Electrical Enclosure NEMA Ratings
The National Electrical Manufacturer Association (NEMA) uses
a set of ratings to define protection standards designed to help determine if an electrical
enclosure is apporpriate for protecting electrical equipment within a given environment.
Depending on the NEMA rating, protection limits can range from falling dirt, to protection
against rain, corrosive chemicals and even water from submersion. If an electrical enclosures
has a NEMA rating you can be sure that enclosure has gone through hours rigorous testing to
ensure they will perform under that ratings protection definition.
NEMA 1
Indoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against contact with the
enclosed equipment and against a limited amount of falling dirt. (IP30)
Shop NEMA 1 Enclosures
NEMA 2
Indoor use to provide a degree of protection against limited amounts of falling
water and dirt. (IP31)
NEMA 3
Outdoor use to provide a degree of protection against windblown dust, rain, and
sleet; undamaged by the formation of ice on the enclosure. (IP64)
NEMA 3R
Outdoor use to provide a degree of protection against falling rain and sleet:
undamaged by the formation of ice on the enclosure. (IP32)
Shop NEMA 3R Enclosures
NEMA 3S
Outdoor use to provide a degree of protection against windblown dust, rain and
sleet; external mechanisms remain operable while ice laden.
NEMA 4
Indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of protection against splashing water,
windblown dust and rain, hose directed water; undamaged by the formation of ice
on the enclosure. (IP66)
Shop NEMA 4 Enclosures
NEMA 4X
Indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of protection against splashing water,
windblown dust and rain, hose directed water; undamaged by the formation of ice
on the enclosure, resists corrosion. (IP66)
Shop NEMA 4X Enclosures
NEMA 6
Indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of protection against the entry of
water during temporary submersion at a limited depth; undamaged by the formation
of ice on the enclosure.
NEMA 6P
Indoor and outdoor use to provide a degree of protection against the entry of
water during prolonged submersion at a limited depth.
Shop NEMA 6P Enclosures
NEMA 11
Indoor use to provide by oil immersion a degree of protection of the enclosed
equipment against the corrosive effects of corrosive liquids and gases.
NEMA 12, 12K
Indoor use to provide a degree of protection against dust, falling dirt and
dripping noncorrosive liquids. (IP65)
Shop NEMA 12 Enclosures
NEMA 13
Indoor use to provide a degree of protection against dust and spraying of water,
oil and noncorrosive coolants. (IP65)
*Approximate IP equivalents in parentheses.