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    EIG PRO
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    Division 26 (Electrical)

    The CSI MasterFormat division covering electrical power, lighting, distribution, grounding, and related electrical work.

    What is Division 26 (Electrical)?

    Division 26 is the CSI MasterFormat division for electrical systems, including service and distribution, feeders, branch circuits, lighting, grounding, and electrical equipment. Low-voltage scopes in Divisions 27 and 28 depend heavily on Division 26 even when the work is awarded to separate subcontractors. Head-end rooms need receptacles and grounding, powered doors need circuits or coordinated power supplies, displays need power at exact elevations, and field equipment may require disconnects, surge protection, or emergency power. Bid gaps often occur at the boundary between divisions. The documents should identify who furnishes and installs conduit, back boxes, sleeves, plywood, grounding busbars, 120-volt circuits, door power, and fire-alarm interfaces. A low-voltage proposal should state these responsibilities rather than assuming the electrical contractor carries them. Early coordination prevents outlets behind inaccessible displays, missing power at security panels, pathway conflicts, and late change orders.

    Frequently asked questions

    Communications and electronic security are commonly specified in Divisions 27 and 28, but Division 26 often provides power, grounding, and pathway components those systems require.

    Division 26 covers electrical work. Communications is usually Division 27 and security is usually Division 28, and they need coordination for power and pathways.

    It varies by project. Contract documents should say clearly whether the electrical contractor or the low-voltage contractor provides boxes, sleeves, and conduit.

    Published references

    Use the current project documents and adopted code. These links identify the standards owner, regulator, or manufacturer behind this article.

    Where EIG PRO uses this

    Service

    design build

    Service

    structured cabling

    Service

    security

    Service

    commercial av

    Related terms

    Demarcation Point (Demarc)

    The boundary where the service provider's network ends and the building owner's responsibility begins.

    Division 28 (Electronic Safety & Security)

    The CSI MasterFormat division covering access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection, and electronic life-safety systems.

    Rough-In

    The construction phase where low-voltage boxes, conduit, and cable are installed before walls are closed.

    Head-End Room

    The central equipment room housing core network, video recording, access-control, and AV head-end gear for a building.

    Division 27 (Communications)

    The CSI MasterFormat specification division covering communications: structured cabling, backbone, Wi-Fi, DAS, AV, and related pathways.

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