Construction manager wanting to learn the electrical side what should I actually read?
Construction manager here. I work around electrical scopes constantly but I'm basically illiterate on the technical side, and it shows when I'm reviewing submittals or sitting in coordination meetings.
I don't want to go back to school for an EE degree and drop thousands of dollars. I want enough real knowledge to hold my own — read a one-line, understand a panel schedule, know when something in the field doesn't match the drawings, and ask smarter questions of my electrical subs.
Questions:
1. Is the NEC the right starting point, or is it too dense to self-study cold? Is the annotated Handbook worth the extra money over the plain code book?
2. What textbooks or references do you all actually keep on your desk or in your truck?
3. Is there a good book specifically on reading electrical construction drawings — risers, one-lines, panel schedules?
4. Any night classes, community college courses, or online programs you'd point someone like me toward?
I'm not trying to design anything or pretend I'm an engineer. I just want to stop being the guy who nods along. Appreciate any direction.