The Handbook of Electrical Power Distribution is a comprehensive reference work that covers aspects of electrical distribution engineering—theory, design philosophy, data and standards—essential for a practising engineer to design electrification schemes for small- to large-scale projects. It makes available ready-to-use information and data that are otherwise scattered in technical literature and product specifications of manufacturers, which are essential for practically executing a job.

The second edition of the Handbook has four new appendixes. Appendix-1 contains a worked-out design example, that of an electrical scheme of a power transformer manufacturing unit, which cites the section and entry number in the book pertaining to the detail that is being worked out, e.g., the basic building structure, soil resistivity, earthing requirement, lumen level, equipment details, power loads for existing and future expansion needs, etc. This is expected to serve as a practical guide on how to use the book effectively in an actual project design. Appendix 2 includes the definition of per unit quantities, information on selection of circuit breakers and protection relays, power distribution solutions for bus duct systems along with some worked-out examples. Appendix 3 provides a quick reference to some of the frequently-used fundamental theorems and mathematical techniques in ac circuit analysis. It includes an introduction to complex numbers, Kirchoff’s law, potential divider theorem, current divider theorem, superimposition theorem, Thevenin’s theorem, Norton’s theorem, maximum power transfer theorem and the star–mesh transformation. Appendix 4 covers the essentials of matrix operations.

All the above inclusions add to the utility of the book as a handbook, particularly the worked-out example in Appendix 1, which, besides being a guide on how to use the book, is a step-by-step instruction on designing a typical electrification scheme.

This is an easy-to-use handy reference for all practicing engineers in electrical distribution field. All the available handbooks in this area are heavily loaded with theory and have less of actual data from the execution point of view. The illustrative example provided in Appendix 1 is a step-by-step guide to designing and implementing a plan for a large electrification project. The cue provided here on how to effectively use the data and theory in the handbook will be an added help to users in their tasks of planning, designing, implementing and maintaining power distribution setups.