Alternating Current Fundamentals, 8th ed

The Alternating Current Fundamentals, 8th Edition is a comprehensive technical textbook that has been an industry standard for over thirty years. It is published by Cengage (Delmar) and is aimed at students, electrical technicians, apprentices, and professionals needing a solid grounding in alternating current (AC) theory, circuits, equipment, and applications. 

This edition builds knowledge progressively: it starts with basic concepts such as the difference between peak, RMS (root mean square), and average values, as well as generation of alternating voltage, waveforms, frequency, and phase relationships. From there, it moves into more complex topics including circuits with resistance, inductance, and capacitance; series, parallel, and series-parallel AC circuits; resonance; and impedance. 

The text also includes detailed sections on three-phase systems, AC instrumentation and measurement, generators, transformers (single phase and three phase), special transformer applications, three-phase induction motors, synchronous motors, single-phase motors, and control circuits. It integrates applied examples so that learners can see how the theory translates into real-world practice. 

Key aspects:

• Foundational Coverage of AC Theory
• Comprehensive Circuit Analysis
• Three-Phase Power Systems
• Electrical Machines and Equipment
• Instrumentation & Measurement
• Power Electronics Elements
• Practical and Real-World Application
• Code Compliance and Safety
• Instructional Support & Practice

Highlights:

• Additional content on diodes and rectifiers, expanding the coverage into more modern power electronics elements.
• Improved graphics and illustrations to help clarify and visually support the concepts. 
• Written to reflect the latest electrical codes (notably, the NFPA 70 / National Electrical Code) to ensure relevance to current practice. 
• Clear Visual Aids rich with diagrams, circuit illustrations, and phasor charts to enhance comprehension of complex AC phenomena.

About Stephen L. Herman

Stephen L. Herman is a veteran electrical instructor with decades of teaching experience, particularly at Lee College in Baytown, Texas. He has authored numerous widely used textbooks in electrical education, focusing on both theory and practical application. His work is known for clear explanations, industry relevance, and strong alignment with national electrical codes and licensing exam requirements.

Other Works:

• Direct Current Fundamentals
• Delmar’s Standard Textbook of Electricity 8th Edition