For the last few code cycles I always purchased the looseleaf edition of the NEC.In 93'& 96' the small binders were available. I was going to buy the hardback but right now my funds prohibit it.My questions goes out to those who have bought or plan to buy the new edition {out of their own pocket,not company bought}-- 1]What type of format will/did you purchase? 2]Why this type? Thanks in advance for all the input
NEC format preference
- Thread starter rob1kva
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jwelectric
Senior Member
- Location
- North Carolina
Re: NEC format preference
I have both soft and hard back copies of the 05. I use the binder copy for class because it will lay flat.
I have the 05 on CD and use this one the most because of the ease of finding something using the search tool.
I also have the 05 hand book and am waiting for the CD because of the illustrations.
Which one would be best would depend on what you were using it for.
I have both soft and hard back copies of the 05. I use the binder copy for class because it will lay flat.
I have the 05 on CD and use this one the most because of the ease of finding something using the search tool.
I also have the 05 hand book and am waiting for the CD because of the illustrations.
Which one would be best would depend on what you were using it for.
bphgravity
Senior Member
- Location
- Florida
Re: NEC format preference
I tried to get the best of both worlds this year by purchasing the spiral-binder but for some reason I received the soft-bound version. The NFPA didn't seem to care, so I just decided to keep it. Back when I was preparing for exams, I prefered the losseleaf, but now I think it is too bulky to carry around.
I had the CD for the 99' edition but never seemed to use it, and I am not a big fan of the handbook.
It doesn't look like Florida will be adopting the NEC until mid-2006 so I will probably end up needing to buy another copy. My 2002 copy looks like its gone through a car wash and been run over a few times!
I tried to get the best of both worlds this year by purchasing the spiral-binder but for some reason I received the soft-bound version. The NFPA didn't seem to care, so I just decided to keep it. Back when I was preparing for exams, I prefered the losseleaf, but now I think it is too bulky to carry around.
I had the CD for the 99' edition but never seemed to use it, and I am not a big fan of the handbook.
It doesn't look like Florida will be adopting the NEC until mid-2006 so I will probably end up needing to buy another copy. My 2002 copy looks like its gone through a car wash and been run over a few times!
jwelectric
Senior Member
- Location
- North Carolina
Re: NEC format preference
Bryan I agree the loose leaf is a bulky book to carry around. Some of good things about the loose leaf are taking test, class room as a student and is a work saver for an instructor. I use a paper clip on the tabs to lay out different pages for quick reference during a class.
The CD is great for use with a projector especially when showing how to read a table to 20 people at a time. The hand book CD can be used with a projector to show illustrations.
The paper back on the dashboard is the one that gets used the most. It will be used a lot trying to show the inspector just why I think I am right and he is wrong.
Bryan I agree the loose leaf is a bulky book to carry around. Some of good things about the loose leaf are taking test, class room as a student and is a work saver for an instructor. I use a paper clip on the tabs to lay out different pages for quick reference during a class.
The CD is great for use with a projector especially when showing how to read a table to 20 people at a time. The hand book CD can be used with a projector to show illustrations.
The paper back on the dashboard is the one that gets used the most. It will be used a lot trying to show the inspector just why I think I am right and he is wrong.
allenwayne
Senior Member
Re: NEC format preference
For the 2002 i have the paper back and cd.In 99.I went for the loose leaf higher $ version,Nice ,compact.But it might as well have been the cheaper version
For the 2002 i have the paper back and cd.In 99.I went for the loose leaf higher $ version,Nice ,compact.But it might as well have been the cheaper version
charlie
Senior Member
- Location
- Indianapolis
Re: NEC format preference
I know, I am not supposed to answer but . . . why not.
I don't see how you can get by with just one copy. I am waiting for the electronic version to be available to be accessible from the hard drive. I will have an electronic handbook at work, an electronic Code at home, and a softbound copy in both places (I have those now). Whenever I travel, I will have my laptop plus a copy of the softbound just in case. I would hate to be in a meeting and my laptop quit. It would be tough to be there without a Code for reference.
I know, I am not supposed to answer but . . . why not.
I don't see how you can get by with just one copy. I am waiting for the electronic version to be available to be accessible from the hard drive. I will have an electronic handbook at work, an electronic Code at home, and a softbound copy in both places (I have those now). Whenever I travel, I will have my laptop plus a copy of the softbound just in case. I would hate to be in a meeting and my laptop quit. It would be tough to be there without a Code for reference.
Re: NEC format preference
Thanks again for all the great replies.It seems not too many of us like the handbook.I always liked the looseleaf for many reasons
1.can be laid flat {as was posted}
2.photocopies of important sujects are easy
3. the search for info is easy
4.the binder protects the code-tabs from getting crushed
Since I'm trying to cut costs I'm leaning towards the spiral edition & NFPA 70E & 79
Thanks again for all the great replies.It seems not too many of us like the handbook.I always liked the looseleaf for many reasons
1.can be laid flat {as was posted}
2.photocopies of important sujects are easy
3. the search for info is easy
4.the binder protects the code-tabs from getting crushed
Since I'm trying to cut costs I'm leaning towards the spiral edition & NFPA 70E & 79
al hildenbrand
Senior Member
- Location
- Minnesota
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor, Electrical Consultant, Electrical Engineer
Re: NEC format preference
I keep the soft cover NEC on the dash of the truck. MN statute requires the book in the custody of the electrician when on the job. . .back in the office doesn't count, has to be at the jobl site.
For the office I keep the electronic Handbook, for ease of communicating, and for the additional detail. The electronic Handbook has been invaluable in the discussions at electrical forums. The quick and repeated use has greatly improved my skills with The Book.
Also, in the last two CD based NECH ('99 & '02), the CD has included the complete NEC in Adobe Acrobat Reader format (.pdf), which has allowed me to put the file in my PDA. Imagine. . . two complete Codes (and hopefully soon three) in something that slips into my pocket.
I keep the soft cover NEC on the dash of the truck. MN statute requires the book in the custody of the electrician when on the job. . .back in the office doesn't count, has to be at the jobl site.
For the office I keep the electronic Handbook, for ease of communicating, and for the additional detail. The electronic Handbook has been invaluable in the discussions at electrical forums. The quick and repeated use has greatly improved my skills with The Book.
Also, in the last two CD based NECH ('99 & '02), the CD has included the complete NEC in Adobe Acrobat Reader format (.pdf), which has allowed me to put the file in my PDA. Imagine. . . two complete Codes (and hopefully soon three) in something that slips into my pocket.
Re: NEC format preference
I've never owned the CD version, but I'm contemplating it. What kind of file format does it use? Can you print from it (can I buy the CD and print it out for a looseleaf binder)?
I'd particularly like to be able to carry it on my PDA (I've got a couple of nice big storage cards) if it's compatible.
Thanks!
D.
I've never owned the CD version, but I'm contemplating it. What kind of file format does it use? Can you print from it (can I buy the CD and print it out for a looseleaf binder)?
I'd particularly like to be able to carry it on my PDA (I've got a couple of nice big storage cards) if it's compatible.
Thanks!
D.
jwelectric
Senior Member
- Location
- North Carolina
Re: NEC format preference
Dan, I use the CD to print from and to copy and paste articles for making test. I did have it on my PDA until I was looking at it in the rain one day. I think it might still be there but I can?t see it or anything else for that matter. Oh well no one has ever accused me of being to bright. :roll:
Dan, I use the CD to print from and to copy and paste articles for making test. I did have it on my PDA until I was looking at it in the rain one day. I think it might still be there but I can?t see it or anything else for that matter. Oh well no one has ever accused me of being to bright. :roll:
hurk27
Senior Member
- Location
- Portage, Indiana NEC: 2008
Re: NEC format preference
Dan if you look at Al's post both the "99" and the "02" had the PDF Adobe format on the CD that would allow it to be put on a PDA. I'm not sure that it's on the 2005 yet as I haven't bought one as I'm waiting to see if they will come out with a version to allow running from the hard drive. But you can down load it (the PDF file) from NFPA's web site. Of course not for free.
Dan if you look at Al's post both the "99" and the "02" had the PDF Adobe format on the CD that would allow it to be put on a PDA. I'm not sure that it's on the 2005 yet as I haven't bought one as I'm waiting to see if they will come out with a version to allow running from the hard drive. But you can down load it (the PDF file) from NFPA's web site. Of course not for free.
allenwayne
Senior Member
Re: NEC format preference
We are getting close to adapting 05 here.I bought the 02 cd and it became invaluable to me.Search engine was awesome.Yes I burned it for others to use as well But the cross referance was invaluable in gray areas.Oh did I say tha the NEC is cut and dried Will be ordering the 05 cd and am sure it will be as worthwile as the 02 was
We are getting close to adapting 05 here.I bought the 02 cd and it became invaluable to me.Search engine was awesome.Yes I burned it for others to use as well
But the cross referance was invaluable in gray areas.Oh did I say tha the NEC is cut and dried Will be ordering the 05 cd and am sure it will be as worthwile as the 02 was - Status