Electrical contractor workers’ comp for data center subs

Electrical and mechanical work makes up a large share of a data center build. We place workers’ comp, general liability, and umbrella coverage for the subcontractors doing it.

Independent agency · Licensed across most of the U.S. · Jasper, Alabama

Electrical subcontractor workers’ comp on wrap and non-wrap jobs

For most electrical subs, workers’ comp and the experience mod are the coverage general contractors look at hardest. On a wrap-up job, your workers may be covered by the wrap while they’re on site. Your own policy still covers your shop, your other jobs, and any work the wrap excludes. On jobs without a wrap, your policy carries all of it.

Either way, the GC will look at your mod before you’re allowed to bid. We help you understand where yours stands and what you can do about it.

Mechanical, HVAC, and pipefitter workers’ comp

Cooling systems are a big part of a data center. Mechanical, HVAC, and piping contractors have their own class codes and their own hazards, and we write them the same way we write electrical: by looking at the real work, the states, and the contract.

Trades we work with

These are typical NCCI codes. Codes vary by state, so we confirm them with the underwriter before we quote.

• Electrical wiring in buildings: 5190
• Plumbing and pipefitting: 5183
• HVAC and refrigeration, including the contractor’s incidental sheet metal: 5537
• Setting switchgear, generators, UPS, and chillers (machinery or equipment erection): 3724
• Low-voltage and structured cabling within buildings: commonly 5190 in NCCI states (confirmed with the underwriter)
• Underground conduit and duct banks: 6325
• Commissioning and controls techs: classified case by case, based on the work the crew actually does

Coverage we place

• Workers’ comp and employer’s liability
• General liability, including completed operations
• Umbrella and excess liability
• Commercial auto
• Contractor’s equipment
• Pollution coverage, including refrigerant and glycol work
• Professional liability for delegated design

Reading your subcontract

Data center subcontracts and GC insurance exhibits usually ask for:

• Additional insured status for ongoing and completed operations
• Waiver of subrogation
• Primary and non-contributory wording
• Specific GL and umbrella limits
• Notice of cancellation
• Insurance cost worksheets on wrap-up jobs

Send us the insurance section before you sign. We’ll compare it with what your policies say now and tell you where the gaps are. The review is free. Download our subcontract insurance checklist (PDF).

Bidding wrap-up jobs

On a wrap job, you usually bid net of the insurance the wrap provides. If you work that out after the award, your bid can be priced wrong. See wrap-up help for subcontractors.

Traveling to other states

If your crews follow the work out of state, your workers’ comp has to be set up for those states. See multi-state workers’ comp.

Common questions

What umbrella limit do data center general contractors require?
It depends on the contract, and large sites often ask for higher limits than smaller commercial jobs. Check your subcontract or send it to us.

Does my general liability cover completed operations on a data center job?
That depends on your policy and the wrap’s completed operations terms. We review both.

Do I need my own policies if the job has an OCIP?
Yes, for off-site work, autos, and anything the wrap doesn’t cover.

What class code do data center electricians use?
Usually electrical wiring within buildings, code 5190 in NCCI states. The underwriter confirms it.

How fast can you issue certificates?
Same business day for standard certificates.