NAICS Code for Electrical Contractors (238210)
The NAICS code for electrical contractors is 238210. NAICS 238210 – Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors includes establishments primarily engaged in installing and servicing electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures in buildings and structures.
The correct selection depends on the primary activity: general electrical contracting, low-voltage/specialty wiring, or work that is actually telecom, HVAC, or security/alarm services.
How to choose the correct NAICS code for an electrical contractor
Quick rule: match the NAICS code to the business’s primary economic activity (the activity that drives the majority of output).
- Installs/repairs electrical wiring and fixtures in buildings: use 238210.
- Runs telecom/fiber/cellular tower construction: often falls under 237130.
- Installs HVAC systems (even with electrical components): typically 238220.
- Installs security/alarm systems as a security service: commonly 561621.
Tip: confirm the definition and included/excluded activities on the destination NAICS page before finalizing a code.
⚠️ Common mistake: using 238210 for any business that “works with electricity.”
If the primary activity is telecom line construction, alarm/security services, or HVAC installation, another NAICS code may be a better fit. See Common misclassifications below.
What is the NAICS code for an electrical contractor LLC?
“LLC” is a legal structure, not an industry category. An “electrical contractor LLC” is usually classified by the work it performs at the job site.
Core NAICS code for electrical contractors (238210)
Electrical Contractors (NAICS 238210)
Install and service electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures in buildings and structures, including new construction and retrofit projects.
- Electrical wiring installation and upgrades
- Lighting installation (interior/exterior)
- Electrical panel work and circuits
- Service calls, troubleshooting, and repairs
- Wiring installation for equipment/controls (when part of building electrical work)
Commonly confused “nearby” codes
Use these when the primary activity is not building electrical contracting.
- 238220 – Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors
- 237130 – Power and Communication Line Construction
- 561621 – Security Systems Services
Best practice: use the most specific code that matches the dominant activity performed at the establishment.
Where 238210 fits in the NAICS construction hierarchy
View the hierarchy (Sector → Subsector → Industry Group → NAICS)
This reference helps when you know the general category but need the correct level.
| Category | NAICS | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Sector | 23 | Construction |
| Subsector | 238 | Specialty Trade Contractors |
| Industry Group | 2382 | Building Equipment Contractors |
| Primary code | 238210 | Electrical contractors and wiring installation contractors |
Hybrid businesses: If a contractor performs both electrical work and other trades, classify by the activity representing the majority of revenue/work for that establishment.
Best practice: keep a short internal note (1–2 sentences) explaining what was selected and what was excluded for repeatability.
Common electrical contractor business types (and typical NAICS)
Residential electrician:
Typically 238210.
Commercial electrical contractor:
Typically 238210.
Industrial electrical contractor / plant electrical service:
Often 238210 when performing contracting work on building/plant electrical systems.
Structured cabling / low-voltage wiring:
Often 238210 when the primary activity is wiring installation in buildings (verify included/excluded boundaries on the code page).
Service and repair electrician (service calls):
Typically 238210.
Common misclassifications and “outside 238210” scenarios
Some businesses are called “electrical” but are classified outside 238210 because the primary activity is telecom line construction, security services, or another trade.
Telecom / outside-plant line construction
- 237130 – Power and Communication Line and Related Structures Construction
Common for fiber runs, pole/line construction, tower-related line work, and similar outside-plant infrastructure projects.
Security systems / alarms as a service
- 561621 – Security Systems Services
Common when the business model is security monitoring/service-first rather than building electrical contracting.
Applied uses of electrical contractor NAICS codes
- Licensing, vendor onboarding, and compliance classification fields
- Insurance underwriting and risk segmentation
- Bid lists, subcontractor sourcing, and procurement rollups
- Business database indexing and segmentation by primary activity
Electrical contractor industry data and business lists
Need an electrical contractor business list by NAICS code?
SICCODE.com provides industry lists aligned to NAICS categories (including 238210 and related construction segments). Lists can be filtered by NAICS, geography (state, county, ZIP), company size, and other firmographic fields, with delivery options including CSV, Excel, and structured formats for integration workflows.
FAQ
- What is the NAICS code for electrical contractors?
The NAICS code for electrical contractors is 238210. - What NAICS sector includes electricians?
Electrical contractors are typically classified in NAICS Sector 23 – Construction. - Is low-voltage wiring included under 238210?
Often yes when the primary activity is wiring installation in buildings, but confirm the included/excluded activity boundaries on the 238210 code detail page. - Is power line work the same as an electrical contractor?
Not always. Power and communication line construction is commonly classified under 237130. - What if a contractor does electrical plus HVAC or plumbing?
Use the NAICS code that matches the dominant activity at the establishment (largest share of revenue/work) and keep a short note for repeatability.
Next steps
Start with NAICS 2382, then confirm whether the primary activity matches 238210 – Electrical Contractors or a related “outside 238210” classification.
Related resources
- NAICS Code Lookup Directory
- What Is a NAICS Code?
- NAICS Included vs. Excluded Activities
- SIC Codes vs NAICS Codes
Citation
Use this format if you need to cite this reference page in documentation or research.
Thank You For Your Request
Your Personal Data Representative will be contacting you shortly.
Trusted By
What Our Clients Say
We needed a full list of companies within a specific SIC code in order to complete some target market analysis. SICCODE.com provided a comprehensive data set to review and analyze. The delivery was fast and comprehensive. The experience was simple, straightforward, and met our needs - we would recommend.
