If you own or operate an electrical business and need your NAICS code, here is your answer right away.
The primary NAICS code for an electrical contractor is 238210, classified under Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors in the Construction sector. However, “electrical” is a broad term. The right code for your business depends on whether you install wiring, manufacture electrical components, or distribute power. This page covers the relevant codes so you can identify the one that fits.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| NAICS Code | 238210 |
| Industry Title | Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors |
| Sector | 23 (Construction) |
| Industry Group | 238 |
| Last Updated | 2022 NAICS Edition (Next NAICS Edition will come in 2027) |
What Does NAICS Code 238210 Cover?
According to the official 2022 NAICS data, code 238210 covers establishments primarily engaged in installing and servicing electrical wiring systems and equipment.
In simple terms, this code applies to any business whose main activity is bringing power to a building or site and making sure the electrical systems work safely. This includes:
- Residential, commercial, and industrial electrical wiring installation
- Installing lighting systems, breaker panels, and generators
- Low-voltage wiring installation (such as security alarms, fire alarms, and intercom systems)
- Data and communication cable installation (within buildings)
- Solar panel installation (specifically the electrical wiring and integration, not the structural mounting)
- Maintenance and repair of existing electrical systems
The important distinction here is installation and construction. This code covers the hands-on work of connecting buildings to power and setting up electrical infrastructure, not manufacturing the parts or generating the electricity itself.
Does My Electrical Business Qualify for Code 238210?
Your business qualifies for NAICS code 238210 if:
- You operate as an electrical contractor, electrician, or wiring installation company
- Your main source of revenue comes from installing, repairing, or maintaining electrical systems in buildings
- You pull permits to do electrical work on construction sites or existing structures
- Your business performs low-voltage or data cabling installations as a primary service
Your business may not qualify if:
- You manufacture electrical equipment like transformers or circuit breakers, which falls under 3353 (Electrical Equipment Manufacturing) instead
- You operate as a wholesale distributor selling electrical supplies to contractors, which falls under 423610 (Electrical Apparatus and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers) instead
- You generate and distribute electricity to the public as a utility company, which falls under 2211 (Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution) instead
When your business sits between two codes, always classify based on whichever activity generates the most revenue.
Where Will You Need This Code?
Your NAICS code appears in more places than most business owners expect. Here is where code 238210 will be required:
- Federal Contracting via SAM.gov. The government frequently hires outside contractors for electrical work on military bases, federal buildings, and infrastructure projects. You must be registered on SAM.gov under this exact code to bid on these construction contracts.
- State Licensing and Permits. Most states require an electrical contractor license. When you apply for your license or pull building permits, the local government uses this code to verify your business classification.
- SBA Loan Applications. The Small Business Administration requires your NAICS code on all loan applications. Lenders use it to assess your industry risk profile and determine eligibility for construction-specific loan programs.
- Business Insurance. Insurance providers use your NAICS code to calculate your General Liability and Workers’ Compensation premiums. Electrical work carries a high physical risk due to the danger of electrocution and working on construction sites.
- Tax Filings and Compliance. Federal and state tax agencies use NAICS codes to categorize businesses for statistical reporting and compliance monitoring purposes.
- Business Bank Accounts. Many banks ask for your NAICS code when opening a business account to ensure your business is classified properly from day one.
238210 in the NAICS Hierarchy
Every NAICS code sits inside a structured hierarchy. Here is exactly where 238210 fits:
| Level | Code | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Sector | 23 | Construction |
| Subsector | 238 | Specialty Trade Contractors |
| Industry Group | 2382 | Building Equipment Contractors |
| NAICS Industry | 23821 | Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors |
| National Industry | 238210 | Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does NAICS code 238210 cover solar panel installation?
It covers the electrical side of solar panel installation, such as wiring the panels to the inverter and connecting the system to the building’s electrical grid. However, if your business is strictly a general construction contractor that only physically mounts the racking systems to the roof without touching the wiring, you may fall under a different construction code (like 238160 for Roofing Contractors).
What is the NAICS code if I only do low-voltage or data cabling?
If you exclusively install low-voltage systems like data networks, fiber optics, or security alarms without touching high-voltage power systems, you still generally use 238210. The official government description explicitly includes “wiring installation for telecommunication, computer, and security systems” within this classification.
What if my electrical business also sells parts and materials to the public?
You still classify your business based on where the majority of your revenue comes from. If 80% of your income comes from performing electrical labor and 20% comes from selling wire and breakers over the counter, your primary code remains 238210 (Construction). You only switch to a wholesale/retail code if selling the parts becomes your primary source of income.
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