CSI Division

Division 25: Integrated Automation submittal deviations

What changes between a Division 25 Integrated Automation spec section and the sub's submittal, why it matters, and how each deviation is graded.

Short answer

Division 25 Integrated Automation submittals deviate most often on product substitutions, performance ratings, and missing certifications. Deviation Check flags every difference from the spec and grades it a Blocker, Fix and Resubmit, or Note.

Division 25 covers integrated automation systems in commercial construction: building automation systems (BAS), facility management systems, energy monitoring and control, and cross-system integration protocols. Common CSI sections submitted for review:

Common Division 25 CSI sections

Division 25 Integrated Automation spec sections frequently submitted for review:

Representative Division 25 CSI MasterFormat sections
SectionTitle
25 05 00Common Work Results for Integrated Automation
25 05 11Integrated Automation Network Equipment
25 10 00Integrated Automation Facility Controls
25 13 00Integrated Automation Control and Monitoring Network
25 14 00Integrated Automation Local Control Units
25 15 00Integrated Automation Sensors and Transmitters
25 30 00Integrated Automation Facility Process Control
25 35 00Integrated Automation HVAC Control Sequences
25 50 00Integrated Automation Facility Management Systems
25 55 00Integrated Automation Energy Monitoring and Control
25 56 00Integrated Automation Lighting Control Integration
25 90 00Integrated Automation Commissioning

The six deviation categories in Division 25 Integrated Automation

Every issue Deviation Check flags maps to one of six categories. Here is how each appears in Division 25 Integrated Automation submittals, with the full guide one click away.

Manufacturer or Product Substitution

Blocker The submittal proposes a different manufacturer or product than the spec names, without an approved or-equal or substitution request.

BAS specs typically name a platform with specific controller families (e.g., "Johnson Controls Metasys with CGM/CVM controllers, or approved equal"). Submittals often propose alternative platforms without an approved equal letter. Look for:

Manufacturer or Product Substitution in Division 25 Integrated Automation submittals →

Performance Specification Gap

Blocker A measurable performance property in the submittal (rating, capacity, tolerance, efficiency) does not meet what the spec requires.

Key performance parameters in integrated automation submittals:

Performance Specification Gap in Division 25 Integrated Automation submittals →

Missing Certification or Compliance Documentation

Fix and Resubmit A required listing, test report, certification, or compliance document is absent from the submittal package.

Required certifications in integrated automation submittals:

Missing Certification or Compliance Documentation in Division 25 Integrated Automation submittals →

Aesthetic Deviation

Fix and Resubmit A visible attribute (color, finish, texture, profile) differs from the spec or the architect-approved sample.

Less common in automation but applies to:

Aesthetic Deviation in Division 25 Integrated Automation submittals →

Detail or Installation Mismatch

Fix and Resubmit The submitted detail, dimension, anchorage, or installation method differs from what the spec or drawings require.

Detail or Installation Mismatch in Division 25 Integrated Automation submittals →

Submittal Package Incompleteness

Fix and Resubmit A required submittal element (cut sheet, schedule, calculation, sample) is missing, leaving the package unreviewable as submitted.

Commonly required items in Div 25 specs:

Submittal Package Incompleteness in Division 25 Integrated Automation submittals →

How Division 25 deviations are graded

Each finding is graded Blocker, Fix and Resubmit, or Note. Division 25 escalation rules:

  • Communication protocol mismatch with existing BAS (BACnet submitted where LonWorks specified, or vice versa): Always BLOCKER (system will not communicate with existing infrastructure)
  • Controller not UL 916 listed: Always BLOCKER (code compliance for energy management equipment)
  • Fire alarm integration not meeting NFPA 72 / UL 864 requirements: Always BLOCKER (life-safety - smoke control and fire alarm relay functions)
  • System unable to support specified point count: Always BLOCKER (building cannot be fully controlled without expansion hardware not in scope)
  • Missing BTL listing when BACnet conformance class is specified: BLOCKER (interoperability cannot be verified)
  • Graphics workstation spec mismatch (fewer screens, lower resolution, fewer concurrent sessions): FIX_AND_RESUBMIT
  • Missing network architecture diagrams: FIX_AND_RESUBMIT (cannot verify topology, segment lengths, or IP planning)
  • Trending capacity below spec (fewer trended points or shorter retention): FIX_AND_RESUBMIT
  • Missing integration protocol documentation for specified subsystems: FIX_AND_RESUBMIT
  • Sensor or thermostat finish mismatch: FIX_AND_RESUBMIT (aesthetic, not safety)
  • Missing cybersecurity plan for networked BAS: FIX_AND_RESUBMIT (owner requirement, not code)
  • Commissioning procedures not included: FIX_AND_RESUBMIT (cannot verify functional performance without them)

Run a Division 25 submittal review

Upload a Division 25 spec section and the sub's submittal package, and get a one-page deviation report in under five minutes. See pricing and start a review.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common deviations in Division 25 Integrated Automation submittals?

The most common are product or manufacturer substitutions, performance specification gaps, and missing certification or compliance documentation. Deviation Check sorts every finding into one of six categories.

How are Division 25 deviations graded?

Each finding is graded Blocker (resolve before approval), Fix and Resubmit (correct and re-send before fabrication or install), or Note (acceptable with a comment).

View this page as Markdown for LLMs and note-taking.