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Division 16

Division 16

Division 16: Reserved (Legacy Electrical Format)

Division 16 was previously used for all electrical specifications before the CSI MasterFormat was expanded. Many older drawings, specifications, and estimating systems still reference Division 16. Learn how to interpret and adapt these legacy documents for current use.

🎥 Study Video

Insert your legacy electrical estimating or spec conversion training here.

📄 Legacy Electrical Reference

Download a cheat sheet outlining how to convert Division 16 electrical sections into modern Divisions 26–28 formats.

Download Conversion Guide

(Replace this link with your actual legacy electrical PDF.)

💡 Instructor Insights

  • Division 16 used to cover power, lighting, fire alarm, and communications — now split across Divisions 26, 27, and 28.
  • Always confirm if a project is using the old 16-Division or updated 50-Division MasterFormat.
  • Look for legacy references in subcontractor bid forms, older spec books, and government jobs.
  • Use this as a training opportunity to show how electrical scope evolved within CSI formatting.

📥 Legacy Support Resources

Offer a resource bundle or lesson on identifying and converting Division 16 content in older plans.

Join Legacy Electrical Estimating Class
 

Division 16: Electrical (Legacy Format)

🔹 Key Teaching Points

1️⃣ What Was Division 16?

  • Under the original 16-Division MasterFormat, Division 16 included all electrical: power, lighting, low-voltage, and fire alarm.
  • It’s been replaced in the 50-Division format by Divisions 26, 27, and 28.

2️⃣ Still Found in Many Projects

  • Government jobs, legacy spec books, and older project templates may still list Division 16.
  • Look for it in subcontractor bid forms, contract exhibits, and archived files.

3️⃣ Transition to Divisions 26–28

  • Division 26 – Electrical (power, lighting, grounding)
  • Division 27 – Communications (voice, data, AV)
  • Division 28 – Electronic Safety and Security (fire alarm, CCTV, access control)

4️⃣ Estimating Implications

  • Estimators must know how to read both formats — specs may switch mid-project or phase.
  • Be ready to break out legacy Division 16 scope into proper CSI format during takeoff or billing.

5️⃣ Use as a Training Opportunity

  • This division is a great way to teach how MasterFormat evolved over time.
  • Show apprentices how electrical scopes were once grouped and how specialization increased.

✅ Wrap-Up Summary

  • Division 16 is still relevant for training and legacy project interpretation.
  • Electrical estimators should be fluent in both 16- and 50-Division formats.
  • Always verify the spec format early in bid review to avoid confusion.