Which NEC tabs are the best to use

[sprky]

HI I'm hoping you all can help me out here. I need to take a block electrical test to keep my current city license, even though I have a current out of state masters license, which they have been letting me work under for almost 2 years. I have asked around a bought this test and been told I need to have my code book tabbed for this test. which tabs are the best, i have been told Tom Henry's, Mike Holt, EZ tabs, and the looseleaf inserts. 1 guy told me he uses all 4 as each has tabs the others dont. NO way im buying 4 sets of tabs so which is the best.

 

[infinity]

I'm a fan of tabs. Problem is that each brand has only certain specific tabs. For example the tabs I'm using now jump from Article 378 to 392. That leaves out Articles 380,382,384,386,388,and 390. Another brand might have some of those Articles included on their tabs. So the question is do you really need a tab for every article or will an array of the important tabs get you in the ballpark?

Also I recommend the tabs that are printed on both sides. This way you can see all of them when the book is open.

 

[iwire]

I bought tabs for first time when I bought my 2008 NEC, in put them in and within a month I cut them all back off.

To me they just got in the way and lead to tearing of my code book pages.

I just use 'post its' if I am working with the book and know I will keep going back to the same place, such as the Tables in the back.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

I agree with Bob, I don't find the tabs useful.

 

[charlie b]

I like the tabs, but I also like the hard-cover, 3-hole punch version of the book. The tabs are full size sheets of hard stock, so they are not likely to get damaged. Part of the reason this works for me is that I can keep my code books on a shelf above my desk. I know that people who need to have a code book with them in the field are likely to prefer the spiral bound or soft cover version. I do not like the stick on tabs for those types of books, for the same reason that Bob gave.

But as to which brand of tabs works best? I don't think it matters. I agree that the tabs only get you close to what you need to find, and that you don't need a tab for every article.

 

[Electrical Student]

Also I recommend the tabs that are printed on both sides. This way you can see all of them when the book is open.

sweet idea. i never seen them.

To me they just got in the way and lead to tearing of my code book pages.

I just ran through mine with a roll of scotch tape

Still I find them very usefull. I use the basic $10 box store brand and as someone else stated you dont have to use the whole package. Or is that a violation of some code?

 

[hurk27]

HI I'm hoping you all can help me out here. I need to take a block electrical test to keep my current city license, even though I have a current out of state masters license, which they have been letting me work under for almost 2 years. I have asked around a bought this test and been told I need to have my code book tabbed for this test. which tabs are the best, i have been told Tom Henry's, Mike Holt, EZ tabs, and the looseleaf inserts. 1 guy told me he uses all 4 as each has tabs the others dont. NO way im buying 4 sets of tabs so which is the best.

I got one set for my 2002 at a IAEI section meeting, that I liked, it described what each article was and what it covered, but it also jumped some, you can also make your own with Avery tabs, I did this on my 2005, I used the larger file tabs and a smaller font so I could put more info on them, also they came with colored plastic stick on covers, which I use green for 250, and the rest I use a different color for each chapter, much easier to use to locate stuff.

What also good doing this, is if you have a practice test, you can see the main things you need to tab out.

 

[wireguy8169]

I tabbed my code book for my test I just took and it definitly helped but doubt I would put them in my new code book....

 

[ericsherman37]

I love tabs. Mine are NJATC brand, supplied by my apprenticeship when I was still in the program. They're vinyl and printed on both sides. Up to and including some of Chapter 3 they're pretty extensive, but when the different wiring methods start they skip over some of the more common ones. They're also sorely lacking in Chapter 5 special occupancies. There's like, one tab for Health Care Facilities and that's pretty much it.

I got a softbound 2011 and I'm probably going to make my own tabs for it, but I definitely wish I could easily print up some of those vinyl ones. Oh well.

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

I buy the blank tabs with color, from a store such as Staples.

I write what I want to see on the tab- sort of custom like.

Then I install the tabs on the top portion of the book, not the margin side. This way it does not slow me down when trying to turn the pages and I can load it into my carry bag without destroying the tabs.

I do not put too many tabs, just ones for commonly sought out parts of the NEC so I can get there as fast as my fingers will let me. (I currently have 18 custom tabs on my '08)

I have also designed some custom inserts for my NEC (tables, charts, notes, etc...). I also have written my own Table of Contents - which is extensive, and I disregard the index which takes way too much time to use. (I am kind of proud of the table of contents)

P.S.
I have a very strict highlighting procedure for my NEC. It takes me more time than I am willing to discuss to work on this each code cycle....I am for code cycles being extended to 4 years.

 

[Cavie]

I love my tabs. Bought them with my 2008 code book. 84 of them 8 colors. One for each chapter and white for indexs and tables.

 

[brennantr]

seriously, you cant go wrong with Mike Holt. Everything he offers is remarkable. I passed my TX residential test with a 100 percent after going to a code course with his books. Illustrations help!!! cant stress that enough!

His tabs helped me a lot, but dont get to reliant on them. Testing books dont have them.

 

[Electrical Student]

good point

 

[Ponchik]

Just like Pierre, I too have strict highlighting procedures and rules. I have MH tabs on my 08 handbook and i have made my own tabs, inserts and notes pages. I take and make anything that makes understanding & navigation easier through the code book.

There are several tabs out there. MH makes good tabs, NFPA has some,
http://www.charlesrmiller.com has tabs. so just search them all and see which one appeals to you.

 

[George Stolz]

Since they started putting the section numbers in the upper corner of the page, I quit tabbing. Last edition was the '02.

 

[MikeyinLA]

I just use paper clips, I know about where what I want is, it helps me find it faster.

 

[LEO2854]

I just use paper clips, I know about where what I want is, it helps me find it faster.

Those yellow sticky papers work good:grin::grin:

 

[Sam Moore]

Never could get a handle on code book until I got tabs...Had them on the last four editions now...Tom Henry for NEC, Full sheet tabs from ICC for IRC, IBC

 

[kwired]

I have never used tabs, I could see them useful for locating often used areas like T310.16, and certain chapter 9 tables, maybe another article or 2 if you find yourself needing to go there often. Otherwise you need to just learn the basic format of the code and read things like you find on this forum often (and look up what others talk about and not just assume they are always right) and you will find it a lot easier to find what you are looking for just because you do it often.

I have used CD ROM code last few years a lot and it is real easy to find things, you can create your own book marks, insert your own notes. I really like when an article refers you to another article you just click the link and it takes you to that article. I haven't seen the NEC plus or whatever they call it that presumably will replace the CD ROM but hopefully it will keep all these options customizeable to each user and maybe even have more.

 

[rltomkinson]

I just use 'post its'

Many testing center will allow tabs, but not post-its. Check the rules for your local test. Some do not allow highlighting, underlining or hand-writing in the book either.