National Electrical Code

[DavidOH]

Does anyone know a source online for the
National Electrical Code ?

I've found pieces, but not all.

It there a book available to read online? ...or download?

This is as close as I've come to it:
http://www.codecheck.com/eleccode.htm

This would be a big help with future building projects.

[ChoochCharlie]

Man. I have been looking for months. If anyone has a source, bonus.
They like to sell the books. I guess that's why it aint free online.

[seszoo]

TRY THIS SITE THIS IS ONE OF THE ONES I GO ON WHEN I NEED SOME ANSWERS, www.mikeholt.com/code_forum

[American_Infidel]

Mike holt's site is a good resource. I doubt that any free online versions of the NEC will be found. First and foremost, they are a publisher, and as such they are in the business of selling books.
Something that is interesting though. A few years ago a man sued the NFPA and his local city governement over the NEC. His arguement (and a damn good one I think) was that since the NEC is adopted by the local government as "the law" (or ordinance) for that city, then it has to be made available, for free, to the citizens. I don't think any thing ever come of it though.
I know you probably don't want to buy one, but you can check with the electric utility or an electric supply company about buying one. I bought mine for $35.00 from a parts house.

[tufhelp]

Don't forget the old reliable: the library, they won't let you take it with you, but most moderately appointed libraries have code books, both national and local.

[rassd71]

For electrical a buddy of mine recommended 'wiring simplified' it was less than $6 at home depot. It's not as thorough as the NEC, but for general wiring and requirements, it covers everything the average home owner or even apprentice electrician should run into. For more detailed answers, you can always talk to your local inspector or go to the library.

I know it's not free, but I do hope it helps.

[DavidOH]

Something that is interesting though. A few years ago a man sued the NFPA and his local city governement over the NEC. His arguement (and a damn good one I think) was that since the NEC is adopted by the local government as "the law" (or ordinance) for that city, then it has to be made available, for free, to the citizens. I don't think any thing ever come of it though.


That was my thinking on the subject.
Example: The Ohio revised Code, is the law.
Required reading for law enforcement.

http://onlinedocs.andersonpublishing.com/oh/lpExt.dll?f=templates&fn=main-h.htm&cp=PORC

Published by a book company, but available for free online.

If the electrical code is enforced by a local goverment,
then the code should be available to read, as any law.
FREE and available to all.

[DavidOH]

http://standards.ieee.org/faqs/NESCFAQ.html#q6

" Is the NESC a legal document?

The NESC as written is a voluntary standard. However, some editions and some parts of the Code have been adopted, with and without changes, by some state and local jurisdictional authorities. To determine the legal status of the NESC in any particular state or locality within a state, the authority having jurisdiction should be contacted. "

[KC]

Try here. slow and times out sometimes on my machine though.

http://www.nfpa.org/freecodes/free_access_agreement.asp?id=7005SB&cookie%5Ftest= 1

[American_Infidel]

I clicked on the link above and agreed to their terms of use, but the same page kept loading. Is there another way to access this site?

[American_Infidel]

Nevermind. It is now working. I never knew they had this online. Thanks for posting!

[ChoochCharlie]

Awesome. ;D ;D

[DavidOH]

http://www.nfpa.org/freecodes/free_access_document.asp?id=7005SB

Yeah, that'l work! :D

Not quite the download I wanted, but....

This document is designed to be viewed online only - There are no "print","save","cut and paste", or "search" options.

As a minimum Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or Netscape 4.7 are required (for Mac, I.E. 5.0)

Cookies, JAVA Script, and JAVA Applet downloads must be enabled

[DavidOH]

BUMP! ;D

[Boris859]

just go to your township clerks office,seeing thats where the inspector comes from,I would think they would have a copy..for free..but then I am not sure..I errr, me,...doesn't exactly go by code always,don't get me wrong,I don't do unsafe wiring or anything like that,I just use common sense .

[MissouriFree]

You hardly ever find a copy of NEC free anywhere.

and anyway in most cases it is way way more than anyone needs. If you are interested in residential wiring.You may want to get something at you local Home depot. they sell laminated flip charts in all disciplines ( plumbing framing electrical ) that will answer 99% of residential wiring questions. uit gives you the codes in easy to read words with pictures..

[MissouriFree]

Finnally came to my old tired brain what the name was they are called "Code Check"

here is info with an example


http://www.codecheck.com/cc/images/CC5thEdSample.pdf

[huckelberry]

the local home depot should have a book,i assume yer talkin bout residental an not comercial...ive done both but bever had a book...huck

[carugoman]

Understanding the why of the NEC and having studied it for over the past forty years, I would feel naked without the latest edition of the Code book. Given the fact that, I'm a federally certified Electrical Engineer, master electrician and a retired volunteer fireman; I am fully aware of the legalities, costs pertaining to loss of life,home and health due to faulty electrical installations. It never ceases to amaze me that people complain about the high costs of code books and also the high costs of building by the code and think of nothing of spending much more on alcohol, tobacco or mortgages. When you don't build according to code, you take on "the assumption of risk involved" according to law and therefore must bear a percentage of loss when catastrophic failure of installation occurs. How much you must PAY depends how much insurance you have to cover for damages. When you assume some of the risk then the insurance company makes you pay for that assumption for the homeowners' insurance policy. When the fire company has the bill for putting out the fire; since you assumed risk you pay a portion of the bill. When the financial institution that holds title to your home, sues for damages; your insurance company and you will be held liable on the basis of contributory negligence of tort liability because of your assumption of risk from non-compliance to adopted Code that a reasonable person of reasonable expectation and in full control of their physical and mental capacities, would perform on any day at anytime.

Have you had enough of this yet? If not, I've just scratched the surface. Do yourself a favor spend the bucks, buy the code book, also there's a workbook that goes along with the code that costs another $20. small price to pay considering what I described; which is a common occurrence. Think of this as an investment into an asset you may live in for the rest of your life...I hope its a long and safe one?

[jebrown]

carugoman
You say you are very familiar with electrical codes. I am very familiar with fire codes and have a familiarity with electrical codes but I am not by no way near an expert.
I would like to say that I agree 100% with everything you said.
Faulty house wiring not done to code is responsible for a large number of house fires.
I am sure that over the years you know of a number of houses and commercial structures that caught fire do to faulty wiring.
Any one who may disagree with you only needs to consult with their local building inspector, electrical inspector or local Fire Chief.
You post is very informative and right to the point. I commend you for taking the time to help others avoid a possiby dangerous out come.

[ChoochCharlie]

http://www.nfpa.org/freecodes/free_access_agreement.asp?id=7005SB&cookie_test=1

[DavidOH]

Thanks, jebrown, carugoman for your comments.
That is why I was searching for it.
If I am building, I should do it the best that I can.

I accessed the website below and the link still works.
This is the NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION.
They have more than just the National Electric Codes posted.

Fire Code, Hydrogen Technologies Code
Code for Model Rocketry, Code for Fireworks Display
Vehicular Fuel Systems Code, and many others.


http://www.nfpa.org/freecodes/free_access_document.asp?id=7005SB

For all of those who are building, I thought it was worth bumping this thread back up.

[carugoman]

I can purchase the latest Edition of the National Electrical Code (2005), no problem there. If there's interest in this subject? I have an idea. I'll open a new topic. I'm willing to provide my expertise and help anyone that has trouble interpreting the NEC book and solve any electrical installation problem, that may be presented. Even if someone has a problem with, for examples: wiring main feed to junction box and circuit from that point; wiring a switch controlled from one point,from two points,from several points; Sizing wire gauges for the various circuits in a home, barn or works shop; how Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) work and are wired properly. I can draw diagrams, but more importantly, take digital images of the proper installation up close and personal. I willing to do this, pro bono, if it means saving just one life or saving one person the pain from recovering from a fire; physically, mentally, emotionally and monetarily. All y'all do take care and God Bless!

[MissouriFree]

*Given the fact that, I'm a federally certified Electrical Engineer,.......


I am curious .. what is " Federally certified " EE . I always heard tghat PE's were state issued.

[Oldman]

David, you would be wise to go to Lowes, look through the books they have for wiring and buy one of those.
The NEC handbook is one confuseing work of art.
Wiring a house is fairly simple and easy to learn.
There isn't many things you need to learn about it, either.
The number one rule is to respect electricity and what it can do to the human body and buildings.
Make sure the wire size is correct.
Make sure the connections are tight.

Nearly any time you wire something wrong, it's going to kick a breaker or blow a fuse. That will tell you to go back to the book and see what you did wrong.
But a book from Lowes will tell you everything you need to know.
Oldman.