What version of the NEC do you use?

[giddonah]

I've been reading "Complete Wiring" (Stanley). "Complete" is a bit of a stretch, but it has been good to wet the appetite. I'm going to get a copy of the NEC now.

My friend says that you can get away with '96 for most stuff, but I'm not even fooling around with something that old.

I can ebay the 2002 code for $20.
I can get a used 2005 handbook on amazon for $90 (ebay is on par).

So, what do you guys use? And what are your opinions on code vs. handbook?

I'm particularly interested in us NY folks :wink: .

[Sparks]

Code versus handbook, depends on your current knowledge. If you're just getting interested, get both. The code is full of terms and info. that take some time to comprehend.The handbook helps to explain things. Some jurisdictions are still using the 99 code but there have certainly been some changes since then. I'm still using the 2002 but will be getting the 05 soon whenever I find a good price on it. Remember though, N.Y has a few indigenous rules that can confuse things even more! AND they vary from town to town and inspector to inspector :roll:

[giddonah]

Thanks Sparks.

I also noticed that there isn't a NYS electrical code, so I guess it'll be a lot of fun talking to different inspectors to find out what they each want :roll: . Good thing too, because electricity doesn't flow the same way everywhere. :wink:

Ok, well, I can get the code used for $45 (paperback). I'm interested enough to do both. That's a hell of a lot of reading though. Do you have an opinion on the other code guides? (i.e. Audel Guide, Illustrated Guide to the NEC...) (e.g. getting the code & guide instead of the code & handbook)

[Sparks]

I've always went with the actual code book for reference but it's not the best learning tool per se. Mike Holts books and videos are great and easy to understand but can be pricey as well. Another good way to learn is to frequent Mike Holts web site as well as Electrical-Contractor.net. Like here, there are a lot of knowledgable individuals all learning from each other. There are engineers, electricians and people just interested in the field. There are, of course, disclaimers discouraging and sometimes forbidding DIY type questions, so you'll have to use discretion if you visit and post. Nevertheless, they are good learning tools . The more info. you have access to and can absorb, the better. There's a lot to learn and the residential end of it is barely scratching the surface. Of course it is better to have a thorough understanding of electrical theory first and then move on to application and code compliance. There are probably code and theory classes available to take in your area that would probably be worthwhile as well. All depends how much knowledge you want to gain and what it's worth to you.

[giddonah]

I appreciate your input on this. My background in Physics is a bit of overkill when it comes to electrical theory. I just need to know how to apply the theory to the real world and what the codes are. I'll definitely check out those sites and will get both the code and the handbook. Many thanks Sparks.

[Sparks]

Anytime. With a physics back ground you certainly have a head start on most just getting interested. Of course I don't know it all but I'll be happy to help answer any questions you may have in the future.