Ugly’s Electrical References


Rating: 4.5	Downloads: 10,000+
Category: Tools	Offer by: Informed Publishing

Ugly’s Electrical References is a practical, portable application providing quick access to common electrical reference data, formulas, and diagrams. Unlike traditional bulky books, it consolidates information like conductor ampacities, voltage drop calculations, and motor starting data directly onto your smartphone or tablet. This tool is primarily designed for electricians, electrical engineers, inspectors, contractors, and anyone needing reliable electrical information on the go.

Its key value lies in portability and the ability to rapidly find essential calculations and reference data without flipping through pages or carrying heavy binders. Users can perform quick lookups, verify standards, and access practical examples, saving time on the job site or during complex planning phases. This makes it an indispensable companion for daily electrical work and troubleshooting.

App Features

Comprehensive NEC Reference: Access fundamental National Electrical Code tables, such as conductor ampacities, wiring methods, and general requirements, directly within the app, ensuring users stay compliant and informed. This feature saves significant time compared to constantly searching through physical books.
Electrical Calculations Engine: Utilize pre-built calculators covering essential tasks like voltage drop, wire size selection based on current load, transformer kVA calculations, and even basic motor power factor correction, simplifying complex manual calculations and reducing errors. The speed and accuracy offered by these tools enhance both efficiency and safety during installations.
Equipment Selection Guides: Find quick references for selecting standard electrical equipment, including circuit breaker sizes, fuse ratings, switchboard layouts, and common motor specifications, providing valuable shortcuts for design and specification phases. Expanding this, the app often includes manufacturer-neutral data for broad applicability.
Visual Reference Materials: Benefit from integrated drawings, wiring diagrams, color-coded voltage drop charts, and tables formatted for easy scanning, allowing users to quickly visualize solutions and concepts related to their projects. These visuals significantly improve comprehension and reduce the potential for misinterpretation.
Searchable Database: Efficiently navigate the extensive reference library by searching for specific terms, NEC articles, or calculation types; this feature drastically cuts down lookup time compared to linear browsing through books or flipping through index pages.
Code Cross-Referencing: Explore relationships between different NEC articles and tables by navigating cross-links provided within the app, offering a deeper understanding of electrical code requirements and their interdependencies. This helps ensure code-compliant installations and reduces costly oversights.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Portability and Convenience
Speed of Lookup and Calculation
Reduced Need for Physical Reference Books
Comprehensive Collection of Standard Data

Cons:

Requires a Compatible Mobile Device
Screen Size Might Lack Detail for Complex Tasks
Updates May Require App Store Purchase
Initial Data Load Can Be Slow

Similar Apps

App Name	Highlights
NEC Code Master	Focuses heavily on NEC code articles, offering searchable text and image references, often with practice test questions integrated.
Electrical Exam Helper	Designed specifically for electrician certification and licensing exams, providing practice questions and study guides alongside core reference data.
Wire & Equipment Guide Pro	Emphasizes practical guides for selecting and applying electrical components (wire types, connectors, switches) with detailed manufacturer comparisons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Ugly’s Electrical References a legal substitute for the official NEC book or on-site inspection manuals?
A: No, Ugly’s Electrical References serves as a helpful tool and reference guide for commonly needed data derived from sources like the NEC and industry standards. While it provides valuable shortcuts for specific calculations and lookups (like wire sizes based on ampacity), it cannot replace full comprehension of the entire NEC text or the detailed judgment required for complete electrical inspection and design.

Q: Can I use this app for my electrical contractor license exam preparation?
A: Ugly’s Electrical References includes some fundamental calculations and data which may indirectly be useful for general electrical knowledge, but it is fundamentally designed as a reference tool for professional practice, not as a comprehensive study guide or question bank specifically tailored for licensing exams.

Q: Are there plans to update the information to newer editions of the NEC?
A: Yes, updates to align with the latest National Electrical Code (NEC) edition are typically planned, although the release schedule depends on the publisher and the requirements of the app store. Users should regularly check for updates within the app or the app store to ensure they have the most current reference data.

Q: Does the app require an internet connection to function?
A: While some features like searching might benefit from cloud indexing or occasional updates requiring online verification, the core reference tables and calculation functions in Ugly’s Electrical References are designed to be accessed offline, allowing you to use its essential data even without cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity.

Q: Is a subscription required after the initial purchase? What are the pricing models?
A: Pricing models vary by platform (iOS, Android) and publisher; sometimes the app is sold for a one-time fee, allowing ongoing use, while occasionally a premium subscription may be offered for advanced features or data sets. Always check the app listing details before purchase to understand the cost structure.