National Electrical Code 2008 Handbook (International Electrical Code)

Ever wonder what gage and type of wire you need for a 20A current draw on a motor? Or how many 16 gage wires you can fit into a 4 x 6 junction box? Or what breaker size you need for an electrical panel? Or?... [insert hundreds of other electrical questions]. If so, this book is probably for you.Having worked with a LOT of standards, I have say the NEC code book has got it's act together. This is the defacto standard for anyone who needs to work with electricity or design electrical appliances. The best part of this standard is that it clearly states the code rule and the goes on to give rationale and examples.As an engineer that works on a variety of electro-mechanical equipment, the in-depth explanations presented in this standard are really appreciated. In my opinion, a good working knowledge of this standard is a must for most engineers and tradesmen who work around electricity. Most devices have their own standards but the NEC is simply referenced everywhere and some local jurisdictions lean heavily on it so it's always good to be familiar with it.It's always important to keep the most up to date version of the standard and for this reason I recommend this version. For me, the in-depth topic of SCCR (short circuit current rating) was worth the update.

As a general contractor, I need to keep up on all the codes, electrical included. This book, while more expensive than the regular NEC 2008 code book provides narrative to explain the intent of a particular code item and also provides many color pictures to better clarify the code item. I find it very useful since if you have ever read a code book, they are not the most clearly written books out there. I've used the handbook version of the NEC on more than one occasion to correct an electrician as well as electrical inspectors. I believe it's a must have if you are in the building trade to have in your library. Not so much if you are a homeowner trying to do your own electrical work. There are "How To" books out there to assist you with you electrical projects.

The NEC 2008 Handbook is a great book. It's the best non-addictive cure for insomnia since Benadryl. It's thick enough to be used as a pillow -- and yet, at the same time, its hard cover makes it an ideal lap table for working while commuting via bus or rail. It's heavy enough to be used as both a doorstop and a weapon of self-defense.The story line is a little weak in places, and I don't think we'll ever see a movie version of it, but I predict that it will be invaluable to archaeologists 2000 years from now.(Honestly, I'm not sure how to review a handbook for the National Electric Code, but I can say that the explanatory text and accompanying illustrations make the book do a good job of explaining the Code and, hopefully, making it easier to remember.)

I have purchased the NEC handbook ever since the format changed in 1999. This book is just as informative and useful as every other year.The pictures along with the text explanations leave little to ponder. This is a nice tool to have when the AHJ or Engineer wants to give you his/her opinion on what the NFPA 'meant'.I have been able to convince more than once Inspector that my installation was EXACTLY what the NFPA 'meant' after showing them the pictures and explanations in the handbook.The only drawback is that other electricians in our local call me to ask my code advice because they know I have the handbook. I tell them, "buy your own darned book"! :)

Excelente

Not much more helpful than the plain ol NEC even with a few more pictures and a few more additional notes. But it is cheaper than the NEC if you don't mind the hard cover edition being twice as heavy as the soft cover editions. DON'T expect to easily find everything easily from either the index or the appendix. It is not meant for the amateur trying to find understand what is necessary to conform to the National Electrical Code. It compares to the national tax code, maybe not quite so bad.

This is the Bible of the electricians world. I'd rather read this, than a novel. Why? Because I'd rather learn how things work than a mindless story about Harry Potter or Twilight Vampires.but that's just me.

I like the NEC because it is a guide for preforming electrical jobs in the workplace. If I don't know the local jurisdiction's preference, I can use the NEC and proceed from there with little fear of reprisal from those concerned authorities. I like the fact that there is a national standard that field techs can refer to for quick reference and guidance on job assignments. This book can save a lot of telephoning for answers to electrical questions.