What it means
On commercial construction projects, materials aren’t simply bought and installed. The contractor first submits documentation for each product or group of products, usually organized by specification section. The general contractor and the design team — typically the engineer of record — review it and approve it, return it with comments or ask for a resubmittal.
An electrical submittal package usually includes a cover sheet, a table of contents, manufacturer cut sheets with the exact catalog numbers marked, shop drawings for engineered equipment such as switchgear, and a list of any deviations from the specification. Approved submittals then guide what’s ordered and installed, and feed closeout documentation at the end of the job.
An example: a contractor submits the switchboard package first, because it’s long-lead equipment. The engineer returns it with a comment about a breaker rating; the contractor corrects it, resubmits, and releases the order once it’s approved.
Why it matters
- Schedules. Many items — especially long-lead equipment — can’t be ordered until their submittals are approved.
- Getting it right. Complete, clearly marked submittals avoid resubmittals and wrong products on site.