Electricity 4 AC/DC Motors, Controls, and Maintenance - Technical

In this review of Electricity 4: AC/DC Motors, Controls, and Maintenance the reviewer finds a practical, hands-on resource for electricians, maintenance techs, and students who need a solid reference on motors and controls. The single biggest reason to buy is its combination of applied troubleshooting guidance and updated coverage of newer equipment such as Variable Frequency Drives, which helps readers get systems operating and understand the theory behind them for effective repairs and installation.

Key Features

• Coverage of AC and DC motors: Clear explanations of motor types help readers identify, select, and troubleshoot common motor designs in industrial and commercial settings.
• Controls explained: Manual, magnetic, and electronic control methods are described with practical details that aid in wiring and diagnostic work.
• Updated code and safety references: Material reflects the 2008 National Electrical Code and current OSHA Safe Work policies to guide compliant installation and safe maintenance.
• Focus on troubleshooting: The book balances theory with step-by-step fault-finding approaches so technicians can isolate and correct motor and control problems.
• Newer drive and servo content: Sections on Variable Frequency Drives and improved controls for servo and small motors bring the text closer to modern workshop practice.

Who It's For

This edition is aimed at apprentices, journeyman electricians, maintenance technicians, and instructors who need a hands-on manual covering installation, operation, and repair of motors and control systems. The practical troubleshooting examples and safety references make it useful on the job and in classroom labs.

Those seeking deep theoretical treatments of electric machine design, university-level research, or the very latest code editions should look elsewhere; this book is a vocational, applied reference rather than an advanced academic text or a fully up-to-the-minute code compendium.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Practical, applicable troubleshooting guidance that helps get systems running and diagnose faults.
• Includes newer content on Variable Frequency Drives and controls for modern small motors and servos.
• Safety and code guidance tied to OSHA policies and the 2008 NEC aids compliant field work.

Cons

• Code updates stop at the 2008 NEC, so users wanting the most current code language will need a newer code reference.

Specifications

Title	Electricity 4: AC/DC Motors, Controls, and Maintenance
Edition	Ninth Edition
Author	Jeffrey J. Keljik
Standards updated to	2008 National Electrical Code
Safety references	Current OSHA Safe Work policies
Added topics	Variable Frequency Drives, servo and small motor controls

Our Verdict

Electricity 4 is a strong, practical reference for tradespeople and instructors who need applied instruction on motors, controls, and maintenance. Its emphasis on troubleshooting, safety, and newer drive technologies makes it good value for classroom use and on-the-job problem solving, though those requiring the latest NEC language should supplement it with current code publications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this edition cover modern drives like VFDs?
Yes. The Ninth Edition adds material on Variable Frequency Drives and newer controls for servo and small motors.

Is the safety and code guidance current?
The book includes safety references aligned with current OSHA policies and is updated to the 2008 National Electrical Code, but it is not the latest NEC edition.

Who benefits most from this book?
Apprentices, electricians, and maintenance technicians benefit most for practical installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance guidance.