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Discussion Forum

Code Books

ward121 | Posted in General Discussion on November 30, 2009 02:25am

After reading the Code requirements for the lights in the closet, I started to think I would like a copy to reference for future projects around the house.
How are the Code Check series of books? Is there something better?

Ward

 

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Replies

  1. JMadson | Nov 30, 2009 03:29am | #1

    Ward -

    I never had a chance to use them but I do have a set I'd be willing to sell.

    Let me know,

    joe

    View Image

     
     
    1. mikeroop | Nov 30, 2009 03:42am | #2

      how much?

      1. JMadson | Nov 30, 2009 06:15am | #6

        There listed at $17 each.

        Electrical is from 2002Plumbing from 2004HVAC from 2002Building from 2003 and Field Guide from 2000

        How much would they be worth now? 

         

  2. SBerruezo | Nov 30, 2009 05:06am | #3

    I keep a Code Check Complete (about $25 on amazon.com) in the truck. Great to have around, but I'm sure not a match for the real code books. It is based on the 2006 IRC.

    For the money, I think it is worthwhile, and it puts it into one book. I haven't looked to see if it cuts out sections from the other trade specific Code Checks.

     

    1. MikeSmith | Nov 30, 2009 05:21am | #4

      some jurisdictions require you to have a current issue of the code....my massachusetts cs license requires it

      in ri , it is not required... but it is how we make a living.... we always have a current copy of the code with all the Rhode Island amendments.... it is a great design and specification  tool tooMike Hussein Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

  3. joeh | Nov 30, 2009 05:47am | #5

    Link to downloads for codes.

    http://bulk.resource.org/codes.gov/

    Bill Hartman found this some time back.

    Joe H

    1. User avater
      Matt | Nov 30, 2009 06:25am | #7

      Wow! - Cool site - although some documents are outdated for my state (NC) and the residential code isn't there but I have the book anyway.  Really I'm shocked.  That stuff is copywrited.   I may download some and print at the office since there is a high speed printer there. 

      Ahhh - Ok while typing this I'm downloading the NC flavor of the NEC - 848 pages - so I won't print it....  (BTW - it 127 meg!)  be good to just store it for future reference - having an electronically searchable copy is pretty handy when you don't know exactly what you are looking for...

      First thing I learn though is that arc falt breakers are now required in most all parts of the home.  I knew that was comming but didn't know it was "here". 

  4. User avater
    Matt | Nov 30, 2009 06:31am | #8

    Sorry for the brief hijack...

    Re Code Check books - and this from a building professional - sorry but they are cr@p.   Kinda like one size fits all pants.  Doesn't work too good does it?  Or, how about the Clif Notes version of medical school?  You could save money on operations for your family ... :-)

  5. User avater
    bobl | Nov 30, 2009 04:01pm | #9

    "That stuff is copywrited."

    IIRC there was some court ruling that said since the code is part of law, laws can't be copywritten.

     

    bobl          Volo, non valeo

    Baloney detecter    WFR

    "But when you're a kibbutzer and have no responsibility to decide the facts and apply the law, you can reach any conclusion you want because it doesn't matter." SHG

    1. User avater
      PaulBinCT | Nov 30, 2009 10:52pm | #10

      I believe you're right.  I also seem to recall a law that said all such documents had to be made readily accessable without charge in libraries etc.  Maybe that's the rationale...PaulB

      http://www.finecontracting.com

      1. User avater
        PaulBinCT | Nov 30, 2009 10:57pm | #11

        Was just wandering around there and found this:

        http://www.flickr.com/photos/publicresourceorg/2790563486/in/set-72157606911738805/

        Apparently they have a good sense of humor too ;)PaulB

        http://www.finecontracting.com

  6. mikeroop | Nov 30, 2009 11:51pm | #12

    dont know. i cant price em and buy em. :)

  7. UkeJoe | Dec 01, 2009 12:49am | #13

    Find out from your municipality what are the latest codes they require to be followed by. This you can typically also find out online if your local municipality has a website. Some municipalities may also have all of the typical items they look for (i.e. closet lighting) in printed format as a handout.

    I find that municipalities right now are listingthe following codes that are required to be followed: International Residential Code 2006, International Building Code 2006, Energy Conservation Code 2009, the latest State Plumbing Code, etc. Always check which year and they will also probably have ammendments to the codes specfic for the municipality.

    For pricing of new code books and reference books, go to http://www.constructionbook.com. This will give you all of the codes you can purchase. The prices are fair.

     

    1. ward121 | Dec 01, 2009 03:58am | #14

      Thanks for all the info! The one thing I take away from all of it is there must be a concise quick reference to all these code and the most popular appears to Be Code Check. I see they have the complete set for sale on there site with free shipping!! I live in a small town where the Building inspector never returns my calls and the neighbors say he never comes this far out from town. I am just DIY around the house so my biggest concern is Safety of the family, Insurance company, and resale. Thanks againWard 

      1. User avater
        mmoogie | Dec 01, 2009 04:27am | #15

        For DIY the code check books are a decent starter reference. But only that, a starting point. I have the full 2006 IRC in a three ring binder. It's not as hard to understand as you might think and it certainly is definitive. I have the NY State code book in a searchable PDF file on my computer, which is basically the 2006 IRC with some local differences. The search ability is a great boon to honing in on what you are looking for quickly.Steve

        1. ward121 | Dec 01, 2009 05:09am | #17

          I haven't been able to find a NY online yet..Where did you get the PDF? 

          1. User avater
            mmoogie | Dec 01, 2009 05:44am | #19

            This is the 2007 downloadable NY residential code. It's based on the 2003 IRC. Cost is 80 bucks.http://www.iccsafe.org/store/Pages/Product.aspx?id=8710PNY07_PD-X-NY-P-2007-000003This is the draft 2006 NY Residential code in a free, read-only PDF format online.http://www2.iccsafe.org/states/new_york/NY_Residential/residential_frameset.htmI don't know how tedious searching for things in the online version would be, and I don't see an immediate way to download it other than opening each link and saving the individual chapter PDFs, but I haven't looked very hard.Steveedit to add the whole NY catalogue:http://www.iccsafe.org/Store/Pages/Category.aspx?cat=ICCSafe&category=4400&parentcategory=Store%20Products,1170&parentcategory=3340e-mail me, [email protected] for more details...

            Edited 11/30/2009 9:48 pm by mmoogie

      2. joeh | Dec 01, 2009 04:45am | #16

        Those code check books (and I do have them) are not the answer to "how to do it".

        They may help you avoid mistakes but they aren't the same as a "how to" book.

        Joe H

         

        1. ward121 | Dec 01, 2009 05:20am | #18

          The how to I can figure out (usually) What I was hoping for was a WHAT to. A few years ago I replaced a back window with a door. I had the toughest time finding the "code" for the railings for the back steps and the new light switch inside the door....I did get plenty of free advice from frends and neighbors. None was knowledgeable of the codes and most could care less about them.
          Want to guess how much a "pro" wanted to charge me to point at the wall and say "put the switch there"
          I'm just looking for a reference, I have plenty of experience reading CFR's and other regulations and most of them have consolidated versions. ThanksWard 

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