National Electrical Code Handbook

by Brian J. McPartland, Joseph F. McPartland

The Best Code Reference in Print Edition after popular edition, McGraw-Hill's "National Electrical Code(R) Handbook" has delivered unmatched put-the-Code(R)-into-practice guidance. No wonder it's been the leading reference on the NEC(R) for more than 70 years!

Completely updated to reflect the 2005 National Electrical Code(R) this is the most frequently consulted NEC(R) guidebook in the world -- an indispensable, authoritative source of Code(R) how-to's, interpretation, and advice.

Step-by-step advice on all troublesome and controversial sections of the Code(R) Helps electrical workers pass inspection the very first time Extra thorough explanations, without word-for-word reproduction of the Code(R) A lavish offering of task-simplifying photography and drawings, to make every procedure crystal clear Best value -- because every page of every section provides 100% applicable Code(R) interpretation and advice

1360 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1979

Reviews

[Joseph Alexander Nagy, Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great tool for any electrician looking to navigate his or her way through the myriad of rules presented in the 2011 edition of the National Electrical Code as published by the National Fire Protection Association. From the very beginning it gets right down to business and begins with detailed explanations of every bullet point presented starting in Article 90.

While I won’t say this is a perfect book, it is extremely thorough and – as an added benefit for some of the more computer-savvy amongst electricians – there is a full PDF copy (which is fully searchable) of the book available for download (the code is under one of those scratch-off areas in the very beginning of the book).

If I had any complaint of the book at all, it would be it’s apparent lack of tables. The most glaring of these omissions – at least for me – was the motor tables that come after 430.245 (labeled XIV. Tables). The only reason I can think of for the tables not being included are that they are really pretty self-explanatory and need no further interpretation. There is, though, no where in the book that I have found that expounds on why the tables have been left out (or even that they have been left out).

Aside from that, I really enjoy McGraw-Hill’s book. I find it is going to be a valuable addition to mine – and many other people’s – library for as long as the 2011 NEC is enforced. I strongly recommend this book unless you feel that the tables in the NEC need further explanation. In that case, you may not find this book to be as useful as I have found it.

[Cleve Trosclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best resources for electrical contractor on the market. No matter where you are, these codes and methods work in most municipalities in the USA. However, it is best to check your local building codes, just to be sure. As an electrician, I've learned it's best to be above the minimal requirements in some applications. I 've seen people do some amazing things in their homes and garages