Sparky's Journal

📅 July 14th, 2026

Ugly's Electrical References 2023 Review - Must-Have Field Guide

By JoshTheSparky.com (@JoshTheSparky4) (@JoshTheSparky on X)

A Must-Have Field Guide for Electricians. Hey everyone, Josh here from joshthesparky.com. I’ve been going through all the books and resources I’ve actually used while learning the trade, studying for exams, and working in the field. One book that keeps coming up in my day-to-day work is the Ugly’s Electrical References (2023 edition by Charles R. Miller). This little book is an absolute staple on job sites. If you’re tired of hauling around the massive NEC code book everywhere, this is the perfect compact alternative to keep in your tool bag or truck.

Size & Portability

The difference is night and day. On one side, you have the full 2023 NEC — thick, heavy, and not something you want to carry around all day. On the other is the Ugly’s small enough to fit in your tool belt, pocket, or toolbox without slowing you down. Everything important is in here, and it references the 2023 NEC tables directly so you can quickly find what you need.

What’s Inside

I flipped through and showed some of the highlights in the video:

• Ohm’s Law and basic electrical formulas (perfect for apprentices)

• Voltage drop calculations with examples

• Parallel and combination circuits

• Conduit fill tables (RMC, FMC, etc.) — I even compared the same THHN 14 AWG, 4-3 entry side-by-side with the NEC, and they match perfectly

• Adjustment factors and conductor ampacity

• Power factor correction, inductance, kVA, kilowatts, etc.

• Motor control diagrams (jogging with selector switches)

• Conduit bending — offsets, Chicago bender use, etc.

• Knots, pulleys, and rigging basics

• Meter usage and test instrument info

• Alternative energy sources and more

It’s not meant to replace the full NEC (and the book clearly states that), but it puts the most commonly used information in an easy-to-read format with diagrams and examples that the code book doesn’t always give you.

Real Talk

I highlighted a bunch when I first got it, but after a while, you learn the stuff so well that the highlights almost become distracting. Still, that shows how much I was using it early on. Pro tip: When I bought my code book, the Ugly’s actually came with it as a bundle. Might be worth shopping around — some sellers throw it in for free. They’re supposedly coming out with a 2026 edition soon. Make sure it’s by Charles R. Miller — don’t get a knockoff.

Final Verdict

If you’re an apprentice, journeyman, or working electrician, I highly recommend adding the Ugly’s to your toolkit. I keep mine in my tool bag on every job, and the full NEC in my truck for deeper reference. It’s also worth checking your local rules — some states allow the Ugly’s in code exams along with the NEC (though always confirm that yourself).

Rating: 5/5

A true field essential. Would I buy it again? Absolutely. It’s cheap, useful, and has saved me time more times than I can count. Have you used the Uglys before? Drop your thoughts in the comments. Also, let me know what other books or tools you want me to review next. Stay safe out there,

Recommended For: Electricians and anyone studying electrical systems or the National Electrical Code.

Published by Charles R. Miller. 

Available on Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC,

An Ascend Learning Company 

https://www.uglys.net/ugly-s-electrical-references-2023-edition