NEC Code - Where to get?
 

I have read a number of times people referring to the NEC regarding codes and/or violations. However, nothing comes up when I do a search on this site. Very strange!

Does anyone know where I can get a FREE copy of the NEC? I would hate to buy one if I only need one answer. I have Googled the NEC and keep getting results to buy it.

I have GCFI outlet in my garage and the refrigerator that we put out there keep tripping it when it comes on. I would like to refer to the NEC if running a heavy-duty extension cord to the garage door opener outlets(non-GCFI) that is on the ceiling is kosher.

As far as i know there is no free nec. I believe you can put a dedicated outlet for the fridge and it doesn't have to be gfci protected but i'm not positive, hopefully someone will answer this for you. Barnes and noble has the nec code books and you can go there and read them all you want for free!

That is NOT TRUE!!! Let me consult my computer expert and I will return with a link (hopefully, if I can figure it out) that will get you the 2005 and the 2008 for free.

I don't think you can run an appliance cord that far. How old is the fridge? There is a chance the GFCI is tripping for a good reason.

Andy

NEC from the NFPA
 

The current code is on line at:


http://www.nfpa.org/itemDetail.asp?c...ookie%5Ftest=1

If you want access to previous versions you have to pay a fee for online access.

Here is EVERY nfpa code book...

http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/li..._standards.asp

You guys are the best.

Andy

Thanks for the links, everyone.

The refrigerator is around 4 yrs old. I was adviced to bypass the GCFI outlet but wanted to make sure it was not a violation. The distance is only a few feet from refrigerator to garage door outlet. I would run it straight up on the wall(8ft?) then straight to the outlet(3ft).

GFI go bad all the time:yes: , you could try replacing it first:thumbsup:

I just realized that i forgot to mention that it also trips the breaker.

Just a comment.
The NEC is not a book you just pick up and get a quick answer. Not unless you are very versed in reading it. Even then, we sometimes stumble to find what we want.

The NEC is also not a "how to" book. The Handbook on the other hand is a very good resource for folks looking to learn and have things somewhat explained in layman's terms.
I still use the Handbook 99% of the time over the regular code book.

Neither book is worth buying unless you need it on a regular basis.

Dallas, A GFCI trips between .004 and .006 Amps difference between the hot and neutral. Just barely below what will kill an adult male. A breaker trips at tens of thousands of what will kill an adult male. You need to investigate this further. More info, please...What else is on circuit, does anything else trip the circuit, if you take an extension cord and run it to another circuit, does it trip that one? You have a situation that MAY or may not be dangerous. Don't be walking in no puddles to get a beer out of this fridge.:no:

Which trips, Dallas.... the breaker or the GFCI? Or sometimes one and sometimes the other?

One concern I would have is a bad GFCI in concert with a ground fault. Rare but bad combo.






Andy

Sorry for not being clear in my intial post. Thanks for everyones patience.

I have plugged the refrigerator directly to the GCFI outlet(no extenstion cord) and it works fine for awhile. We have left our home a few times to return and find that the refrigerator is not working and noticed that it has tripped the breaker and the GCFI.

Breakfast room, family room, laundry room and garage are on the same circuit. I have not noticed anything else that trips the breaker. I have used a jigsaw in the same GCFI outlet and it is fine.

I think I should try to connect it to other circuits but I would hate to get fried. Electricity makes me nervous.