CSI Division
Division 26: Electrical submittal deviations
What changes between a Division 26 Electrical spec section and the sub's submittal, why it matters, and how each deviation is graded.
Short answer
Division 26 Electrical 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 26 covers electrical systems in commercial construction: power distribution, lighting, communications raceways, grounding, overcurrent protection, wiring devices, and related equipment. Common CSI sections submitted for review:
Common Division 26 CSI sections
Division 26 Electrical spec sections frequently submitted for review:
| Section | Title |
|---|---|
26 05 00 | Common Work Results for Electrical |
26 05 19 | Low-Voltage Electrical Power Conductors and Cables |
26 05 33 | Raceway and Boxes for Electrical Systems |
26 05 53 | Identification for Electrical Systems |
26 09 23 | Lighting Control Devices |
26 22 00 | Low-Voltage Transformers |
26 24 16 | Panelboards |
26 24 19 | Motor-Control Centers |
26 27 26 | Wiring Devices |
26 28 16 | Enclosed Switches and Circuit Breakers |
26 29 13 | Enclosed Controllers |
26 32 13 | Engine Generators |
26 33 53 | Static Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) |
26 36 23 | Automatic Transfer Switches |
26 41 00 | Facility Lightning Protection |
26 51 13 | Interior Lighting Fixtures |
The six deviation categories in Division 26 Electrical
Every issue Deviation Check flags maps to one of six categories. Here is how each appears in Division 26 Electrical 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.
Electrical equipment specs frequently name manufacturers with specific catalog numbers (e.g., "Square D QO130, or approved equal"). Submittals often propose alternative brands (Eaton, Siemens, ABB, GE) without an approved equal letter. Look for:
Manufacturer or Product Substitution in Division 26 Electrical 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 electrical submittals:
Performance Specification Gap in Division 26 Electrical 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 electrical submittals:
Missing Certification or Compliance Documentation in Division 26 Electrical 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 electrical but applies to:
Aesthetic Deviation in Division 26 Electrical 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 26 Electrical 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 26 specs:
Submittal Package Incompleteness in Division 26 Electrical submittals →
How Division 26 deviations are graded
Each finding is graded Blocker, Fix and Resubmit, or Note. Division 26 escalation rules:
- Any SCCR or AIC rating below spec requirement: Always BLOCKER (life-safety - explosion/fire risk)
- Voltage mismatch: Always BLOCKER (equipment damage, electrocution risk)
- Missing UL/ETL listing: Always BLOCKER (NEC requirement, code violation)
- Wire gauge undersized vs spec: BLOCKER (fire risk per NEC)
- NEMA enclosure rating lower than spec: BLOCKER if outdoor or wet location, FIX_AND_RESUBMIT if indoor dry location
- Missing arc flash study: BLOCKER (OSHA/NFPA 70E compliance)
- Lighting CCT or CRI mismatch: FIX_AND_RESUBMIT (aesthetic, not safety)
- Missing DLC listing for lighting: FIX_AND_RESUBMIT (energy code compliance, not life-safety)
Run a Division 26 submittal review
Upload a Division 26 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 26 Electrical 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 26 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.