Yale issues new and revised electrical, mechanical, and security guidelines

Yale’s updated design standards [1]for capital projects are now available to project teams. These new and/or revised standards assist design architects and engineers in maintaining consistency on a particular project and continuity with existing university facilities, systems, and equipment.

The summer 2026 update adopts new requirements for power systems analysis. It also includes revisions to requirements for mechanical equipment motors and security access and hardware.

An updated table of contents [2] provides an overview of changes and coordination with the sections below.

Division 08: Openings

These standards were developed in partnership with Yale Public Safety and include revisions to security access and finish hardware, allowing shelter-in-place capabilities in classrooms, seminar, lecture, and teaching spaces.

08 31 00 Security Access Doors and Frames: [3] This new standard requires mortise locksets, panic bars, and single cylinder deadbolts. For classroom doors with card access control, new override controls allow for the lockdown required.
08 70 00 Finish Hardware: [4] Installation of new hardware is now underway in many existing classrooms and is required in renovation and new construction going forward.

These physical changes to campus strengthen Yale Public Safety infrastructure in accordance with active assailant response guidance [5].

Division 23: HVAC

23 05 13 Motor Requirements for Mechanical Equipment: [6]The revisions to this standard focus on requirements for induction motors, three-phase motors, variable frequency drive (VFD) applications, and the replacement of thermistors with platinum resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) for motor monitoring. This change informs predictive maintenance, fosters greater dependability of equipment, and allows for more competitive bids.

Division 26: Electrical

26 05 70 Power Systems Analysis: [7]This new standard clarifies and standardizes the power systems analysis currently required by the national electrical code, NFPA70 and NFPA70E. It establishes clearer definitions and scope guidelines with a focus on three key components: short circuit study, coordination study, and arc flash study.

This standard is coordinated with the Basis of Design and further guidance for the Bulldog Playbook [8] is in review.

Missed the last design standards update in spring 2026? Read it here. [9]