How to Organize and Label Your Code Book!!!
As we all know, the NFPA 70 (aka NEC code book!) is quite full of a TON of information. Being able to interpret that information is vital to us as electricians so we can do our jobs. But, so is being able to FIND that information! And, as each of us are different in the way we can search for/retain the information located within the NEC, there are a myriad of ways to accomplish this. In this episode of Electrician U, Dustin answers a follower’s question about how he labels his codebooks.
[00:15] - Intro
[01:05] - How I tab MY code book
[02:45] - Where I place tabs.
[03:30] - Highlighting
[04:47] - Tables I like to highlight
[08:00] - Back of the book tabs
[09:47] Merch Messages - Outro
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The first way would be to label the important and most often used sections of the codebook, and we do this in the form of tabbing our books. You can purchase a preprinted set of these tabs at the same place you purchase your codebook, or most electrical supply houses or online stores. You can get color coded tabs that separate different sections by color, or you can get a set of tabs that is a solid color if you so choose. The colored tabs tend to make navigation a bit easier (especially if you are new to the codebook world) as it keeps the sections separated, but usually cost a bit more than the stock tabs. The location of your tabs can also be manipulated; while the tabs are made to be installed on the long edge of the page, it can be useful to put some along the top of the pages for some of your most often used items (I tend to put the tables up there) so you don’t have to surf through ALL the tabs to find the item you are looking for.
Using highlighters is another popular way to identify the information you are looking for within the sea of stark white paper and black writing. It can make certain things POP by drawing your eyes toward the color. A bit of caution here, however, to not OVER highlight as it can do the opposite if you have too much color on the page. So, for instance, if you highlighted T250.66 right above the actual table, it would make it easier to see on the page. You also could highlight the COPPER and Size of Largest Ungrounded Conductor; the Copper as it is typically the most common conductor type, we use and the Size of Largest Ungrounded Conductor as that is how conductor sizing is accomplished on that particular table. Another example is Table 310.16. If you were to highlight the temperature numbers themselves, the copper and aluminum words, and draw a vertical line down the middle (splitting the two different conductor compositions apart from one another) it can make navigation of the table much easier and quicker. Highlighting the different PARTS within a section can also be handy so you are aware when you are entering a different part of the same section.
Another item that can be (and SHOULD be) done to your codebook, is to make notes. Take table 310.15(C)(1) for example. The table lists the adjustment factors needed, based upon quantity of current carrying conductors in a raceway. But it doesn’t apply to nipples (24” or less). But if you make a note right above the table stating that it doesn’t apply to nipples, your eyes will be drawn to that in lieu of you having to hunt that information down out of the text. It’s just much easier to see and allows for quicker navigation! If you have encountered an issue before or learned something related to a particular portion of the code, write it down so it will jog your memory when you see it.
Each person is an individual, and the way you organize YOUR codebook should be the same!
#electrician #electrical #electricity
IMO, easier to get the PDF and use the search function, but I hear that NFPA isn't making it available in PDF anymore. Seems like a big step backwards.
They've gone to NFPA-Link, a $10/mo subscription for access to all the digital codes...so you can still get away w/o the paper book. But as far as I can tell you are correct...no .PDF and no easy way to print stuff out either, at least not from an iphone/pad. There is a "bookmark" feature.
@@HBSuccess 10$ a month is ALOT of money, what a stupid money grab, you can't own shit these days, everything is a "service" with subscriptions, having to fucking pay monthly just to have access to information that make the difference between legal work and violations ? what a shame
I'm an electrician in Japan. It's so fun to watch your videos and understand the differences between Japanese and American electrical work!
Go to International Code Council (ICC) and peruse their study materials. I was a Fire Life Safety plan checker for The Division of the State Architect in California. The job required a very thorough understanding of the all the codes, and ICC study materials were always helpful.
I'm so envious of your codebook. In the Kleptocratic Dick'tatorship of Hungary, you are required to purchase the electrical standards by the issue, year by year, standard by standard (=number by number). Of course, you can skip the ones you will never need, but it's also your responsibility to hunt down what kinds of standards exist there in the first place. Having them all in one book makes it so much more user friendly!
Where did you get the tabs from?
Throw us a bone and share a link for your preferred tabs!
Just getting to the code book in my apprenticeship. Timely help. Thank you.
Saved my life man. Got my code class and dc theory the week of March 7th. Trying to navigate this code book to pass my school week. Keep the videos coming! 👍🏽
I was taught the "plan build use theory" for using the code. And tabs make that easier.
I think it would be helpful to get a video about different raceways and conduits, where they should be used, and where they shouldn't.
where do you buy your tabs from?
Amazon
Your videos just keep getting better!! Thanks for all your help. I'm a second yr Industrial Electrician/Ship Builder.
TY MY DUDE! Been hoping with fingers crossed 🤞 for this and finally my wish came true 👍.
When i got my first code book i was really unsure if i wanted to spend the money on tabs, but once i did, im SO glad i got the color coded tabs. For the price of tabs.. buy the good ones.
It was nice, Our school provided labels made by a certain company, to label our last codebook (2017) and the newest one! Very similar to the way you do it!
I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge man
Retired Fire Marshal....I agree.....Saved me time EVERY DAY!
Mike Holt sells a good set of tabs that’s color coded. I definitely recommend them over other tabs on the market.
Thanks a lot, super helpful
Awesome! Hope to find some stickers for the CEC book
Link for the tabs?
Great video as always Dustin, I did my tabs like you did at first and then my teacher told me after if I followed the instructions on the tabs it says to start from the back and you can have nice descending and ascending tabs that you can easily read in a zig zag formation rather than just on top of each other
every community has its own code book, i enjoy the nec when going into litigation
Thank you for this dude , big help believe it or not !
This video couldn’t have come at a better time
Same here, was just thinking this morning again how to correctly label the code book, but just assumed most people know lol
Great Video
Great point. Thank you. P.S. Where did you get nice Tabs for your book?
How about a video on derating-- how it affects the breaker size and any other ramifications.
Very helpful videos, where did you buy your tabs?
Troubleshooting techniques for various circuits. Three ways, lighting control, etc.
Can you do a topic on working with RMC? It gets a bit tricking when you have to think in 3 dimensions to screw fittings/90s/bends, and any tips or tricks you have would be great for the guys in the industrial side of the industry
Just wondering if it might be interesting to understand the process of balancing the loads in a panel and the reasoning behind this practice, thanks from British Columbia, Canada
Could you do a video on commercial HVAC systems and the low and high voltage side of things. Contactors, relays, safetys, dampers, or just commercial package units or RTUs.
Thank you Dustin! Howdy from SLC! I would like to know where you got the specific tabs that are in your 2020 NEC code book, who makes them ? Thanks my fellow sparky!
Haha Adai ! I was wondering if you had any tips and tricks on running and dressing wires. I’m a relay technician, and deal with panels full of them. Any help would be much appreciated.
If I'm trying to study for an apprenticeship program, do I need the most updated version of the NECB? I want to be ahead of myself before I start.
Where do you buy your color coded tabs from?
New to the electrical field and a new DIYer. This may be a stupid question but if I'm doing electrical work, like rewiring my own home, do I have to adhere to the newest code which is 2023? Or can I just follow the code from 2017? Would that be legal work and safe?
You have to check with your state requirements. In Texas we have a standard set of tabs to be used in order to have your book during the test. So a big mistake is tabbing with the wrong ones and being told you can’t take the book in with you.
NJ supplies a codebook for you. It makes the test so much harder than when you’re using a personal tabbed and highlighted book. Here’s to attempt number two for me in June. 😅
How can I get the correct information/study books for the tkt II test?
Where did you buy your tabs
I am learning. Thank you for sll your videos... They have helped me a lot. Where would you suggest I pick up the 2020 Nec code book? Softcover, hardcover, or spiral bound? Thank you for taking the time to answer. Also is there an updated 2020 book? Version 1, etc.
Softcover all the way. Feels better in your hands and it's more efficient to flip through. With Spiral-bound edition, the pages will partially catch as you flip through. Hardcover is awkward to navigate when holding with both hands
Can you do a video of fuses why we use them and what they do and where we would use them please
Looking at tabs now are there specific tabs you would suggest??
are those mike holt's NEC tabs?
man wish we had a canadian version of you hahaha the ontario code book is so confusing at times
APPRENTICES!! Especially 1st years! DO NOT tab your code book! DO NOT write in your code book! DO NOT fold the tips of certain pages down. Dont memorize page numbers as codes can change pages in new books. try your best to keep it clean. If you see a J-Mans code book tabbed that is because they are finished school! In exams you are given a "Fresh" code book. If you are used to finding shit using a tabbed code book you will have issues in those exams. As much as you may think the tabs will help you learn where things are faster... this may be the case at first but after a bit you will forget about trying to "remember" where something is using Tabs & solely rely on the fact that those tabs are there! Instructors & Your Jman should be telling you this.
This is location specific advice, where I am (WA) you can have a tabbed book and other material in your exam. Just no handwritten notes.
Same, where I am you being your own book, tabs are allowed, highlights allowed, but notes have to be in the “notes” section. Massachusetts
What Aboutt thee handbook for the codebook?
How do you print on the tabs?
Q, How do plasma welders work electrically? Why don't they blow the breakers etc etc
Do you have a link for tabs
I have to ask which tabs/brand you actually used. It seems they're laminated! It also looks like you've used a transparent label maker to write on the tabs. Thanks for the great video!
You can order the premade code tabs from NFPA. I also bought Avery brand tabs that you can write on from Staples to tab things that were useful to me that didn’t have a premade tab.
Single and three phase motors, and AC and DC motors and generators.
How long does this take you? When you get the new code book do you just sit down and re-do everything again in one sitting or?
If you get the premade tabs from the same company that puts out the code book, they come in order, took about 10 minutes to peel and stick.
Is there anyone on youtube for the nfpa 72?
Looks like Avery Ultra Tabs
Do you have any advice for committing the code to memory? You seem to know it like the back of your hand.
I would recommend reading the table of contents and getting a general idea of major themes. The book sort of goes in a logical way of how power comes in to a building. Chapter 1 is definitions and general electrical practices. Chapter 2 contains wiring like services, panels/ breakers, branch circuits, feeders, 250 grounding, etc… Chapter 3 has wiring methods including Romex, Mc, emt, rigid. Chapter 4 has devices like switches, receptacles, 430 has motors. Chapter 5 has your classes regarding different environments and hazard levels associated with them. Chapter 6 you start getting into specialty stuff like hospitals, hotels, commercial environments, pools. I forget Chapter 7 and 8 off the top of my head. Chapter 9 has tables and is the last chapter of “official” information. After that you have informative annexes that provide information and quick reference charts and tables for conduit fill and stuff like that using all similar conductors. Hope this helped.
Question: are the classes that you accredited or is it for general knowledge? Btw, great content and videos
Thank you! Our continuing education classes are approved and count for the CE credits you need to maintain your license in several states (and more to come). The general courses at this time are more meant to help improve your own understanding or to prepare for exams. Someday we aim to have approved education to apply to your required hours to become a licensed electrician but we're not quite there yet.
@@ElectricianU Thank you for your input! I'm considering doing an Electrical apprenticeship through college. Would the courses you provide benefit me in learning about the trade?
Hey man i guess ill add a question to the pile. im looking to get started as an electrician apprentice here in michigan, i dont have anything on my resume/portfolio to really stand out, i dont know much about the NEC and i keep getting asked how many years ive been under a master electrician (i always answer 0 ) is there something that i can do/take to help stand out? Any help is appreciated
Have you applied for a job at any local electrical contractors yet. Everyone starts out with zero experience. Don't really need a resume. Just a willingness to listen to instructions and be willing to work. The first few years can be tough. But it is a great career path.
@@KandMAdventures804 i have applied at like 6 electric companies, is that what you are referring to? I will admit i applied at 1 contractor company and he seemed very excited to have me on board but i turned it down due to the traveling(found out im going from 3 to 5 kids in the next couple of months)
I can only speak from a privileged perspective of coming from a trade school. But I know many people who started green. I would say try to make a solid impression on people and be willing to learn and put in those tough hours because the benefits do come in a short period of time. You could even try to work for cash or for free on the weekend if you find someone to train you green, having a basic set of hand tools and a tool belt will show your willingness to commit to the trade. Try to be neat in your image of yourself. I know all of this may sound kind of elitist or assume you have the ability to work for free or but expensive tools. Trust me, it will pay dividends if you pursue it. Get some good Klein basic apprentice set to get you started and an impact driver and drill combo with 2 batteries. I personally use DeWalt but all power tool companies these days are pretty solid. Don’t go Bosch or makita, too expensive and not enough products to make it worth your investment
I've been told I'm no longer allowed to wrap thhn around device screws, we have to use stake-ons. When I ask why, I'm told to read my codebook. I've been cover to cover and can't find the code answering my question. Can you help out with this one?
Who told you that? I have NEVER heard that, That is a considerate change for sure. Don't think that is true....??
My current foreman told me this. Like said, all he'll tell me is to read my codebook. Won't actually show me where it is. I have no issue with using stake-ons but, if someone is going to tell me to do it because of a code change, they shouldn't have an issue with showing it to me
I've never seen it in code but I can understand why they'd want it for stranded wire terminations.
@@martykoehler6512 Yeah agreed, Maybe for stranded wire, DEF use fork/stake-ons, etc...but for solid? fuck no...And I don't even think there is a code TO HAVE TO use a crimped connection for devices and str wire...??? Maybe someone could help me out here?
Searched the code book and couldn't find it myself. Chances are it's not in the code book. It could be a code requirement issued by your state. Best thing to do is ask those who are over electrical code in your state and ask them directly if what you're told is correct. It they say no then it's not code regardless what the code book says. States do not have to adopt the whole code book. My state for example doesn't require AFCIs to be installed, so I'm not breaking code if I don't install them, but the state does allow local jurisdictions to ask for their installations if they so choose. By doing it that way you'll get a for sure answer of what's really required.
What about the label maker itself? I like the print better than handwritten.
Someone probably covered my question, but how do you label your tabs? Looks like you printed the text on each tab.
I got this same sheet of tabs from NFPA when I ordered my 2020 code book. It was part of a package with Ugly's, a keyword index and other helpful materials
Where is the best place to get a decent code book from? There are some crappy prints being sold from various places like Amazon.
I was also hoping for info about where to get legit code books
www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=70
Go to an electrical supply house and make sure you get amendments if your state has any. And only get a bound book, never get the binder it sucks.
In NJ you’re not allowed to take a tabbed book in for testing. Sucks! 😅
where do we get these labels?
Supply houses have them
Can I use my book with tabs for my test?
Check your state requirements. In MA you can bring your own book with tabs and notes but in RI you cannot bring a book at all.
What is a code book
where can i purchase these books ?
www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=70
Keep in mind for Colorado apprentices you are not allowed to use your own book if there are any highlights in your code book.
Um. Why doesn't the book come with tabs?
It’s a racket plain and simple. Electricians make money so they know you will pay. It’s worth it though
Me: Deleting my NASA electrical space station question 😬
Code book reading comprehension, I feel like IM reading Chinese.
I think a great video you would do well is explaining voltage drop calculations as well as calculating for a conductors exact resistance it would be helpful for many. Especially apprentices going through school.