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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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.
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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)
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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.