ECN Electrical Forum
Discussion Forums for Electricians, Inspectors and Related Professionals

Does anyone know of a site where I can get a free copy of the 2011 NEC so I don't have to buy it?

You can view it on the NFPA web site but it is a bit cumbersome.

I would recommend you buy the book and if you are really serious about an electrician career, buy the handbook. Despite their price, they are invaluable reference manuals to have on the jobsite and for future reference. Jot down notes, diagrams, etc in it and you will have them for all time

I'll probably just end up buying it. Just wondering so I dont have to spend all of that money.

From my experience i would recommend the Hand book. I am sure some people will recommend the regular code book.

I agree with the above guys to spend the extra $ & buy the Handbook. It's a great 'tool' for both entry level (serious guys) and the rest of us.

I'm still trying to figure out why there seems to be no Handbook CD/DVD this cycle.

I am with you there John. I would like the CD handbook too.

How does the PDF compare to the CD version? I looked and NFPA wants the same for the download as they want for a hard cover book. That is ridiculous.

Greg:
I know I'm going to miss the '11 Handbook both at the office, and on my laptop.

The PDF, from the little time I have had to 'play', seems to be OK, but the lack of the explanatory & graphics from the Handbook are going to be a pain.

Like I said, I got it 'free' with the '11 Changes book.

BTW, the 'lack' of the Handbook CD should make my Twp bean counter happy; one less item to xitch about the cost of.

Same with the CSA. They're charging the same price for CEC pdf as the actual book... you know, the one made of trees, plastic (oil), shipped by guy with his wage and fuel costs, ink.

It's like tiny +5Vdc is actually A THING with a price.
I'm surprised they don't charge shipping too.

Some people need a ground.

I think (someone told me) that if you joined NFPA and with a special membership, you can not only view the NEC, but you can also download sections of the code book. Again, I heard this from a lic. Elec. inspector who worked in a hospital. They would do it, because they didn't have to get books every 3 years, but they were still able to access the code.

Harold:
You may be talking about the "NEC Plus" from NFPA.

Web access to the NEC, for a membership price I believe.

I still prefer a printed book to hold in my hands; but electronically, I prefer the NEC Handbook on CD/DVD.

Heck ... save some cash ... join the IAEI. Three years membership and you get a free NEC.

they do? i was a member for over a decade, sure it's not a chapter thing Reno?

~S~

It is most certainly an IAEI-wide offer.

You should have received a card this year to fill out; the only charge was for shipping. Call Texas and chat with them.

Yup,

$8.00 I think it was.

Bill

If you join NFPA, there IS a members' discount.

Also, depending on when your jurisdiction adopts the NEC®, the NFPA Catalog (or online) seems to reduce pricing somewhat as you go farther into the Code cycle, so you might save a little by holding out until when you actually need to apply the newest edition.

I agree that the NEC® Handbook is worth the extra. Alternatively, for about $12/month or $113/year, NECplus online provides that information PLUS identifies the changes PLUS provides Formal Interpretations PLUS NFPA Staff notes. I use NECplus extensively, but it does have to be used on a computer because of the "panes" (no scrolling within a screen pane on an iPhone or iPad so far).

Also FWIW you can pick up the CHANGES in the 2011 NEC® (versus 2008) on either your iPhone or Android smartphone for FREE; see http://necchanges.boopsie.com/ ; got to be loaded from your smartphone itself (or the app stores).

That member's "discount" is easily beat when you buy the code at your local supply house, through ECN, through the IAEI, or Mike Holt. No big savings there- and a membership dues far higher than any other 'professional association' I've encountered.

As for the book "Analysis of Changes," that book is included in the price of any code-update seminar.

We've posted here before: you want a wide choice of codes free, the internet is your friend. www.bulkresource.org That's the pl;ace to go.

I am a member of IAEI and NFPA and I do get a free NEC code book every 3 years.

John,

I did see NEC Plus and I bought the NFPA package this year which gives me 3 months of free NEC Plus. The other thing I was talking about was around years ago. Before NEC Plus, someone I knew joined NFPA and paid extra to have the privilege to be able to download sections of the NFPA codes.