ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues 2005 NEC On Line??

John... I have often had the same questions concerning the "legality" of laws not being in the public domain.

How is it that NFPA can boast that the NEC has been adopted in all 50 states (although not the same edition)... and then the only way to get a copy is to pay for the book?

You would think that once a state has adopted a particular version of the NEC (as an example) then the document would then have to be available free of charge. Now granted most public libraries have access to these documents, but, not all. If someone lives 100 miles from the nearest public library, does that mean if they are unwilling to travel then then are just SOL? Shouldn't all codes that are incorporated by reference be readily accessible to the regulated community?

For example in the Ohio Fire Code, there are a whole host of consensus standards (NFPA, ANSI, ASTM. ASME, etc.) that have been incorporated by reference in the Ohio Administrative Code. You would think there would be a reasonble way to review all of those standards.

I'm just on a rant.

safetygem ---

The copyright issue is one of form not of substance.

A proper way to adopt a code is to say something along the lines of: you may follow the current version of any nationally recognized electrical code or supply engineering.

If a permit applicant choses to build to the NEC, he brings the codebook to the AHJ and says he is following that book.

Anytime a community adopts a specific code they are in deep financial trouble. They need to provide the code book to the applicant and pay the copyright holder.

Free Access to the NEC
http://www.nfpa.org/freecodes/free_access_agreement.asp?id=7005SB

Thanks Joe. I like that this one is provided by the NFPA.

Roger

Roger:

For sure, I found out about from a Home Inspector!

This will settle the issue that concerned some who thought that it should be made public on for review.

We can probably use it here when necessary keeping it minimized on our machines.

Joe, good point.

Roger