Class Code 3179
Electrical Apparatus Mfg
Class Code 3179 covers manufacturers that produce electrical apparatus and related components in California. This includes factories that assemble, test, and finish items such as transformers, switchgear, motors, control panels and similar equipment. The September 1, 2026 approved pure premium rate for this class is $2.546 per $100 of payroll, which workers' comp underwriters use as the baseline for expected loss costs.
What Class Code 3179 Covers
This classification applies to onsite manufacturing operations that fabricate, assemble, test and package electrical apparatus and large electrical components. Typical operations include machining and forming metal enclosures, coil winding, soldering and brazing of electrical connections, wiring and assembly of control panels, insulation and impregnation of coils, high-voltage and dielectric testing, bench and automated testing of relays/transformers, painting/finishing, and packing for shipment. It covers employees who perform repetitive electrical assembly tasks, machinists, coil winders, electronic/bench testers, assemblers of switchgear, maintenance electricians who service factory equipment, and material handlers inside the manufacturing facility. Custom panel builders, contract manufacturers of electrical devices for OEMs, and shops that both fabricate enclosures and install electrical internals are routinely reported in this class.
Who It Applies To
- Transformers and motor manufacturers
- Switchgear and switchboard fabricators
- Control panel and electrical cabinet assemblers
- Producers of relays, circuit breakers, and electronic assemblies
- Contract manufacturers that assemble electrical apparatus
Common Job Duties
- Winding coils, insulating and varnishing motor/transformer components
- Assembling and wiring control panels, enclosures and switchgear
- Soldering, brazing, and connecting electrical components
- High-voltage and dielectric testing, functional bench testing
- Operating CNC machines, presses and sheet-metal fabrication equipment
- Material handling, lifting and packaging finished electrical units
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $2.546 Rate
The pure premium rate of $2.546 per $100 of payroll represents the WCIRBs estimated cost of losses for this class per $100 of payroll before insurer overhead and profit. Insurers multiply that base rate by your payroll and then add expense loads, state assessments, and apply your employer experience modification (X-Mod) or group rating adjustments to produce the final premium. The ultimate premium an employer pays is affected by actual claims history, payroll mix by job within the company, safety programs, return-to-work practices, and deductible or retrospective rating options.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Work in this classification must follow Cal/OSHA General Industry Safety Orders including electrical safety practices, lockout/tagout for control of hazardous energy, machine guarding, hazardous materials communication, and noise exposure limits. Employers should implement NFPA 70E-style shock and arc-flash risk assessments, maintain written Lockout/Tagout and respiratory/chemical exposure programs as applicable, and provide task-specific training and PPE for soldering, high-voltage testing and machining operations. Regular maintenance, testing records and documented employee training help demonstrate compliance during Cal/OSHA inspections.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 3179
A PEO like Key HR can help manufacturers in this class reduce WC costs by bundling payroll and workers' comp, managing claims and light-duty return-to-work programs, and providing tailored safety and compliance programs (LOTO, electrical safety, PPE and training). Key HR also offers loss-control consultations, incident investigation support, and assistance with experience-mod improvement strategies such as safety incentives, job classifications audits and targeted employee training.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Does Class Code 3179 apply if my company only assembles pre-made panels imported from another shop?
If your employees perform wiring, terminal connections, testing, labeling, or final assembly of electrical apparatus in California, they are typically reported to Class Code 3179 even if some components are sourced externally. Purely administrative or sales activities would be excluded.
What practical steps reduce workers' comp costs for electrical apparatus manufacturers?
Implement formal lockout/tagout, electrical safety and arc-flash procedures, mandatory PPE for soldering and testing, ergonomics for winding/assembly tasks, pre-shift machine checks, and a defined return-to-work program. Reducing severity and frequency of claims lowers your experience modification and premium over time.
What Cal/OSHA training is most important for employees in this class?
Task-specific electrical safety training (shock/arc-flash awareness), lockout/tagout, machine guarding and safe operation for presses and CNC equipment, hazardous communication for resins/solvents, and hearing conservation when noise exceeds limits are the priority trainings.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 3179
- Classification
- Electrical Apparatus Mfg
- Pure Premium Rate
- $2.546 / $100 payroll
- Effective Date
- September 1, 2026
- Source
- WCIRB Approved Filing
Manage Workers' Comp Through a PEO
Key HR provides pay-as-you-go workers' comp for California employers — no large deposits, no audits, better rates.
Get a Quoteor call (800) 922-4133Ready to Simplify Workers' Comp for Class Code 3179?
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