Codebook or handbook?

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j-box

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Ok, i recived my new nec cataloge and as i thumb thru it i have come to a crossroad, now i have a masters license so

a) Do i buy just a 2008 code book which i will need soon.

b) Do i buy a handbook which is always handy to have.

c) Do i buy, as i have done in the past both, and spend lots of $$$$

I can't decide i won't be testing, so i really don't need a code book, but the handbook is all the code book with illustrations. I am leaning toward just getting the handbook.
 
Buy both. The NFPA needs the money. I mean have you seen the cost of postage lately? :rolleyes:

Seriously I like to have both.
 
The problem with the handbook is that people tend to take the narrative as gospel. Even though the handbook is put out by the NFPA it is still an unofficial interpretation.

That being said I always like to have a copy on hand just to see what they have to say and I also get the McGraw-Hills version.
 
I only bought one hand book, (2002) now I just come here for opinions, so for me the handbook is not worth spending the extra cash... I would take one if it was given to me though... ;) :grin:
 
I'm still boycotting the '08. But the NFPA came out with it anyway (imagine that!), so I guess I'll have to break down and buy it once the '08 gets adopted in my area.c
 
The Handbook has it place but IMO the NEC is the most practical.

If you are taking an exam the Handbook will probably slow you down in searching for an answer.

Roger
 
What about the nec 2008 pocket guide books man so much to choose from, the 08 pocket guide book to the nec has a catchy phase " Ideal companion to the 2008 NEC!" get the visa out its going to take a big hit, then how do convience the boss to reimburse me " Hey boss i need all these books so i can do my job":cool: The tests i took stritcly forbid the use of handbooks, during the masters test i took rule #1 " NO discussing the test during restroom breaks" and they even had a limit as to how many people could go to the RR at one time.
 
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chris kennedy said:
Would they even let a HB into an exam?
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I have heard some do, I believe it was even here on the forums awhile back.

Heck, in NC we can't take anything into the exam room.

Roger
 
diapers

diapers

j-box said:
What about the nec 2008 pocket guide books man so much to choose from, the 08 pocket guide book to the nec has a catchy phase " Ideal companion to the 2008 NEC!" get the visa out its going to take a big hit, then how do convience the boss to reimburse me " Hey boss i need all these books so i can do my job":cool: The tests i took stritcly forbid the use of handbooks, during the masters test i took rule #1 " NO discussing the test during restroom breaks" and they even had a limit as to how many people could go to the RR at one time.
Click to expand...
Soon they will do away with restroom breaks. You will have to wear a diaper!
 
I just bought 5 NEC's, one handbook for someone else and 3 changes in the code, with books money should not be an issue, education and ease of access should be.
 
I prefer the handbook to peruse. And the NEC on CD for the quick search feature.
 
brian john said:
with books money should not be an issue, education and ease of access should be.
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Brian you know what I have already spent on 08 stuff. I'm an hourly employee and buy and pass out this stuff to anyone intrested. I'm with you 100%, but believe the NFPA charges a premium for these books. They know we have to have them.

NFPA, Quit wasting paper on catalogs (2 a year is good) and mabey the books would be a little cheaper.
 
I for one believe that the code books should be supplied free to those licensed in the individuals area at the cost of the local AHJ's. When you are licensed in any particular area, you are required to conform to that regions code stipulations therefore you need to have the book in order to perform electrical work within their jurisdiction or they will pull your license. The NFPA is getting as bad as the magazine publishers as far as putting advertisements for their other products in the code book. Since they do this and the only persons that I've ever known to purchase a handbook are the same ones in the business that almost always have the standard code book as well, they should have a pull out discount card for say at least 20% off,redeemable at the time of purchase or order towards a copy of the handbook. It's the least they can do. My final thought is that the 10% discount for NFPA members' is a joke considering the cost for an annual membership fee. :mad:
Well I feel better getting that off my chest :grin:

Carl :)
 
I buy both. The handbook is great when a guy on the job makes up his own codes and reasons "Why".I break open the Handbook and show him pictures.The Handbook has solved alot of "on the job" arguments.Plus ,i really enjoy having a Hard back code book.
 
I'm still waiting for my handbook. I recently took an exam to get an expired license renewed in NH and they allowed handbooks.

John are the McPartlands still involved in writing the McGraw-Hill book?


Joe
 
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