Division 28: Electronic Safety and Security
Division 28 addresses all electronic security systems — from fire alarms and access control to CCTV and intrusion detection. These systems protect facilities and ensure code compliance. Learn how to estimate life safety system components and coordinate scope with electrical and low-voltage trades.
🎥 Study Video
Add your Division 28 training or fire alarm estimating demo here.
📄 Security & Safety Cheat Sheet
Download our Division 28 cheat sheet covering device types, wiring methods, mounting rules, and coordination with power systems.
Download Division 28 Guide(Replace this with your fire alarm & security systems resource.)
💡 Instructor Insights
- Fire alarm systems require code compliance — always review detection types, power supplies, and signal paths.
- Access control devices should be coordinated with doors, hardware, and Division 08 specs.
- CCTV specs usually list camera types, cable routing, and recording hardware — check for video storage requirements.
- Review power backup requirements and battery calculations for critical systems.
- Coordinate Division 28 with Division 26 (power) and 27 (data) for successful installation.
📥 Quiz & Resources
Test your knowledge of fire alarm, access control, and CCTV requirements from Division 28.
- What codes typically govern fire alarm systems?
Answer: NFPA 72 and local fire authority regulations. - How should access control systems be coordinated?
Answer: With Division 08 (doors and hardware) and Division 26 (power) to ensure correct device installation and fail-safe/fail-secure operation. - What should you verify in a CCTV system spec?
Answer: Camera types, mounting locations, cable routing, and video storage (NVR/DVR) capacity. - What’s important about power backup in Division 28?
Answer: Battery systems may need to support 24–72 hours of uptime, with dedicated enclosures and chargers. - Why is coordination with Divisions 26 and 27 critical?
Answer: Division 26 provides power, Division 27 may route data — failure to coordinate leads to scope gaps or inspection failures.
Division 28: Electronic Safety & Security
🔹 Key Teaching Points
1️⃣ Fire Alarm System Compliance
- Review initiating device types, notification appliances, and system voltage (24V or addressable).
- Specs may reference NFPA 72 — confirm pathways, risers, and backup power sizing.
2️⃣ Access Control & Door Hardware
- Coordinate access readers, strikes, maglocks, and power supplies with Division 08 door and frame specs.
- Check for ADA compliance, emergency egress, and fail-safe vs. fail-secure operation.
3️⃣ CCTV & Surveillance Systems
- Look for camera mounting details, resolution requirements, and NVR/DVR specs for storage.
- Specs should define cable type (Cat6, coax), distances, and field-of-view needs.
4️⃣ Power Backup & Battery Calculations
- Specs often require battery calculations for 24 or 72-hour backup during outages.
- Include separate enclosures, chargers, and wiring pathways in your estimate.
5️⃣ Coordination with Electrical & Data Divisions
- Fire alarm, access, and CCTV systems all require close coordination with Division 26 (power) and 27 (network cabling).
- Be clear on scope splits: who installs conduit, who pulls cable, who programs equipment.
✅ Wrap-Up Summary
- Division 28 covers life safety and surveillance — misreading it can cause serious scope gaps.
- Pay attention to signal types, control panels, cabling, and code references.
- Coordination is critical — especially on schools, hospitals, and government projects.