Washington State Apprenticeship Program

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stevereeves

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I'm applying to be in the WA state apprenticeship program and I would like to know how i can get ahead before the program begins.

1. What books should i get first (electricity theory)? What authors?
2. What are the first tests/exams I will be taking?
3. What books should I get for the exams?
4. What is the best way to prepare for the beginning of my journey to be an electrician?

Thank you all very much

-Steve
 
Re: Washington State Apprenticeship Program

Hello Steve.

These are great questions and I'm glad to see you taking some initiative. I wish more apprentices were like you!

Every program has a different curriculum, but the basic fundementals and topics are generally covered.

1. Get the NEC if you don't have it, whatever edition the state of WA is using. Start getting use to its format by reading the contents. Also study Artcile 90, 100, and 110. This will make the other chapters learn easier. Any basic electrical theory book would also be a good idea. This will help you understand how electricity works.

2. Depending on the course and how they are set-up, almost anything will be on the first exams. Most likely, the first tests will cover basic math, safety, and basic theory; like Ohm's Law. Many programs start with these topics.

3. I would wait to see what the program offers as far as additional books go, and get your instructor to provide resources he/she thinks would be valuable for you.

4. Show up for every class, don't be late, participate as much as possible, never be afraid to ask questions or ask to see something worked out again. Do all your homework, study at every opportunity, and make notes for every word your instructor says or does. Be patient with the code, it's understanding comes with time and experience.

Good luck!
 
Re: Washington State Apprenticeship Program

Any book by mike holt, esp theorey.
Subscribe to EC&M and NEC Digest (both free).
Consider taking a code update class even though you won't need.
Mike Holt is giving a one day 2005 NEC update in washington (everett-october) and a 2 day later (Sea-tac- december) Check his seminar schedule.
 
Re: Washington State Apprenticeship Program

1. I was thinking of getting one of the following books. What is the difference between the two and do you have any recommendations for which to use for a beginner?

Mike Holt:
Basic Electrical Theory Book
Electrical Fundamentals and Basic Electricity

2. What should I do about NEC code book. Should I get a 2002 or try to wait for 2005?

3. What are the dvd's like? are they exactly like the textbooks? How helpful do you guys find them as opposed to the books?

I'll get into calculations/grounding/bonding and exam preparations after I have a strong foundation in theory. Sound Good?

Thanks again

-Reeves

[ September 10, 2004, 06:23 PM: Message edited by: stevereeves ]
 
Re: Washington State Apprenticeship Program

Steve,
Delmar's basic textbook of Electricity is pretty good. But before investing your possibly limited funds prematurly, it might be best to wait until you get into the program and they will probably require you to purchase a particular textbook. You might call the school and ask.
In the meantime, I would suggest your go to your free local library and check out whatever they have. Dewey is around 621.3.
There were suggestions that you get a code book. This does not go far enough. You should get a copy of the official NEC Handbook since this includes the actual text of the Code as well as explanations of all the legal mumbo-jumbo.
You will also need practical experience. Rex Calwell's "Wiring a House" [Tauton Press] should be interesting as well as Richter's Wiring Simplified [the full version]. These will help with the real nitty-gritty of electrical practice.
Good luck and don't forget to post more questions here whenever you get stuck.
~Peter
 
Re: Washington State Apprenticeship Program

Yes check and see if the class you are taking includes books before you purchase any, if you are taking a course. Delmar's has been discontinued from what I hear so you whould probably be able to pick it up cheap used as some people "Have to have the newest and best" even though as my second year instructor pointed out most of the information is going to be exactly the same, format just will change slightly. Ohm's law doesn't change :p First year they gave us Delmars,NEC,EWR (electrical Wiring Residential Handbook based on NEC),Electical Dictionary, and Print reading book.
 
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