Analysis
NAICS 238210 is the 2022 national industry for electrical contractors and other wiring installation contractors, part of 23821 (Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors). Census lists 49 example activities under it in the official index.
County Business Patterns counts 83,342 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 1,015,983 people at an average annual payroll of $76,545 per employee (64th percentile of national industries). 59% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which is close to the national mix.
Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments grew 11% and employment rose 18%. The 2018 count used NAICS 2017, so part of a large move can come from codes being redefined rather than from businesses opening or closing.
Census lists 5 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 517, 2211, 237130 and 561621. Businesses that do several things are classified by their primary activity, the one that generates the most value, so check those boundaries before settling on this code.
Its index entries, the activities Census uses to assign businesses to this code, include airport runway lighting contractors, alarm system (e.g., fire, burglar), electric, installation…, audio equipment installation (except automotive) contractors and audio visual equipment installation, among 49 in all.
For example, installing and maintaining telecommunications lines performed by telecommunications companies are classified in 517 (Telecommunications) instead.
Official definition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in installing and servicing electrical wiring and equipment. Contractors included in this industry may include both the parts and labor when performing work. These contractors may perform new work, additions, alterations, maintenance, and repairs.
Illustrative Examples:
Airport runway lighting contractors Fiber optic cable (except transmission line) contractors Alarm system (e.g., fire, burglar), electric, installation only Highway, street, and bridge lighting and electrical signal installation Audio equipment (except automotive) installation contractors Home automation system installation Lighting system installation Cable television hookup contractors Telecommunications equipment and wiring (except transmission line) installation contractors Computer and network cable installation Traffic signal installation Environmental control system installation Cable splicing, electrical or fiber optic
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Not this code if…
| The business mainly does | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Installing and maintaining telecommunications lines performed by telecommunications companies | 517 Telecommunications |
| Installing and maintaining electric power lines performed by electric utility companies | 2211 Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution |
| Constructing power and communication lines | 237130 Power and Communication Line and Related Structures Construction |
| Burglar and fire alarm installation combined with sales, maintenance, or monitoring services | 561621 Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) |
| Retailing and installing automotive audio equipment | 441330 Automotive Parts and Accessories Retailers |
Index entries (49)
- Airport runway lighting contractors
- Alarm system (e.g., fire, burglar), electric, installation only
- Audio equipment installation (except automotive) contractors
- Audio visual equipment installation
- Building automation system installation contractors
- Burglar alarm system, electric, installation only
- Cable splicing, electrical or fiber optic
- Cable television hookup contractors
- Communication equipment installation
- Computer and network cable installation
- Control system (e.g., environmental, humidity, temperature) installation
- Electric contracting
- Electric power control panel and outlet installation
- Electrical contractors
- Electrical equipment and appliance installation
- Electrical wiring contractors
- Electrical work
- Electrical, electrical wiring, and low voltage electrical work
- Electrician
- Electronic containment fencing for pets, installation
- Electronic control installation and service
- Electronic control system installation
- Environmental control system installation
- Fiber optic cable (except transmission lines) installation
- Fire alarm system, electric, installation only
- Highway, street and bridge lighting and electrical signal installation
- Home automation system installation
- Home standby power generator installation
- Home theater installation
- Humidity control system installation
- Installation of photovoltaic panels
- Intercommunication (intercom) system installation
- Lighting system installation
- Low voltage electrical work
- Private driveway or parking area lighting contractors
- Public address system installation
- Railroad signaling equipment installation
- Security and fire system, installation only
- Smoke detection system, installation only
- Snow melting cable, electric, installation