Read an electrical design book such as “Electrical Design Guide for Commercial Buildings” by William H. Clark, “Handbook of Practical Electrical Design” by Joseph F. McPartland and Brian J. McPartland, “Electrical Systems Design” by Theodore R. Bosela or “Handbook of Electrical Design Details” by Neil Sclater and John E. Traister. Choose a book that shows pictures of design details and offers step-by-step instructions.
Enroll in a two-year associate degree program at a school such as Central Piedmont Community College in North Carolina. Students in associate degree programs take courses such as circuit analysis, electronic devices and circuits, instrumentation, electrical power systems, electrical machines, computer-aided drafting and design and digital electronics. Most community colleges require a high school diploma or GED before admission.
Review free online tutorials offering information on design flow charts, data sheets, prototyping and patents from websites such as Williamson Labs and Lazar’s Power Electronics Guide.
Join an organization such as the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Organization websites offer information such as local chapters, video tutorials, publications, conferences and ways to learn more about the field. The IEEE offers information on schools that teach electrical design, continuing education courses, an online library, certification programs and distance learning programs you can complete from home.