I am thinking about buying the National Electrical Code book, however I see that there are several versions available, so which version would do me the most good?

I am just look for up-today information for residential housing.

BTY I live in California and the California Electrical Code book is dated 2007.

Thank for your suggestions,

Wayne

You need whatever code your area is under. Some places this is the 2008 NEC, some the 2005 NEC. Some places use a state written residential code.
I would call you building dept to see what is used.

There are resi only guide books written by NFPA and other code making authorities. If all you need is residential I would go that route.

You can view the book online, the NFPA website offers instruction as to how to do that.

See the sticky in Electrical and Lighting.

I wrote up how to do it free. It's not obvious.
You now have to register.

Thank you for the info

If you have a working knowledge of the electrical codes then the version of code that your local government uses is fine.

However, if you do not have a sound education with electrical work, I would suggest that you get the NEC Handbook for the year that your local government is using. This will give the how to and code in one document.

A word of warning, if you are a DIY type person don't think that for a minute that you will be an electrician just by reading books. There is a very long educational curve for a reason.