Basic book on electricity and applications

[Cathominem]

Trying to find a book on the basic concepts of electricity so I can apply the knowledge on a boat!

*Ideally, one book that explains A/C vs D/C (which equipment is more efficient on one or the other, example: auxiliary heater is it better on A/C or D/C and what is the consumption),
*Running communication equipment, fridge, gps, radio, ac, winches: draws how much power daily and what capacity of solar panels or hydro generator or wind generator or auxiliary generator is needed daily,
*What is total daily capacity of electrical power I consume (estimating the “must have” equipment needed daily and the time needed to regenerate daily requirements)
*What electrical equipment is easily compatible: genset, generator, solar power (and the best number of batteries), wind generator, hydro generator, how much power can each generate and should they be dedicated to a single piece of equipment...
*Glossary to understand Ohms, Volts, Amps of each equipment to better prioritize consumption and generation
I cannot find a book like “electricity for dummies” or “the idiot’s guide to basic electricity”
Any advise is appreciated, I know I can also take a basic course online but a reference manual is still the best to consult, like when you have no electricity to go online!

[Tupaia]

By far the best book to have onboard is
https://www.amazon.com/Boatowners-Me.../dp/0071790330
This is not a basic book because boat electrics are not basic. It does cover everything you mentioned and some things you didn't.

[Cathominem]

Awesome Tupaia! Just the type of book I was looking for! Thank you.

[Time2Go]

On Youtube:
“Pacific Yacht Systems“
“Safe Harbor”
have good videos and hands on demos
as for a book
Don Casey’s
“Sailboat Electrics Simplified”
Cheers
Neil

[tkeithlu]

Anything Nigel Calder writes is worthy of attention, as Tupaia suggests. I also like Charlie Wing, who does an excellent job of explaining electrical basics before moving on to the practical parts of boat wiring.

https://www.amazon.com/Boatowners-Il...s=books&sr=1-1

[Tellie]

Second Nigel Claders books, any of them. He is a fine gentleman and friend. He pours his heart into these things. I was a commercial electrician in a past life and he has a way of explaining things that people with no electrical background can easily understand.

[RickG]

Sailboat Electrics Simplified by Don Casey is a good warmup for DC electrics. Nigel Calder's book is what I look to most often.

Cheers, RickG

[Flyrod1]

Originally Posted by RickG

Sailboat Electrics Simplified by Don Casey is a good warmup for DC electrics. Nigel Calder's book is what I look to most often.

Cheers, RickG

Are you suggesting Casey’s book as a primer before Calder?

I just bought Calder’s book and about to start.

Thanks to everyone on the suggestions.

[RickG]

If you have Calder then go with that.

Cheers, RickG