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Subject - NEC on CD
David Hyatt Does anyone have NEC on CD? I think it would be nice especially if you could do a word or phrase search. I have a program on my computer of the Bible and can search anything. Do thy have this for NEC?
iwire Yeah they sure do, I have one CD-ROM now from www.nfpa.org that has the 2002 Code the 2002 Handbook and the 1999 Code.

It was $165 for non-members of the NFPA.

It has a lot of features, highlighting, bookmarking, cut and paste and a number of search options.

It is on two formats pdf files that show on screen exactly like the code book.

The other format is called Folio views and the words are the same but the layout is geared toward displaying on a PC screen.

I like it.
David Hyatt I just checked that out, sounds like what I am looking for. May wait on 2005. I really hate to stop using my 2002 it is highlighted, tabbed, and I have made many notes in it. I would hate to think I would have to do all that again. I have the Tom Henry's ultimate code book.
JimmyDee Yes, I am using the 2002 on CD. Its great.
Jim
iwire At this point I would wait for the 2005, if you get just the 2005 Code on CD-ROM it is $85 - $95
David Hyatt Never had a handbook, what does that cover?
Ryan_J If you decide to buy it, go to www.electrical-contractor.net to get it...best prices and free shipping. (no I'm not advertising it just because I help moderate the forum there).

I have found the NEC HAndbook on CD to be invaluable, especially if you are an instructor like me. It is very nice to use when you are doing power points on a projector for a show, and also when you are putting material together. It also has a great search engine.

David: The handbook provides commentary as well as code text.
iwire The Handbook has non-official interpretations of many code articles.

It also has pictures and examples of certain code articles.

Here is a small example:

A code article
quote:
110.26 Spaces About Electrical Equipment.
Sufficient access and working space shall be provided and maintained about all electric equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment. Enclosures housing electrical apparatus that are controlled by lock and key shall be considered accessible to qualified persons.


Now the Handbook commentary
quote:
Key to understanding 110.26 is the division of requirements for spaces about electrical equipment in two separate and distinct categories: working space and dedicated equipment space. Working space generally applies to the protection of the worker, and dedicated equipment space applies to the space reserved for future access to electrical equipment and to protection of the equipment from intrusion by nonelectrical equipment. The performance requirements for all spaces about electrical equipment are set forth in the first sentence. Storage of materials that blocks access or prevents safe work practices must be avoided at all times.


I think in article 250 the handbook is really helpful with pictures and examples of grounding methods.

When using the Handbook it must be remembered that even though it is published by the NFPA it is not "The Code" only opinions about the code from some people that know it well.

Here is part of a Notice in the front of the handbook.

quote:
The commentary and supplementary materials in this handbook are not a part of the Code and do not constitute Formal Interpretations of the NFPA (which can be obtained only through requests processed by the responsible technical committees in accordance with the published procedures of the NFPA). The commentary and supplementary materials, therefore, solely reflect the personal opinions of the editor or other contributors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the NFPA or its technical committees.


All that said I feel it is worth it.
David Hyatt Thanks guys I will look into that.