Division 26 Electrical

Detail or Installation Mismatch in Division 26 Electrical submittals

By Deviation Check Editorial Team. Last reviewed June 1, 2026.

Short answer

The submitted detail, dimension, anchorage, or installation method differs from what the spec or drawings require. Default grade in Division 26 Electrical: Fix and Resubmit.

The submitted detail, dimension, anchorage, or installation method differs from what the spec or drawings require. This guide covers how it shows up specifically in Division 26 Electrical submittals.

What to look for in Division 26 Electrical

  • Wire sizing different from spec (e.g., spec calls #10 AWG, submittal shows #12 AWG)
  • Conduit type mismatch (EMT vs rigid vs flexible, spec may require specific type in certain locations)
  • Mounting height for devices differs from spec or drawings
  • Circuit breaker trip curve type (thermal-magnetic vs electronic trip)
  • Grounding method (separate ground conductor vs metallic raceway)
  • Seismic bracing method differs from spec
  • Connection type (bolted vs compression vs set-screw)
  • Surge protection location or rating differs

Common examples in Division 26 Electrical submittals

Detail and installation mismatches in Division 26 are where a submittal meets the equipment spec but proposes a method that fails the code or the drawings, and they are easy to miss because they live in the notes and the one-line, not the cut sheets.

  • Conductor sizing against the spec and feeder schedule (for example #12 AWG submitted where #10 was required for voltage drop), since an undersized conductor is a code and performance problem.
  • Conduit type by location (EMT, IMC or rigid, PVC, or flexible) where the spec mandates a specific raceway in slabs, wet, or hazardous areas.
  • Device and equipment mounting heights against the spec and ADA requirements, not just "as shown."
  • Circuit breaker trip type and curve (thermal-magnetic vs electronic trip with adjustable settings) where coordination depends on it.
  • Grounding and bonding method (a separate equipment ground conductor vs reliance on the metallic raceway) against the spec.
  • Seismic bracing and anchorage method for conduit, cable tray, and equipment against the specified detail on applicable projects.
  • Termination and connection type (bolted, compression, or set-screw lugs) and any required torque or tap rating.
  • Surge protective device type, location (service vs branch), and rating against the spec.

A feeder submitted one size down to save copper passes the cut-sheet review but fails the voltage-drop and coordination basis the engineer designed to, so check the method and the numbers, not just the equipment brand.

How severe is it?

Default grade: Fix and Resubmit. Escalates to Blocker when the difference affects a fire-rated, seismic, or structural assembly.

Deviation Check assigns a default per category and escalates or de-escalates based on the spec, always showing its reasoning. See the Division 26 severity rules.

What the PM should do

Stamp the submittal Revise and Resubmit. Mark the deviation, return the relevant spec passage as a redline, and have the sub correct and re-send before fabrication or installation.

Back to the Division 26 Electrical hub, browse all divisions, or start a review.

Frequently asked questions

What conductor and raceway mismatches in Division 26 submittals escalate from a routine fix to a Blocker?

A wire gauge reduction - for example the submittal showing #12 AWG where the spec calls #10 AWG - is a Blocker because it directly affects ampacity. Conduit type mismatches matter when the spec requires rigid or intermediate metal conduit in specific locations and the submittal proposes EMT. Seismic bracing method differences escalate to a Blocker when they affect a seismic assembly, and connection type differences (bolted vs compression vs set-screw) can affect both ampacity and fire-rated assembly compliance.

How does a grounding method deviation in a Division 26 submittal affect the review outcome?

Grounding method differences - such as relying on metallic raceway as the equipment grounding conductor instead of the separate ground conductor required by the spec - are an installation mismatch that must be resolved before fabrication. The spec may require a dedicated ground conductor in specific circuits for noise-sensitive equipment or in locations where the conduit continuity is not reliable. Circuit breaker trip curve type (thermal-magnetic vs electronic trip) is a separate but equally reviewable mismatch.

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