapter 1 Know and Understand
  • Chapter 1 Apply and Analyze
  • Chapter 1 Critical Thinking
• Chapter 2 Safety
• • Chapter 2 Outline
  • Chapter 2 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 2 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 2 Introduction
  • 2.1 Workplace Injuries
  • 2.2 Working Safely
  • 2.3 Responding to an Accident
  • 2.4 Hazardous Environments
  • 2.5 Safety Organizations
  • Chapter 2 Summary
  • Chapter 2 Internet Resources
  • Chapter 2 Know and Understand
  • Chapter 2 Apply and Analyze
  • Chapter 2 Critical Thinking
• Chapter 3 Hand and Power Tools
• • Chapter 3 Outline
  • Chapter 3 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 3 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 3 Introduction
  • 3.1 Measuring Tools
  • 3.2 Wire Tools
  • 3.3 Conduit
  • 3.4 Striking
  • 3.5 Drilling
  • 3.6 Miscellaneous
  • 3.7 Care and Repair of Tools
  • Chapter 3 Summary
  • Chapter 3 Internet Resources
  • Chapter 3 Know and Understand
  • Chapter 3 Apply and Analyze
  • Chapter 3 Critical Thinking
• Chapter 4 Electrical Measurement and Testing Equipment
• • Chapter 4 Outline
  • Chapter 4 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 4 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 4 Introduction
  • 4.1 Standard Testing and Measuring Equipment
  • 4.2 Specialty Testers and Meters
  • 4.3 Measuring and Testing Safe Practices
  • Chapter 4 Summary
  • Chapter 4 Internet Resources
  • Chapter 4 Know and Understand
  • Chapter 4 Apply and Analyze
  • Chapter 4 Critical Thinking
• Chapter 5 Electrical Energy Fundamentals
• • Chapter 5 Outline
  • Chapter 5 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 5 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 5 Introduction
  • 5.1 Electron Theory
  • 5.2 Measuring Electricity
  • 5.3 Circuits
  • 5.4 Circuit Fundamentals
  • 5.5 Electromagnetic Induction
  • 5.6 Electrical System Overview
  • Chapter 5 Summary
  • Chapter 5 Internet Resource
  • Chapter 5 Know and Understand
  • Chapter 5 Apply and Analyze
  • Chapter 5 Critical Thinking
• Section   2   Planning
• Chapter 6 Print Reading, Specifications, and Codes
• • Chapter 6 Outline
  • Chapter 6 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 6 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 6 Introduction
  • 6.1 Prints
  • 6.2 Understanding Electrical Prints
  • 6.3 Specifications
  • 6.4 Electrical Codes and Safety Agencies
  • Chapter 6 Summary
  • Chapter 6 Internet Resources
  • Chapter 6 Know and Understand
  • Chapter 6 Apply and Analyze
  • Chapter 6 Critical Thinking
  • Chapter 6 Know the Code
• Chapter 7 Branch-Circuit, Feeder, and Service Design
• • Chapter 7 Outline
  • Chapter 7 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 7 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 7 Introduction
  • 7.1 Understanding Load Types
  • 7.2 Branch-Circuit Design
  • 7.3 Feeder and Service Loads
  • 7.4 Determining the Number of Branch Circuits
  • 7.5 Balancing Circuit Loads
  • Chapter 7 Summary
  • Chapter 7 Internet Resources
  • Chapter 7 Know and Understand
  • Chapter 7 Apply and Analyze
  • Chapter 7 Critical Thinking
  • Chapter 7 Know the Code
• Section   3   Installation
• Chapter 8 Conductors
• • Chapter 8 Outline
  • Chapter 8 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 8 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 8 Introduction
  • 8.1 Wire vs. Cable
  • 8.2 Wire Materials
  • 8.3 Conductor Size
  • 8.4 Conductor Identification
  • Chapter 8 Summary
  • Chapter 8 Internet Resources
  • Chapter 8 Know and Understand
  • Chapter 8 Apply and Analyze
  • Chapter 8 Critical Thinking
  • Chapter 8 Know the Code
• Chapter 9 Cable Systems
• • Chapter 9 Outline
  • Chapter 9 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 9 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 9 Introduction
  • 9.1 Flexible Metal Cable
  • 9.2 Nonmetallic Cable
  • Chapter 9 Summary
  • Chapter 9 Internet Resources
  • Chapter 9 Know and Understand
  • Chapter 9 Apply and Analyze
  • Chapter 9 Critical Thinking
  • Chapter 9 Know the Code
• Chapter 10 Raceway Systems
• • Chapter 10 Outline
  • Chapter 10 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 10 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 10 Introduction
  • 10.1 Raceway Systems
  • 10.2 Electrical Metallic Tubing
  • 10.3 Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing
  • 10.4 Rigid Metal Conduit
  • 10.5 Intermediate Metal Conduit
  • 10.6 Rigid PVC Conduit
  • 10.7 Flexible Metal Conduit
  • 10.8 Liquidtight Flexible Metal Conduit
  • 10.9 Surface-Mount Raceways
  • Chapter 10 Summary
  • Chapter 10 Internet Resources
  • Chapter 10 Know and Understand
  • Chapter 10 Apply and Analyze
  • Chapter 10 Critical Thinking
  • Chapter 10 Know the Code
• Chapter 11 Boxes, Fittings, and Covers
• • Chapter 11 Outline
  • Chapter 11 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 11 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 11 Introduction
  • 11.1 Boxes
  • 11.2 Fittings
  • 11.3 Fill Allotment
  • 11.4 Covers
  • Chapter 11 Summary
  • Chapter 11 Internet Resources
  • Chapter 11 Know and Understand
  • Chapter 11 Apply and Analyze
  • Chapter 11 Critical Thinking
  • Chapter 11 Know the Code
• Chapter 12 Device Wiring
• • Chapter 12 Outline
  • Chapter 12 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 12 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 12 Introduction
  • 12.1 Wiring Considerations
  • 12.2 Preparation of Conductors
  • 12.3 Wiring Switches and Receptacles
  • 12.4 Wiring Circuits
  • Chapter 12 Summary
  • Chapter 12 Internet Resources
  • Chapter 12 Know and Understand
  • Chapter 12 Apply and Analyze
  • Chapter 12 Critical Thinking
  • Chapter 12 Know the Code
• Chapter 13 Lighting Systems
• • Chapter 13 Outline
  • Chapter 13 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 13 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 13 Introduction
  • 13.1 Lighting Terminology
  • 13.2 Types of Lighting
  • 13.3 Types of Lighting Fixtures
  • 13.4 Types of Lamps
  • 13.5 Controlling Fixtures
  • 13.6 Installing Fixtures
  • 13.7 Wiring Lighting Circuits
  • Chapter 13 Summary
  • Chapter 13 Internet Resources
  • Chapter 13 Know and Understand
  • Chapter 13 Apply and Analyze
  • Chapter 13 Critical Thinking
  • Chapter 13 Know the Code
• Chapter 14 Appliance Wiring and Special Outlets
• • Chapter 14 Outline
  • Chapter 14 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 14 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 14 Introduction
  • 14.1 Appliance Wiring
  • 14.2 Kitchen Appliances
  • 14.3 Room Air Conditioner Units
  • 14.4 Miscellaneous Appliance Circuits
  • 14.5 Water Heaters
  • 14.6 Heaters
  • Chapter 14 Summary
  • Chapter 14 Internet Resources
  • Chapter 14 Know and Understand
  • Chapter 14 Apply and Analyze
  • Chapter 14 Critical Thinking
  • Chapter 14 Know the Code
• Chapter 15 Overcurrent Protection
• • Chapter 15 Outline
  • Chapter 15 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 15 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 15 Introduction
  • 15.1 Causes of Overcurrent
  • 15.2 Protective Devices
  • 15.3 GFCI and AFCI Protection
  • Chapter 15 Summary
  • Chapter 15 Internet Resources
  • Chapter 15 Know and Understand
  • Chapter 15 Apply and Analyze
  • Chapter 15 Critical Thinking
  • Chapter 15 Know the Code
• Chapter 16 Grounding
• • Chapter 16 Outline
  • Chapter 16 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 16 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 16 Introduction
  • 16.1 Grounding Basics
  • 16.2 Equipment Grounding
  • Chapter 16 Summary
  • Chapter 16 Internet Resources
  • Chapter 16 Know and Understand
  • Chapter 16 Apply and Analyze
  • Chapter 16 Critical Thinking
  • Chapter 16 Know the Code
• Chapter 17 Service Equipment
• • Chapter 17 Outline
  • Chapter 17 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 17 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 17 Introduction
  • 17.1 Service Components
  • 17.2 Service Disconnects
  • 17.3 Service Grounding
  • 17.4 Service Clearances
  • 17.5 Service Completion
  • 17.6 Transformers
  • 17.7 Phases
  • Chapter 17 Summary
  • Chapter 17 Internet Resources
  • Chapter 17 Know and Understand
  • Chapter 17 Apply and Analyze
  • Chapter 17 Critical Thinking
  • Chapter 17 Know the Code
• Section   4   Specialized Installations
• Chapter 18 Farm Wiring
• • Chapter 18 Outline
  • Chapter 18 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 18 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 18 Introduction
  • 18.1 Power Distribution
  • 18.2 Cable or Conduit
  • 18.3 Locating Lights
  • 18.4 Computing Farm Power Requirements
  • Chapter 18 Summary
  • Chapter 18 Internet Resources
  • Chapter 18 Know and Understand
  • Chapter 18 Apply and Analyze
  • Chapter 18 Critical Thinking
  • Chapter 18 Know the Code
• Chapter 19 Mobile Home Wiring
• • Chapter 19 Outline
  • Chapter 19 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 19 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 19 Introduction
  • 19.1 Mobile Home Power Distribution
  • 19.2 Feeder Assembly
  • 19.3 Mobile Home Service Equipment
  • 19.4 Calculating Panelboard Load
  • 19.5 Mobile Home Parks
  • Chapter 19 Summary
  • Chapter 19 Internet Resource
  • Chapter 19 Know and Understand
  • Chapter 19 Apply and Analyze
  • Chapter 19 Critical Thinking
  • Chapter 19 Know the Code
• Chapter 20 Swimming Pool Wiring
• • Chapter 20 Outline
  • Chapter 20 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 20 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 20 Introduction
  • 20.1 Types of Pools
  • 20.2 Bonding
  • 20.3 Grounding
  • 20.4 Receptacles
  • 20.5 Switches
  • 20.6 Lighting
  • 20.7 Miscellaneous Equipment
  • 20.8 Overhead Conductor Clearance
  • Chapter 20 Summary
  • Chapter 20 Internet Resource
  • Chapter 20 Know and Understand
  • Chapter 20 Apply and Analyze
  • Chapter 20 Critical Thinking
  • Chapter 20 Know the Code
• Chapter 21 Telephone and Computer Network Wiring
• • Chapter 21 Outline
  • Chapter 21 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 21 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 21 Introduction
  • 21.1 Systems Overview
  • 21.2 Installation
  • 21.3 Other Systems
  • Chapter 21 Summary
  • Chapter 21 Internet Resources
  • Chapter 21 Know and Understand
  • Chapter 21 Apply and Analyze
  • Chapter 21 Critical Thinking
  • Chapter 21 Know the Code
• Chapter 22 Motors
• • Chapter 22 Outline
  • Chapter 22 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 22 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 22 Introduction
  • 22.1 Types of Motors
  • 22.2 Motor Nameplate
  • 22.3 Proper Size of Motor Feeder Conductors
  • 22.4 Protection of Motor Feeder Conductors
  • 22.5 General Layout
  • 22.6 Controller Requirements
  • 22.7 Hermetic Motors
  • 22.8 Causes of Motor Failure
  • 22.9 Mounting
  • 22.10 Service and Repair of Motors
  • Chapter 22 Summary
  • Chapter 22 Internet Resources
  • Chapter 22 Know and Understand
  • Chapter 22 Apply and Analyze
  • Chapter 22 Critical Thinking
  • Chapter 22 Know the Code
• Chapter 23 Emergency and Standby Systems
• • Chapter 23 Outline
  • Chapter 23 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 23 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 23 Introduction
  • 23.1 Safety
  • 23.2 Emergency and Standby Systems
  • 23.3 Generator Size
  • 23.4 Portable Generators
  • 23.5 Permanent Generators
  • 23.6 Uninterruptible Power Supplies
  • Chapter 23 Summary
  • Chapter 23 Internet Resources
  • Chapter 23 Know and Understand
  • Chapter 23 Apply and Analyze
  • Chapter 23 Critical Thinking
  • Chapter 23 Know the Code
• Section   5   Servicing Existing Systems
• Chapter 24 Electrical Remodeling
• • Chapter 24 Outline
  • Chapter 24 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 24 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 24 Introduction
  • 24.1 Old Work
  • 24.2 Safety
  • 24.3 Special Tools
  • 24.4 Building Construction
  • 24.5 Installing Cable
  • 24.6 Box Installation
  • 24.7 Modernizing a Building’s Service
  • 24.8 Surface Raceways and Multioutlet Assemblies
  • Chapter 24 Summary
  • Chapter 24 Internet Resources
  • Chapter 24 Know and Understand
  • Chapter 24 Apply and Analyze
  • Chapter 24 Critical Thinking
  • Chapter 24 Know the Code
• Chapter 25 Maintenance and Troubleshooting
• • Chapter 25 Outline
  • Chapter 25 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 25 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 25 Introduction
  • 25.1 Safety Considerations
  • 25.2 Diagnostic Testing
  • 25.3 Troubleshooting Circuits
  • 25.4 Miscellaneous Problems
  • Chapter 25 Summary
  • Chapter 25 Internet Resources
  • Chapter 25 Know and Understand
  • Chapter 25 Apply and Analyze
  • Chapter 25 Critical Thinking
  • Chapter 25 Know the Code
• Appendix A Trade Math Review
• • Why Math?
  • Calculators
  • Whole Numbers
  • Fractions
  • Reading a Ruler
  • Decimals
  • Converting Common Fractions to Decimals and Rounding Off
  • Converting Decimals to Common Fractions
  • Metrics in Construction
  • Equations
  • Area Measure
  • Volume Measure
  • Exponents
  • Working with Right Angles
  • Computing Averages
  • Percent and Percentage
  • Graphs
  • Estimating
• Appendix B Service and Feeder Calculation Methods
• Appendix C NEMA Receptacle Configurations
• Glossary
• Index