Class Code 5187
Plumbing/Refrigeration Equip/Heating Or A/C Equipment – High Wage
Class code 5187 covers workers who install, service and repair plumbing, refrigeration, heating and air-conditioning equipment where employees are paid at higher wage levels. The California pure premium rate for September 1, 2026 is $2.732 per $100 of payroll — a baseline insurers use to estimate expected claim costs for this labor-intensive trade.
What Class Code 5187 Covers
This classification applies to technicians and tradespeople performing installation, maintenance and repair of plumbing systems, commercial refrigeration, boilers, rooftop HVAC units, chillers, split systems and associated ductwork and controls. Work includes pipe fitting, brazing/soldering, refrigerant recovery and charging, compressor replacement, heating system servicing and mechanical equipment rigging. The "High Wage" designation is used for employees whose payroll is recorded at higher wage levels than the standard version of the class; it does not change the underlying scope of hazardous operations, but it can affect payroll allocation and premium dollars. Typical settings include commercial buildings, industrial plants, supermarkets, hospitals and contractor shops where service technicians earn journeyman/senior pay.
Who It Applies To
- Commercial HVAC contractors and service technicians earning journeyman/high-wage rates
- Industrial refrigeration mechanics who install and service chillers and compressors
- Plumbing contractors performing commercial piping, boilers and hydronic systems
- Facility maintenance departments at hospitals, supermarkets, and manufacturing plants
- Mechanical contractors performing rigging, brazing and equipment replacement
Common Job Duties
- Install and connect piping, valves, pumps and hydronic components
- Service, evacuate, recover and recharge refrigerant systems and compressors
- Perform brazing, soldering and limited welding on copper and steel lines
- Set, lift and rig HVAC units, chillers and boilers with hoists or forklifts
- Install and troubleshoot controls, thermostats and electrical disconnects
- Work in crawlspaces, on roofs, in mechanical rooms and confined spaces
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $2.732 Rate
The pure premium rate of $2.732 per $100 of payroll represents the insurer's estimated claim cost per $100 in payroll for workers in this classification. To calculate the pure premium, multiply total payroll for employees in class 5187 by (2.732/100); the final premium an employer pays will then be adjusted by experience modification, policy expense loads, any schedule credits or debits, and deductible programs.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Cal/OSHA requirements central to this work include written hot work permits and controls for brazing, a confined space entry program when accessing mechanical pits or ducts, fall protection for roof and ladder work, Hazard Communication and respirator programs for refrigerants and solvents, and lockout/tagout procedures for servicing energized equipment. Employers must also comply with California heat illness prevention rules for rooftop work and provide documented training on PPE, respirators and refrigerant handling.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 5187
A PEO like Key HR helps employers in this class by centralizing payroll accuracy, class-code allocation and workers' comp administration to avoid misclassification audits. Key HR provides claims management, return-to-work coordination, OSHA-aligned safety program templates, targeted training (e.g., brazing safety, refrigerant handling, fall protection) and loss-control consulting to reduce claim frequency and lower experience modification over time.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my employees should be assigned to class code 5187 instead of a standard HVAC or plumbing class?
Assignment to 5187 depends on the actual duties (plumbing, refrigeration, heating/A/C installation and service) and whether those employees are paid at the higher wage level associated with the "High Wage" variant. Keep detailed job descriptions and payroll records; your insurance auditor or broker can review duties, job titles and pay to confirm correct classification.
What certifications or training do technicians in this class typically need in California?
Technicians commonly need EPA 608 refrigerant handling certification, employer-provided brazing and hot-work training, fall protection and ladder safety training, confined space entry training when applicable, and documented Hazard Communication and respirator training for chemical exposures. Specific projects may also require local licenses or trade certifications.
What practical steps lower workers' comp costs for businesses in this class?
Focus on documented safety programs (hot work permits, confined space, fall protection), pre-placement lifting training and mechanical aids, rapid return-to-work/light-duty plans, accurate payroll classification, drug-free workplace policies and proactive claims management. Partnering with a PEO like Key HR can speed claims handling and provide loss-control resources that reduce future premium through a better experience modification.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 5187
- Classification
- Plumbing/Refrigeration Equip/Heating Or A/C Equipment – High Wage
- Pure Premium Rate
- $2.732 / $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 5187?
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