How to Organize and Label Your Code Book!!!

As we all know, the NFPA 70 is quite full 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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#electrician #electrical #electricity

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 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, 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. 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!

[barryomahony]

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.

[YTTN-gyqz]

I'm an electrician in Japan. It's so fun to watch your videos and understand the differences between Japanese and American electrical work!

[ZopcsakFeri]

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!

[XPinarello]

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.

[marcorodriguez]

Journeyman from El Paso TX here. Watching your videos has helped me a lot with my work. You’re a real social media influencer of our generation man. Will never forget where I learned my stuff from.

[ricardovarajr]

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! 👍🏽

[Jaycameron]

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.

[katestay]

Your videos just keep getting better!! Thanks for all your help. I'm a second yr Industrial Electrician/Ship Builder.

[ΕλέησονΑμαρτωλόν]

Just getting to the code book in my apprenticeship. Timely help. Thank you.

[cjvillarreal]

Mike Holt sells a good set of tabs that’s color coded. I definitely recommend them over other tabs on the market.

[TODD-KOBELL]

I was taught the "plan build use theory" for using the code. And tabs make that easier.

[duenge]

Retired Fire Marshal....I me time EVERY DAY!

[mikenormandy]

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!

[clydecoffey]

every community has its own code book, i enjoy the nec when going into litigation

[shawn]

This video couldn’t have come at a better time

[syntheticsol]

TY MY DUDE! Been hoping with fingers crossed 🤞 for this and finally my wish came true 👍.

[noferblatz]

How about a video on derating-- how it affects the breaker size and any other ramifications.

[timothyjewett]

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

[damienfrazier]

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

[weshibbs]

Throw us a bone and share a link for your preferred tabs!