ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Science behind the NEC

Gentlemen,
I know it would take volumes to cover the "science" behind the code, but it would be a great resource to have one place to go to for that kind of information. Please, realize that I'm talking about the "science" behind the entire code. I used the examples above because they were the first things that came to my mind.
Is a work of this magnetude even possible. Would anyone besides myself, and a few others on this forum want it.
So many books are written about "what the articles and sections mean", but few are written about how the articles evolved into the code that we have today.

Where am I?,
Doc

Yo Doc,
I know this sounds unholy boring, but I always thought that as a teacher, I should REfamiliarize myself with the basics at least every few years, it's just one of those REAL boring obligations I've set for myself.

But with that in mind, there are three books I rely on that start at the beginning and work your way up.

1) The American Electricians Handbook
2) Eustace Soares "Grounding and Bonding Electrical Systems for Safety" currently published by the IAEI, also available from Construction bookstore
3) Transformers by Gebert/Edwards (May not be published anymore.

I never do this marathon style, even I can't take it (and I was a history major )I read one chapter a night, sometimes even a half. Not exactly a monumental effort, but it does take a bit of consistency and dedication.

They don't go into a lot of history, but all 3 literally will begin at the bottom, and take you as far as you need to go.

Hope that's what you're looking for.

hmmm,
Doc ...you propose an interesting document, of marketable caliber, as i would surely purchase one.

I can imagine some sort of HB style, where there is the current code, and 'historical' commentary of length to follow....

one of yer better 'scrips Doc.....

Watt Dr.: What a great idea. I am working on a book already, with David E. Shapiro. I started as an apprentice in 1941 so I was around when a lot of this happened.
If any of you have additions to Watt Dr/s list it would be helpful.
Thanks.
Creighton.
PS George C. didn't we correspond a few years ago?

That does sound like an interesting topic.
How about;

Conduit fill %
360 deg. of bend
derating by # of conductors and temp.
Box fill

There must also be some science behind spacing of supports for different sizes of pvc conduit and expansion fittings.

Bill

Creighton,
We did, we did. Actually on several things a few years ago. You are probably remembering a little fight I had with a local AHJ when I was a contractor. The AHJ wanted to electrically isolate the gas pipe, and then wanted it tested to prove it was isolated.

You and Tom Henry were both kind enough to ring in for my appearance before the VA state electrical board.

We had some other correspondence on some articles I was writing, something I have not done in about 8 years. Thanks for remembering.

I agree wholeheartedly on this.

I'm always interested in why certain arrangements or requirements came about, when they were introduced, and so on.

Fricken...fracken...#@%...sassafrilliacken...If you y'all write a book and become billionares would you at least say it was "The Watt Doctor's" idea, and maybe slip me a copy of it when nobody is looking. Just send ol' poor homeless Doc some bread crums. I also agree with spark. It should be in "handbook form". Tarnation....dagnabit...I could have been an "electric star".....fricken...famuos writer....limoes...private jets...Hollywood parties...
Gentlemen, for the good of the trade, if you can use the idea, run with it.

Watt could have been?,
Doc

[This message has been edited by The Watt Doctor (edited 08-02-2002).]