Chapter 14 Further Reading
Books
1. Wiring a House (For Pros By Pros) — Rex Cauldwell The most relevant sections for this chapter are the chapters on wire types and ampacity, outlet and switch installation, and the discussion of older wiring systems. Cauldwell is particularly good on aluminum wiring — explaining the specific mechanisms of its failure mode and the correct remediation approaches clearly. If you read only one additional book on residential electrical work, this is the one. Taunton Press, 5th edition.
2. The Complete Guide to Wiring — Black & Decker Exceptionally useful for the visual learner. The step-by-step photographs of outlet replacement (single-pole, GFCI, tamper-resistant), switch replacement (single-pole, three-way, dimmer), and junction box installation complement Chapter 14's text descriptions directly. This is a "show don't tell" companion reference. Cool Springs Press.
3. Knob and Tube: Your Guide to Wiring Safety — National Electrical Contractors Association A focused technical reference on knob-and-tube wiring inspection, assessment, and remediation. Written for electricians but readable for homeowners who want the full picture on K&T. Covers the specific scenarios where K&T is acceptable to remain in place (with conditions) vs. where it must be replaced, including the insulation coverage issue addressed in this chapter. NECA.
Online Resources
4. Consumer Product Safety Commission — Aluminum Wiring Hazard cpsc.gov (search "aluminum wiring")
CPSC Publication 516, "Safety with Electricity," includes specific guidance on aluminum branch circuit wiring. The CPSC has documented the fire hazard statistics and recommends the pig-tail remediation approach as an acceptable interim measure. This is the authoritative consumer-facing document on the aluminum wiring issue. Free.
5. National Fire Protection Association — Home Electrical Fire Statistics nfpa.org (search "home electrical fires")
The NFPA publishes annual reports on the causes and patterns of home structure fires. Their data consistently shows electrical failures and malfunctions as the second leading cause of home fires. The specific breakdown of ignition sources — wiring failures, outlet and switch faults, cord and plug connections — provides context for why the warning signs described in section 14.7 are serious. Free with registration.
6. UL Product iQ — Outlet and Switch Verification productiq.ul.com
Underwriters Laboratories maintains a searchable database of listed products. Before purchasing an outlet, switch, dimmer, or other electrical device, you can verify that it carries a legitimate UL listing (as opposed to a counterfeit mark). This matters more than many homeowners realize — counterfeit electrical devices, particularly outlets and power strips, have been associated with fires. Free.
7. Leviton — GFCI and AFCI Product Guides leviton.com/en/products/electrical-wiring-devices
Leviton is one of the major manufacturers of residential electrical devices (outlets, switches, dimmers, GFCI devices). Their product pages and installation guides for GFCI outlets are among the clearest available explanations of LINE vs. LOAD wiring, downstream protection, and testing. The installation instructions included with Leviton GFCI outlets are also particularly well-written. Free.
8. Lutron — Dimmer Compatibility Tool lutron.com/en-US/Installation-and-Maintenance/Pages/compatibility-finder.aspx
Lutron makes some of the most widely used dimmer switches in residential applications. Their online compatibility tool allows you to input your specific bulb brand, model, and count to identify which Lutron dimmers are compatible. This is the practical solution to the dimmer-LED compatibility problem discussed in section 14.4. Free.
Tools
9. Non-Contact Voltage Tester — Klein Tools NCVT-1 or NCVT-3 Available at hardware stores, ~$20–$35.
This is the single most important safety tool for any homeowner who does electrical work. The NCVT-3 includes a self-test feature and dual-range sensitivity. As emphasized in this chapter, always verify the tester works on a known-live circuit before trusting a "no voltage" reading. The $20 investment is non-negotiable. Every homeowner should own one.
10. Outlet Tester — Ideal Industries or Sperry Instruments Available at hardware stores, ~$8–$15.
The basic three-light outlet tester (sometimes called a "cube tester") is all most homeowners need for the outlet audit described in section 14.7 and Exercise 2. Slightly more advanced models with LCD displays can identify specific fault types more precisely. The basic version is perfectly adequate. Every homeowner should own one.
11. Kill A Watt EZ — P3 International Available at hardware stores and online, ~$30.
Particularly relevant to Chapter 14 for diagnosing which devices on a circuit are contributing load. If a circuit is frequently tripping, plugging each device into the Kill A Watt measures its actual current draw — helping you determine whether the issue is an overloaded circuit or a failing device. Strongly recommended.
Reference
12. NEC Article 314: Outlet, Device, Pull, and Junction Boxes nfpa.org/NEC (free online with registration)
Article 314 is the NEC section governing boxes — their types, sizing, fill calculations, mounting, and accessibility requirements. Section 314.16 covers box fill calculations in detail; section 314.29 establishes the accessibility requirement that prohibits burying junction boxes. If you want to understand the code behind the "all splices must be in accessible boxes" rule, this is the source. Free with registration.