Here's a convenient, quick-reference guide to current electrical code, designed for on-site use. You'll find anything you need to wire a house right the first time -- all collected in a user-friendly flip chart with durable spiral binding and laminated pages.

Here are a few of the ways Code Check Electric can help you work smarter and faster to wire a safe house.

• Instantly provides the correct answers to hundreds of common code questions
• Gives you valuable details for use in the planning and layout of your wiring projects
• Conveniently referenced to the National Electrical Code and International Residential Code
• Provides current information compiled by Certified Combination Building Inspectors and Master Electricians
• Helps you work more efficiently on-site by reducing code violations

About the Authors
Redwood Kardon, who devised and wrote the first Code Check, is a former electrician and inspector for the city of Oakland, California. Douglas Hansen is a general contractor and certified combination inspector with over 30 years of field experience. Michael Casey is a contractor, master plumber, and certified combination inspector. All three present seminars and classes nationwide on a wide variety of building topics. Paddy Morrissey, former senior illustrator of cornerhardware.com, has been the sole illustrator for the Code Check series since its inception.

Introduction, Codes, Abbreviations

Glossary of Electrical Terms

Services

Working Space, Separate Buildings, Temporary Wiring, Underground Wiring

Load Calculations

Grounding

Bonding, Panels

Multiwire Circuits, AFCIs, Boxes

GFCIs, Branch Circuits and Outlets

Kitchens

Switches, Lighting, Appliances

Ampacity Tables

Cables, Voltage Drop

Raceways, Conduit Fill

Photovoltaics

Pools and Spas

Old Wiring

Code Changes

Code Check Electrical is a field guide to common code issues in residential electrical installations. It is based on the 2008 National Electrical Code -- the most widely used electrical code in the United States -- and the 2006 International Residential Code. Before beginning any electrical project, check with your local building department. In addition to a model code, special rules from utility companies and energy codes could also apply.

Each code line in Code Check Electrical references the two codes named above. Many building jurisdictions use older versions of the codes. Because the 2006 IRC is derived from the 2005 NEC, you could essentially use the IRC column if your local area is still using the 2005 NEC. We have also highlighted the more significant changes in these last two code editions, and those changes are summarized in a list on the inside back cover.

In places where the IRC does not reference a particular rule, the NEC rule might still apply, even where the IRC code is adopted. The IRC states that items not specifically mentioned in that code should comply with the NEC. This is particularly true for issues such as old wiring, outside feeders, and photovoltaics, which are not covered at all in the IRC.