NEC Code Formats & Handbook

Wondering if people have found the CD version of the NEC more or less useful than the print version? From a searching standpoint, I tend to lean toward CD documentation but the print version wins out from a portability standpoint... expecially if you like to read in the "library" as I like to call it.

Also, is the "handbook" worth having?

Thanks,

nOrM

Personally I would get the handbook. Also the CD version will allow you to search for specific issues and find them much faster than fumbeling through the book (could be a big time saver). Drawback is youll need a PC every time you need to look at it. If money is no object get both.

For what I need, the CD didn't have an advantage. A codebook in the second tool box usually suffices. What affects my controls and construction work changes little from code to code. As far as construction, I have had to teach several of the inspectors in local communities.

The codebook should suffice. While the handbook has a lot of extra information, the average user probobly doesn't need it. Not sure if would be an advantage to you Norm.

I was a customer of F/H yearsa ago when I was contracted to KDC in Peoria.

The last code book I bought was 96 or 99. Not readily available out here in the cornfiels. When I get to civilzation (Peoria, Joliet, Rockford, Bloomington, all 60 miles away), the big city bookstores don't have them. I do get a copy of the illustrated changes, and go over the changes in the trade magazines. I know several people and one inspector who have the code memorized. Easier for me just to ask one of them.

regards...casey

Norm & Casey,

I've never seen the nec in a bookstore. That maybe because I've never looked for one in a bookstore? Anyway I get all my codebooks online.

NFPA catalog: http://www.nfpa.org/catalog/category.asp?category_name=Codes+and+Standards&Page=1&src=catalog

ASME catalog: http://members.asme.org/catalog/CategoryView.cfm

In my experience many parts of most codes I have to comply with are open to wide interpertation. This is when the handbook can come in very handy. The investment in the handbook will pay for it's self the first time you have to use it.

Mike

Wide interpretation is generally the case I have.

I occaaionally see code books and handbooks in Barnes and Noble and sometimes Waldenbooks. I used to get the codebook from a local suppply house (with their logo on the cover) for $18.00. Local inspection units (Peoria and Bloomington) at one time had them cheap, but not anymore. One small town which started inspections last year got a new one in the library. Other libraries around have them from the 60's and 70's.

Local inspectors generally have one or two things they enforce around here. One plugs his polarity tester into every outlet, another only checks GFCI's, one walks through and smiles a lot. I saw a new three bedroom house with two baths, Air Conditioning, Electric Range, and Electric Dryer, with a total of 15 circuit breakers. It wasn't questioned. On that floorplan, I have at least 9 for the kitchen, alone.


This last year, I explained the smoke alarm guidelines to three differant towns, inspectors and fire departments didn't understand them. Then there is the homeowners, who only want one or two, battery only smoke alarms, when they actually need 7 or 8. And then the builders who.........

Commercial work isn't ispected, generallly.

Elevators are inspected by the elevator repair technician. Pay the fee for the elevator to the city, here is your piece of paper. Several communities, such as Peoria, found that if the elevator inspector actually showed up, it was just to put the permit in the holder.

Years ago, one elevator inspector was in a car crash with a marked city car on the interstate in the next county. After his discharge, the position was eliminated.

DISCLAIMER: Most inspectors are consciencious and do a good job.

I hope the economy improves around here so all I have to do is PLC's again.

regards....casey

Handbook...its got pictures.

Thanks for all the replies.

As many of you know I'm a mechanical engineer by edumakation now in the electrical field.

We work on industrial systems and while I've been working with PLC's and sensors for a while I'm a little lacking on the nuiances of 3 phase motor protection. On top of that we are now getting certified as a UL508A panel building shop. The UL spec says everything also must meet the NEC so I have some exciting reading ahead of me

I think I'll get the Softbound Codebook with the CD-ROM handbook as it seems the CD also contains the Code itself.

Thanks again,

nOrM

Just to clarify some things...the Handbook is the CODE but it offers picures and simple explanations/examples which makes it easier to understand.

Working with machinery you may want to obtain NFPA 79 http://www.nfpa.org/catalog/product...902&target_pid=7902&src_pid=&link_type=search
It offers more details on machine wiring, motors, controls etc.

Ron,

I dont have it handy right now, but as i recall it the handbook does not contain the actual wording of the code for all items.

Thanks Ron:

I have NFPA 79 as well as NFPA 86 (Standard for Ovens and Furnaces) and ANSI Z50.1 (Safety Requirements for Bakery Machinery) which covers much more mechanical and material handling information than electrical stuff.

elevmike: That's what I originally thought but when NFPA talks about the CD is says

Your CD-ROM combines the 2002 and 1999 NEC editions with Handbook commmentary and graphics. Every word and phrase is indexed...

Click to expand...

And for the description of the bound handbook it says:

The Handbook pairs the complete Code text with commentary from top electrical specialists who are closely involved wiht NEC developement...

Click to expand...

Note that this is for the 2002 edition. Maybe in the past it wasn't so. I don't know.

nOrM

I guess I stand corrected!

But wait! what about this link: http://www.nfpa.org/catalog/product..._pid=70SBS02&src_pid=70HB02&link_type=up_sell

It's for the "companion set" Handbook and Code are in two seperate volumes.

Mike.