The Best PLC and Electrical Engineering Books to Own This Year
Starting a new semester in the world of industrial automation can feel a bit like staring at a massive control cabinet for the first time—there are a lot of moving parts, and it's hard to know where to start.
While we have online courses and hands-on labs are great, having a solid stack of reference books is what separates a beginner from a professional.
PLC Resources.
When you're first diving into PLCs, specifically the Micro 800 series, you want a resource that doesn't just list instructions but shows you how they actually work in the field. I recommend Timothy Gates, fellow Youtuber “PLC Professor”, for that
Once you transition into the high-end industrial world of Studio 5000, the stakes (and the software costs) go up. These workbooks are excellent for learning the more complex logic used in large-scale manufacturing.
Essential Electrical Books and Why You Need Them
You can be the best programmer in the world, but eventually, you’re going to have to wire a button or start a motor. That’s where the electrical side comes in.
Electrical Pal. The pocket reference guide.
The National Electrical Code (NEC): Don't just grab the newest one; grab the one your state currently uses. For example, even if the 2026 code is out, your local inspector might still be looking at the 2020 version.
American Electricians' Handbook: This is the ultimate "how-to" guide. If you need to look up voltage drop for a 300-foot run or figure out wire gauges, this is the book you’ll reach for.
NFPA 70E: Safety isn't just a suggestion; it’s a requirement. This book is your guide to staying safe around arc flashes and electrical shocks.
When you finish school, don't sell your books. You’ll be surprised how often you’ll be on a job site five years from now and find yourself thinking, "I know I've seen this solution before," only to find the answer in an old dog-eared textbook sitting on your shelf.