Comparison

NEC Code Studio & Tools vs PanelMap

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

NEC Code Studio & Tools

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This app is a visual reference library for electricians, electrical engineers, inspectors, and students — covering the National Electrical Code from the utility service entrance all the way to branch circuits and special systems. Browse 165 hand-picked illustrations organized into 11 categories: Distribution Systems, Service Entrance, Panel Layouts & Schedules, Wiring Diagrams & Floor Plans, Grounding & Bonding, Overcurrent & Motor Circuits, Load Calculations, Low Voltage & Special Systems, Safety & Code Compliance, Fire Alarm Systems, and Building Automation. Search Illustrations Find any diagram instantly across all 11 categories. Search by title, topic, or NEC article — results appear as you type. Recently Viewed Your viewing history appears at the top of Browse so you can pick up right where you left off. No hunting through categories to find a diagram you were just studying. Share Any Illustration Send any wiring diagram, riser, floor plan, or code reference directly from the gallery to colleagues, students, or inspectors. Residential Load Calculator (NEC Article 220) Calculate service load the standard NEC method — general lighting, small appliance and laundry circuits, large appliances, HVAC, and optional loads all in one place. Results update live as you type, with automatic demand factor application, service size recommendation (100A–400A), and conductor sizing for the hot, neutral, and grounding electrode conductor. NEC Reference Requirements Plain-English summaries of key NEC requirements organized by chapter — from working space clearances and conductor terminations to GFCI protection, grounding, and equipment installation rules. Search by article number or topic to find what you need in the field, fast. Illustration viewer features: Swipe left and right to flip through illustrations within any category. Pinch to zoom in for fine detail and pan while zoomed. Double-tap to zoom in, double-tap again to reset. Bookmark any illustration as a favorite for quick access. Works on iPhone and iPad. Full Dark Mode support. A practical field and study companion for anyone working with the NEC.

About

PanelMap

Features
Read full description

PanelMap answers one question fast: "which breaker controls this?" Stop guessing, flipping switches, and labeling breakers with masking tape. PanelMap turns your electrical panel into a searchable map of your home, so you always know what to turn off before you touch a wire, swap an outlet, or reset a tripped breaker. HOW IT WORKS • Set up your panel in minutes: numbered slots (North America) or DIN rails (Europe and beyond) • Label each breaker with the rooms, outlets and appliances it controls • Type "kit" and instantly see every breaker for the kitchen • Browse by category: lights, outlets, appliances, HVAC, rooms • Mark breakers as confirmed, likely or unknown as you learn more FLOOR PLAN • Add a photo or image of your floor plan • Pin lights, outlets and appliances where they are • Tap a pin to see its breaker, and from any breaker see everything it powers EVERY DETAIL OF EVERY BREAKER • On/off status, rating, 2-pole and tandem breakers • DIN panels: modules, trip curves, RCDs and RCBOs, and which RCD protects each breaker • Tags, notes and favorites BUILT FOR REAL LIFE • No electrical knowledge required: plain language, no jargon • Works with incomplete information: label what you know, fill in the rest later • Works offline, no account needed • Designed for iPhone and iPad PANELMAP PRO One-time purchase, no subscription. • Unlimited panels • Unlimited floor plans and pins (free: 1 floor plan and 5 pins) • PDF export: share a clean panel directory with contractors or tenants • Cloud Sync: sign in with a Karibou Home account (Apple, Google or email) to back up your panels and keep your iPhone and iPad in sync Whether you're preparing for an emergency, renovating, or just tired of flipping every breaker to find the right one, PanelMap gives you the answer in seconds.

Screenshots

NEC Code Studio & Tools4 screens
PanelMap4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: PanelMap at Free against NEC Code Studio & Tools's $2.99. NEC Code Studio & Tools's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On update cadence, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

PanelMap is free to download; NEC Code Studio & Tools costs $2.99 up front. PanelMap sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. NEC Code Studio & Tools asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

NEC Code Studio & Tools ships an update monthly, PanelMap every 2 months. Both last shipped on November 9, 2026.

Scorecard2 real differences Ā· 4 level
NEC Code Studio & Tools versus PanelMap: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNEC Code Studio & ToolsPanelMap
Price$2.99Free — better
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.617.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size494 MB67 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperYuhsiu LaiKaribouLab Inc.

In-app purchases

None

NEC Code Studio & Tools

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

PanelMap

One-time1
  • PanelMap Pro$6.99

Questions

Is NEC Code Studio & Tools free?
NEC Code Studio & Tools costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is PanelMap free?
PanelMap is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do NEC Code Studio & Tools or PanelMap have ads?
Neither NEC Code Studio & Tools nor PanelMap shows ads.
Which is updated more often, NEC Code Studio & Tools or PanelMap?
NEC Code Studio & Tools ships an update monthly, and PanelMap every 2 months. Most recently, NEC Code Studio & Tools was updated on November 9, 2026 and PanelMap on November 9, 2026.

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