When you’re elbow-deep in a switch box or panel lug, the last thing you need is to flip through 900 pages of the NEC. That’s exactly why Redwood Kardon, Douglas Hansen, and Michael Casey created Code Check Electrical: An Illustrated Guide To Wiring A Safe House 4th Edition. Published by Taunton Press in 2005 and fully keyed to the 2005 National Electrical Code (NEC), this spiral-bound, 32-page field guide distills the most-cited residential wiring rules into color-coded diagrams, checklists, and at-a-glance tables—small enough to tuck behind your tester in a tool pouch.
Table of Contents
Book at a Glance
| Title | Code Check Electrical: An Illustrated Guide To Wiring A Safe House |
| Edition / Year | 4th Edition • 2005 |
| Authors | Redwood Kardon, Douglas Hansen, Michael Casey |
| Illustrator | Paddy Morrissey |
| Publisher | Taunton Press |
| Format / Length | Lay-flat spiral • 32 full-color pages |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1561587384 eBay |
| Price Range | US $4–10 used; out-of-print new copies ≈ US $25 |
| Primary Audience | Home inspectors, journeyman & apprentice electricians, DIY homeowners |
What Makes This Edition Stand Out?
- Code snapshots, not code slabs – Each two-page spread pairs a color diagram with NEC citations (Article, section & sub-paragraph) so you can see the rule as you wire.
- 2005 NEC focus – Highlights major changes from the 2002 cycle, including AFCI expansion, service disconnect rules, and GFCI updates for laundry areas.
- Red/green “Pass–Fail” boxes – Instantly identifies compliant vs common-violation practices (e.g., “No more than four conductors under a single lug”).
- Durable job-site design – Coated cardstock pages resist coffee, sweat, and garage dust; the lay-flat spiral stays open on a joist.
Section Highlights
| Spread | Key Topics | Field Value |
|---|---|---|
| Service & Feeder Sizing | SEC clearances, grounding-electrode conductors | Avoids undersized feeders and bonding errors |
| Branch-Circuit Rules | 15 & 20 A wiring methods, conductor ampacities | Quick lookup of #14 AWG vs #12 AWG limits |
| Device Box Fill | Volume calculations, reducer bushings | Prevents inspector-flagged over-fill violations |
| GFCI & AFCI Placement | Bathroom, kitchen, laundry, bedroom circuits | Visual map eliminates guesswork on receptacle type |
| Conductor ID & Termination | Color codes, pigtail rules, multi-wire branch circuits | Cuts down neutral sharing & backstab mistakes |
Strengths
- Ultra-portable – 8.5 × 11 in. but only 0.3 in. thick; slips into most tool bags.
- Immediate code citation – Saves scrolling through PDFs when an inspector questions a detail.
- Color-centric graphics – Hot, neutral, ground, travelers, and device symbols are color-coded, preventing mis-reads under dim attic lighting.
- Budget-friendly – Even out-of-print, used copies run less than a lunch combo.
Limitations
| Limitation | Impact | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Dated code cycle (2005 NEC) | Misses 2008-2023 GFCI/AFCI, surge-protection & receptacle updates | Pair with Code Check Electrical 9th Edition for 2020 NEC |
| Residential only | No commercial or industrial diagrams | Use NEC tables or Ugly’s Electrical References for non-dwelling work |
| Limited depth | 32 pages can’t cover specialty circuits, PV, EV chargers | Consult full NEC handbook or manufacturer instructions for advanced installs |
How It Compares
| Feature | Code Check Electrical 4e | Code Check Electrical 9e (2020) | Black & Decker Wiring Diagrams (2013) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Code Basis | NEC 2005 | NEC 2020 (with 2017 deltas) | NEC 2011-2013 |
| Pages | 32 | 32 | 44 |
| Waterproof pages | Yes | Yes | No |
| Pass–Fail graphics | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ (different style) |
| Best For | Legacy remodels, budget DIY | Current code jurisdictions | Visual learners needing basic layouts |
FAQ
Is Code Check Electrical 4th Edition still useful in 2025?
Yes—for houses wired under 2005 or earlier NEC cycles (many jurisdictions adopt late), it matches the rules inspectors will reference for existing work. For new builds, supplement with the 2020 edition.
Does it replace the full NEC?
No—it’s a quick-reference. Always verify unusual conditions (hot tubs, PV, EV chargers) in the current NEC.
Can beginners understand it?
Absolutely. The color diagrams and “What’s Wrong” call-outs make it accessible to first-time DIYers.
Where can I buy it?
Used copies pop up on Amazon, eBay, and ThriftBooks for US $4–10; search ISBN 9781561587384.
