Class Code 5195
Communications Cabling
Class Code 5195 covers communications cabling work in California, including low‑voltage copper and fiber installation, splicing, termination and testing. The September 1, 2026 approved pure premium rate for this class is $2.733 per $100 of payroll, which informs your workers' comp cost base.
What Class Code 5195 Covers
This classification applies to hands‑on installation and maintenance of communications cabling systems: pulling and dressing cable in ceilings and conduits, terminating patch panels and jacks, splicing fiber optic cables, installing cable trays and raceways, mounting telecom equipment, and testing networks with electronic testers and OTDRs. It includes work performed indoors (offices, data centers, telecom rooms) and outdoors (pole/overhead lines, underground conduit runs, roadside runs), as well as work on construction sites installing backbone cabling. It does not cover purely clerical network administration or software-only work; to fall under 5195 employees must perform physical cable installation, splicing, termination or field testing. Typical tools and equipment include cable pullers, fish tapes, hand and power tools, fusion or mechanical splicing kits, ladders, scissor lifts, and portable testers.
Who It Applies To
- Low‑voltage/structured cabling contractors and installers
- Fiber‑optic splicing and testing technicians
- Telecommunications installers for offices, schools, hospitals, retail
- Network integrators who perform field cable pulls and terminations
- Cable tray and raceway installers working on commercial construction
Common Job Duties
- Pulling and dressing copper and fiber optic cable through ceilings, conduits and raceways
- Installing and fastening cable trays, raceways, junction boxes and racks
- Splicing and terminating fiber and copper cables, installing patch panels and outlets
- Testing cable performance with continuity testers, certifiers and OTDRs
- Working from ladders, scissor lifts or boom platforms to route and secure cable
- Locating and marking underground utilities and performing trenching or conduit work
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $2.733 Rate
The approved pure premium rate of $2.733 per $100 of payroll represents the insurer's expected loss cost for claims in this class — it is the base used to calculate workers' comp premium. Insurers multiply payroll/100 by the rate, then add their expense/loading factors, policy deductibles, and apply the employer's experience modification; these factors determine the final premium an employer pays.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Communications cabling work is subject to California Cal/OSHA Construction and General Industry safety orders (Title 8). Key requirements include ladder and elevated platform safety, fall protection where workers are exposed to unprotected edges, electrical safety and lockout/tagout when working near energized equipment, and trenching/excavation competent‑person and utility‑locating practices. Employers must provide hazard‑specific training (e.g., ladder, aerial lift, confined space, fiber handling and eye protection) and follow Underground Service Alert (Dial 811) procedures before excavation.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 5195
A PEO like Key HR helps employers in class 5195 by ensuring accurate payroll classification, delivering state‑specific loss control programs, and providing job‑specific safety training (ladder, lift, fiber handling, excavation). Key HR can manage claims and return‑to‑work programs, negotiate with carriers, and implement injury prevention plans that lower experience modification and overall workers' comp costs.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Does Class Code 5195 include fiber optic splicing and testing?
Yes. Hands‑on fiber splicing, connector termination, OTDR testing and related field activities are included under 5195 because they involve physical installation and testing of communications cabling.
Can an in‑house IT technician be classified under 5195?
Only if the IT technician regularly performs field installation tasks—pulling cable, mounting raceways, terminating jacks or splicing fiber. Purely desk‑based network administration or software/support work is classified differently (e.g., clerical or technical service codes).
What practical steps reduce workers' comp costs for cabling crews?
Implement documented safety procedures (ladder/aerial lift training, lockout/tagout, PPE, fiber handling), pre‑shift hazard assessments, formal return‑to‑work programs, accurate payroll reporting, and competent‑person oversight for excavation. Working with a PEO accelerates these steps and improves carrier negotiations.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 5195
- Classification
- Communications Cabling
- Pure Premium Rate
- $2.733 / $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 5195?
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