Code Book

J

Jimmy7

Senior Member
Location
Boston, MA
Occupation
Electrician
Here in Massachusetts we’re about to adopt the 2026 NEC. I was looking into buying a new code book, and I was wondering if the Handbook is worth purchasing. It’s expensive, but is it worth it in your opinion? What about NFPA link, is that worth purchasing?
 
I don't use the handbook. NFPA link is a very powerful program, but unless you are going to use it a lot, it may not be worth it. If you teach code, if you are active with putting in public inputs or on a CMP, it's definitely worth it. If you just see what the code says occasionally when you need to know how often to support a wiring method you are installing on that job, not so much.

The free version online works really well on an iPad, but not so much on phone or computer. The formatting is a little harder to use on those platforms.
 
If you are good with computers / want a mobile copy of the handbook then NFPA link is the best. NFPA link has all the additional content of the handbook and you can search.

If you are looking for a physical book to keep in the office then the Handbook is worth every penny. Especially if you have issues understanding exactly what the code is trying to say. The pictures and commentary are really good.

If you are constantly getting confused with certain sections then I would suggest also getting other illustrated guides like Mike Holt's books and there is one by Miller that I like as well. That one helped with doing NEC service and feeder calculations. It breaks that down nicely. It also has photos of things that engineers might not recognize.
 
I have only ever owned the handbook version until I started using NFPA link. For me the handbook is essential for adding context and commentary to help interpret the code.

NFPA link is even better because of the ability to search and see TIAs and past code language easily. The one caution is that if you don't always have a reliable Internet connection, you need to pre-download the document(s) which doesn't always work perfectly when I need it.

Rob G
Seattle
 
My understanding is that the extra material in the handbook should not be taken as Code but only as an interpretation of the NEC.
 
I haven't had a paper copy since the 2017 code. I use Link, and much of the handbook information is in Link as "enhanced content. You can have it on your device for off line use, and you get access to all of the other NFPA codes and standards.
 
I personally have not had a use for NFPA link, when they sold the handbook as a PDF that I could own I purchased that.
 
I used to buy the McPartland/Hartwell version of a code handbook and thought that was pretty good. I have had a few of those, over the years but I liked the older ones better.
 
jusme123 said:
Has anyone ever found one of their interpretations wrong, asking out of curiosity?
Seems like they have to word it that way to avoid lawsuits/liability?
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There have been times where the code language changed and they forgot to change the commentary.

They have to word it that way, because the only way to get an official interpretation is through a Formal Interpretation where the code making panel responsible for that section actually votes. That process takes many months, All requests for a FI have to be worded in such a way that the question can be answered yes or no,
 
My old company would purchase code books for all of the sparkies and would suggest that at least the first code book and every few code cycles invest in the handbook. The hundreds of color illustrations & detailed explanations are priceless. I stil have three or four of the maybe 6 by 9" code books from the 1970 & early 80's. A lot easier to carry around.
 
I have two handbooks, 84 (ended up with it accidently) and the 2014 PDF, never really liked either one.
 
roger said:
I have two handbooks, 84 (ended up with it accidently) and the 2014 PDF, never really liked either one.
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I have a few of the older ones, both from the NFPA and from McGraw-Hill (McPartland) and found the McGraw-Hill ones far superior to the ones from the NFPA. However if you bought the NFPA handbook, you did not need a code book, and the complete code text is in the NFPA handbook.
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
I have a few of the older ones, both from the NFPA and from McGraw-Hill (McPartland) and found the McGraw-Hill ones far superior to the ones from the NFPA. However if you bought the NFPA handbook, you did not need a code book, and the complete code text is in the NFPA handbook.
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I have bought several of the McPartland books and found them very useful.
 
garbo said:
My old company would purchase code books for all of the sparkies and would suggest that at least the first code book and every few code cycles invest in the handbook. The hundreds of color illustrations & detailed explanations are priceless. I stil have three or four of the maybe 6 by 9" code books from the 1970 & early 80's. A lot easier to carry around.
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And easier to read the print was larger
 
FWIW, and keep in mind that the OP is from MA....formal interpetations here come from the Department of Fire Services, the same department that writes/ promulgates the MA Electrical code. (NEC 2026 with MA amendments)

I don't find much value in the handbook in the last 20 years, compared with just throwing out any question on this site. This site has been a game changer in this industry, IMO. Go back to the 80's or 90's and there was more value with having a handbook.

I haven't had a handbook in years, but my father still buys one.

I do see the "value" in buying an older handbook. All but the newest changes will be covered. I like that idea.
 
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