Fundamental Electrical Troubleshooting " (also known as the FET SHOPbook)

by Dan Sullivan is a 200-page practical guide specifically designed for mechanics and technicians rather than engineers. While it is primarily a physical reference book, often sold via tool trucks or online retailers, it is a staple in trade schools and military installations for its down-to-earth, handwritten, and hand-drawn style. Core Topics Covered

The book is structured to make invisible electrical concepts "visible" through practical troubleshooting techniques: Voltage Drop:

Detailed explanations on measuring voltage drops to find hidden resistance and corrosion. Meter Usage:

Professional techniques for using digital voltmeters, ohmmeters, and ammeters effectively. Component Testing:

Hands-on lessons on how relays, solenoids, potentiometers, and rheostats work and how to test them. Schematic Reading:

Four fundamental rules for reading complex electrical diagrams to speed up diagnosis. Advanced Systems:

Practical introductions to multiplexing, pulse width modulation (PWM), sensors, and PLCs. Format and Availability Physical Copy:

The book is spiral-bound with a plastic cover, specifically designed to withstand grease and oil on a shop floor. Digital/PDF:

While users often search for a PDF version (sometimes associated with search terms like "Pdf 80l"), the author has historically prioritized the physical "SHOPbook" format for field use. Authorized copies and related kits can be found on sites like Electronic Specialties (ESI 182) Supplementary Learning: Dan Sullivan also offers a series of training videos and hands-on training cards to complement the text. Target Audience

Here’s a clean, professional write-up for that resource, suitable for a blog, course material, or technical reference.


Module 1: The Safety Imperative

Sullivan starts not with voltage, but with death. He covers:

  • Lockout/Tagout (LOTO): How to verify zero energy.
  • Arc Flash boundaries: Why standing to the side of a panel saves lives.
  • The "One Hand Rule" for live troubleshooting.

7. Wiring Diagrams & Schematics

  • Reading tips: Identify power vs control circuits, trace control logic, note interlocks and safety circuits.
  • Symbols: Familiarize with standard IEC/ANSI symbols for switches, contacts, relays, transformers.
  • Isolation practice: When testing, isolate loads or components to avoid backfeeds and misleading signals.

Part 2: Decoding the Search Term – The "80L" Mystery

The most intriguing part of our keyword is the suffix: "80l." This is not a standard chapter title or a page number found in the generic Sullivan PDFs. Based on industry context and technical training conventions, "80L" likely refers to one of three specific things:

3. Professional and Educational Websites

  • Electrical Engineering and related forums: Websites like Reddit (r/ElectricalEngineering), Stack Exchange (Electrical Engineering), or professional forums might have threads discussing the book or related topics.