Code Online?

sandyman720

Does anyone know where to get an online version for the construction code?

Thanks

thom

Codes are copywrited so they aren't available on-line. Strange thing that you can copywrite laws. Maybe someday they'll make them secret so you won't know you violated them until you fail inspection.

sandyman720

Just wondering if anyone had them in a .pdf format.

I have the NEC code in .pdf that I got from a rep of Square D.

mdshunk

They're available in .PDF format, but not for free. You need to buy the CD's from the code-makers. Rumor has it that you might be able to snag them on a file sharing site like Limewire from time to time when a certain guy is online.

concretemasonry

Why should the code writing groups and standards establishing group make them available for free?

The codes are written by individuals that dedicate a lot of time an effort for no pay. Some are volunteers, some are employed by companies, some are working for "non-profit" organizations (educational, etc.). In most cases, there are only individual voting memberships and no corporate memberships. If you are involved in the writing, you may get your personal copy free.

There is a considerable time on adminstrative costs expended during the writing, public hearings and other cost.

When everything is said and done, a code or standard is written, but has no legal standing unitil it is adopted by legal body or organization. - Someone has to pay for the administration cost and preparation.

When you buy a code, you are paying for the cost to assemble, print and distribute the documents. If it was a Harry Potter book with big distribution it might be cheaper. In any event, it is still a bargain. Can you imagine what it would cost if every municipality has a different code and you had to run around and collect all the versions and REVISIONS.

It is difficult to see where a contractor get upset about buying a code when it is the "bible" of their industry - even the "free bible" in a rented hotel room costs something (about the same).

A copy of your own code is cheaper than a good saw and can make/save you more money!

__________________
Dick

Engineer, designer and consultant recently active domestically and internationally on construction and design in about 35 countries.

Celtic

What code in particular...there are lots of codes.

That is not entirely true...

Online Access to National Electrical Code® Softbound 2005 Edition (NFPA 70™)

Full free access to the '05 NEC from the NFPA.
"Access" does NOT mean you can:
- search it
- copy it
- print it

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Celtic

The laws for a particular State are available for citizens to view free of charge.
When building codes become accepted as "law"...are these new laws any different than the existing laws?

There has been a case that addresses this issue:

VEECK v. SOUTHERN BUILDING CODE CONGRESS INTERNATIONAL, INC.


Mr. Veeck's issue was HIS posting of a code "online", which is a violation of the copyright law.


We Own That Law


Mr. Veeck's arguement was basically:
I, for one, COMPELETLY agree with that statement.
However, I am also of the opinion that one should PAY to own a copy of a given State's laws....printing/publishing, warehousing/distribution, delivery, etc are not free.
I can view my State's statutes online....the NEC, IBC, IRC and all codes (aka laws) should be given this treatment as well.


What is interesting to me....around the time this case was swirling around in the court system, "someone" posted an "unauthorized" version of the NEC online ~ complete with search, copy and print functions. This "edition" of the NEC lasted only a few months (to my knowledge) BUT then the NFPA posted their own limited version.

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Grumpyplumber

My state lists all it's laws online, codes included.
I had to purchase the Nat'l Gas & fuel code from a distributor of NFPA for $35 in pdf.
For me a worthwhile purchase, but after reading the Veek story linked above, it's disturbing to think any law is subject to profitable enterprise in order to be obtained...then again, isn't that what a lawyer is by definition?
Heck, same could be said of my job title.

sandyman720

I am looking for the 2000 international residential code N.J. edition for residential houses.

If you have any state version that would be fine.

Celtic

Still looking for the 2000 IRC NJ edition.

Save this in the meantime:
http://www2.iccsafe.org/states/newjersey/

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Tom M

I have one I can sell you. We are using a 2006 IBC these days with a NJ edition due soon. I'll be glad to sell my old one. Pm me