National Electric Code Training and Education

In many pursuits, timing is a key. Here in 2008, in my state, where I perform most (not all) of my work in the electrical trade, a journeyman’s license exam is based on the 2002 National Electrical Code (NEC). I learned about the NEC Handbook, while I was gathering study materials in preparation for my exam. Of course, newer editions are in circulation; and a neighboring state where I also work and need a license, indicated that they base the exam on a later NEC edition. With those differences, the changes incorporated over three different series of the Code, it became a matter of budget for me, as well as ensuring I’d reviewed all the material. I was pleased, that with a little hunting, I found an earlier publication, used but in very good condition, in stock through Amazon. This NEC Handbook is well-written, with very clear illustrations, to clarify and amplify the minutiae (text and tables) that comprise the NEC. Everyone has a way by which they learn most effectively. For me, sometimes when certain concepts are illustrated, it helps me to better understand and apply a certain rule from the Code. I recommend this book!

Rating: 4 / 5

If you hang around with fellow homeowners, there’s a lot of water cooler conversation about various things, including the electrical code. This book just nails everything you ever wondered about, everything you haven’t yet wondered about, and a few thousand things that you’ll never need to know. Want to install a subpanel? Want to figure what gauge of cable to use to supply it? Want to know how to calculate the in^3 fill of a box? How deep to bury an underground cable? How to use raceways? That information totals about 1/4 of 1% of the contents of this book.
Rating: 5 / 5

I am desk jockey who does electrical design work. I have little in-the-field electrical experience. I use the NEC codes frequently to make sure what I design is code-compliant. I have a copy of the standard 1999 NEC book and found many parts of it difficult to interpret. This new “handbook” version has answered all of the questions and uncertainties I had about the code. It has an illustration and explanation for just about every question I could think of. Even when I don’t need a certain thing, I have found myself leafing through the book just to learn more.

I would recommend this to anyone, but especially engineer types or those who are inexperienced. I feel much more confident about my job and I don’t have to ask electricans those questions that make you feel stupid anymore. Even master electricians will appreciate the explanations of code changes from the 1999 version. Overall, I can’t recommend this book more, well worth the $50 or so more than the standard NEC book.
Rating: 5 / 5