Division 28 Electronic Safety and Security

Detail or Installation Mismatch in Division 28 Electronic Safety and Security 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 28 Electronic Safety and Security: 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 28 Electronic Safety and Security submittals.

What to look for in Division 28 Electronic Safety and Security

  • Detector spacing exceeds NFPA 72 maximum for ceiling height and type
  • Notification appliance placement does not meet NFPA 72 visible/audible coverage requirements
  • Conductor size (gauge) or type differs from spec (fire alarm circuits require specific wire: FPLP, FPLR per NEC)
  • Conduit type mismatch for fire alarm circuits (often requires EMT minimum, some specs require rigid)
  • Pathway survivability level below spec requirement (Level 2 vs Level 1)
  • Camera mounting height or angle differs from design
  • Camera lens focal length does not achieve specified pixels per foot at target distance
  • Card reader mounting height differs from ADA requirement (48" max per ADA)
  • Door contact type mismatch (recessed vs surface, wide-gap vs standard)
  • End-of-line resistor value mismatch with FACP requirements
  • Elevator recall interface wiring or sequence differs from ASME A17.1/NFPA 72 requirements
  • HVAC shutdown interface relay location or wiring differs

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 28 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 28 Electronic Safety and Security hub, browse all divisions, or start a review.

Frequently asked questions

What wiring and conduit mismatches in Division 28 Electronic Safety and Security submittals can cause a code violation after rough-in?

Fire alarm circuits require FPLP or FPLR conductors per the NEC - submitting standard cable is a code violation discovered at inspection. Conduit type matters too: many specs require EMT at minimum and some require rigid. Pathway survivability level below the specified level (for example, Level 1 instead of Level 2 per NFPA 72 Chapter 12) is a Blocker because it affects circuit integrity during a fire event. These mismatches must be caught before any wire is pulled.

How does detector spacing and card reader mounting height create installation mismatches in Division 28 Electronic Safety and Security submittals?

Smoke and heat detector spacing must comply with NFPA 72 maximums based on ceiling height and detector type - exceeding that spacing means uncovered areas that fail AHJ inspection. Card reader mounting height must not exceed 48 inches per ADA requirements. If the submitted layout drawings show readers higher than that, or show detectors spaced beyond the NFPA 72 table limits, return the drawings for correction before rough-in begins - moving mounted devices costs far more than a resubmittal.

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