Irwin Math

This book delivers pretty much exactly what the title promises. It's main focus is to equip the average homeowner with the knowledge and ability to do some simple troubleshooting, talk intelligently with an electrician, and maybe do some simple repairs. I think it succeeds admirably in its aims

Unfortunately I was hoping for something a little more in depth, but I suppose it's impossibly hard to walk that fine line between being "non-technical" and "for everyone" one the one hand, and as in show more depth as I'd like on the other hand.

I did learn quite a bit, especially about the correct way to use a digital multi-meter. show less

A well written and illustrated basic book on electricity that should help anyone understand how it works and how to address practical applications and basic repairs in the household.

Irwin Math does an exceptional job in laying out the basics and uncomplicating for what most might would consider a daunting task handling electrical concerns and challenges. His descriptions along with good illustrations will be helpful to anyone seeking the hows and wherefores in everyday household show more electronics.

Most importantly he cautions repeatedly about the need to be fully safe when dealing with these electrical matters. Numerous people are killed each year through miscalculating how deadly electricity can be if not handled properly. This topic alone is certainly priceless.

I was so impressed that I immediately ran out and purchased my own digital voltmeter to assist with putting what I learned into practical use. He concludes the book with basic repair and troubleshooting instructions and a handy appendix for quick reference. A good book that every household should possess. show less

I received this little book as part of the Early Reviewer program and I'm glad I did. Every homeowner should have a copy. It explains electrical basics, Ohm's law, and how to do basic maintenance. It will help you decide if you can fix something yourself or call for help (usually call!). When you do call an Electrician, this will help you explain your problem in a coherent and useful manner.

The only thing I would recommend for improvement would be to add a glossary. There are many useful show more terms described in the book, but you must search the pages to find them later.

The book is short and sweet, great for any age, useful no matter what level of expertise one has. It would make a great housewarming gift and be equally useful to a kid in high school industrial arts. It may look like a children’s book, but don’t let its small size and colorful cover fool you – this little book is full or real power! show less

With over 40 years experience as an electronics engineer and later a teacher, I am always eager to discover better methods of explaining this incredible technology to the non-technical audience. Unfortunately, the book “Understanding Basic Electricity” by Irwin Math was a disappointment. The book does step the reader through an easy to understand introduction and contains many illustrations. Additionally, several possible experiments are described offering some hands-on learning. Each of show more the short chapters conclude with a review of the material discussed. However, there are a few errors in the text and illustrations that can only lead to confusion. For example, the 9 volt battery shown in Figure 7 has its polarity reversed. A disconnected DVM, configured to measure voltage, should read 0.000 volts; not 1.000 as is stated on page 26 paragraph 5. These and other inaccuracies, while perhaps can be explained as typographical errors, only create confusion.

I give the author credit for his efforts to explain this technical subject to non-technical readers. There are numerous similar works both in book form and on the internet that I believe would better benefit the reader.

I give this book 2 stars. show less