Class Code 9516
Television/Video/Audio/Radio Equipment – Installation, Service Or Repair
Class Code 9516 applies to workers who install, service, calibrate or repair television, video, audio and radio equipment on-site or in shop settings. This classification is important for AV integrators, in‑home TV mounting services, broadcast repair shops and similar employers; the approved pure premium rate for California (effective Sept 1, 2026) is $2.315 per $100 of payroll.
What Class Code 9516 Covers
This classification covers on‑site and bench work for television, video, audio and radio systems: wall/ceiling mounting of displays and speakers, wiring and terminating coaxial, HDMI, fiber and low‑voltage control cabling, rigging of speakers and displays, setup and calibration of projectors, receivers and broadcast/studio gear, and service or repair of receivers, transmitters, amplifiers and associated electronics. It includes both residential and commercial AV installations, AV integrators working in offices, schools, houses of worship, and repair technicians servicing equipment in shops or field vans. Tasks also include rooftop or attic access to place antennas and small broadcast dishes, rack‑mounting and grounding equipment in equipment rooms, and testing RF, audio and video signals with specialized meters and software. Routine shop repair—circuit board diagnostics, soldering, replacing power supplies and component-level servicing—is part of this code when tied to TV/video/audio/radio equipment.
Who It Applies To
- Residential TV and in‑home theater installers
- Commercial AV integrators and system installers
- Field service technicians who repair receivers, amplifiers and studio gear
- Broadcast and radio equipment service technicians (non‑tower work)
- Shop technicians performing bench repairs and equipment calibration
Common Job Duties
- Mounting and rigging TVs, displays, speakers and projectors
- Running, terminating and testing coaxial, HDMI, fiber and control cabling
- Configuring and calibrating audio/video receivers, switchers and controllers
- Diagnosing and repairing circuit boards, power supplies and connectors
- Grounding and bonding equipment racks and installing surge protection
- Using ladders, lifts or attic access to place antennas, dishes or rooftop gear
- Performing on‑site signal testing, spectrum analysis and system commissioning
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $2.315 Rate
The pure premium rate of $2.315 per $100 of payroll is the baseline amount insurers use to cover expected claim costs for this class. To calculate premium, insurers multiply the rate by your payroll for employees in this class, then apply your experience modification, carrier expense loads, state assessments and any policy-specific credits or debits. Final cost is affected by payroll accuracy, loss history, safety programs, class code splits (properly assigning other duties to correct codes) and deductible or retrospective rating plans.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Key Cal/OSHA requirements relevant to this work include ladder and fall protection rules for work at height, electrical safety and lockout/tagout practices when servicing powered equipment, and adequate ventilation and controls for soldering and solvent use. Employers must provide required PPE (eye protection, hearing protection, electrical‑rated gloves where appropriate), training on hazard recognition and written programs where applicable (such as injury and illness prevention programs and heat illness prevention for rooftop work). Recordkeeping and timely reporting of serious injuries to Cal/OSHA are also mandatory.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 9516
A PEO like Key HR helps employers in this class manage workers' comp costs by ensuring correct class assignments and payroll reporting, providing industry‑specific safety templates and training (ladder safety, electrical awareness, proper lifting), and managing claims and return‑to‑work programs to limit indemnity exposure. Key HR can also coordinate loss control site visits, safety coaching for crews, and negotiate aggregate program benefits that can reduce the overall premium burden.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Does Class Code 9516 cover in‑home TV mounting services?
Yes. In‑home TV mounting, speaker installation and related low‑voltage wiring performed for a fee are typically classified under 9516, provided the work is limited to AV equipment installation, service or repair and not combined with unrelated construction activities.
How can I lower my workers' comp costs for AV technicians?
Focus on reducing claims and frequency: implement ladder and fall protection training, enforce electrical safety and PPE use, establish a light‑duty return‑to‑work program, maintain accurate payroll and class coding, and work with a PEO or carrier to review experience modification and loss control strategies.
Are tower climbers who work on large broadcast towers included in 9516?
Not typically. High‑altitude tower climbing and major tower maintenance are often classified under specialized codes due to the elevated fall and rescue hazards. Small rooftop antenna work and dish installation usually fall under 9516, but large tower work should be discussed with your underwriter to confirm proper classification.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 9516
- Classification
- Television/Video/Audio/Radio Equipment – Installation, Service Or Repair
- Pure Premium Rate
- $2.315 / $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 9516?
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