Most companies are seeing a shift in the formatting of specifications, with the section numbers changes and expanding for each major discipline under the new CSI (Construction Specifications Institute) Master Format. For instance; under the old format division 15 encompassed both plumbing and mechanical items, this has now been separated into two separate and distinct sections. Division 22 is now the plumbing specifications and Division 23 is mechanical specifications. Many of these changes have occurred in the new Master Format system.
There are several companies that produce up to date specifications that are available to purchase via the internet. The advantage of purchasing most specifications is that for a yearly membership fee you will receive quarterly updates with the most current information. As with any “boiler plate” template there is a level of editing that has to occur in order for the information to follow company standards etc. Each specification should be written around the specific job that it pertains to and editing should occur from the most current edition each time to verify information does not get left out.
Specifications are a means of ensuring equipment and installation compliance with governing standards such as ASME, ACCA, ANSI, UL, ASTM and ASHRAE to name just a few.
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