NEMA Enclosure Ratings

NEMA Ratings for Enclosures

At NEMA Enclosures, our knowledge and experience in NEMA rated enclosures is so extensive, it's in our name. The National Electrical Manufacturer Association (NEMA) uses a standard rating system that defines the types of environments in which an electrical enclosure can be used, and frequently signifies a fixed enclosure's ability to withstand certain environmental conditions. It is NEMA's belief that utilizing standards benefits the user as well as the manufacturer. It improves safety, economics and communication between manufacturer and purchaser. A standard of NEMA defines a product in reference to its attributes and capabilities. We produce quality enclosures in a variety of materials, types and NEMA ratings.

NEMA Ratings Chart

The ratings shown in the chart below are based on similar application descriptions and performance expectations.

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Nema Enclosures designs and manufactures electrical enclosures in the following NEMA standards:

NEMA 1

Indoor use to provide a degree of protection to personnel against access to hazardous parts
To provide a degree of protection of the equipment inside the enclosure against ingress of solid foreign objects (falling dirt)

NEMA 3

Indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of protection to personnel against access to hazardous parts
To provide a degree of protection of the equipment inside the enclosure against ingress of solid foreign objects (falling dirt and windblown dust)
To provide a degree of protection with respect to harmful effects on the equipment due to the ingress of water (rain, sleet, snow)
And that will be undamaged by the external formation of ice on the enclosure

NEMA 3R

Enclosures constructed for either indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of protection to personnel against access to hazardous parts
To provide a degree of protection of the equipment inside the enclosure against ingress of solid foreign objects (falling dirt)
To provide a degree of protection with respect to harmful effects on the equipment due to the ingress of water (rain, sleet, snow)
And that will be undamaged by the external formation of ice on the enclosure

NEMA 3RX

Enclosures constructed for either indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of protection to personnel against access to hazardous parts.
To provide a degree of protection of the equipment inside the enclosure against ingress of solid foreign objects (falling dirt)
To provide a degree of protection with respect to harmful effects on the equipment due to the ingress of water (rain, sleet, snow); that will be undamaged by the external formation of ice on the enclosure
NEMA 3RX enclosures are designed with the same corrosion resistance as NEMA 4X, but since they are not required to be dust tight, louvers and other ventilation options can be added.

NEMA 4

Indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of protection to personnel against access to hazardous parts
To provide a degree of protection of the equipment inside the enclosure against ingress of solid foreign objects (falling dirt and windblown dust)
To provide a degree of protection with respect to harmful effects on the equipment due to the ingress of water (rain, sleet, snow, splashing water, and hose directed water)
And that will be undamaged by the external formation of ice on the enclosure

NEMA 4X

Indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of protection to personnel against access to hazardous parts
To provide a degree of protection of the equipment inside the enclosure against ingress of solid foreign objects (windblown dust)
To provide a degree of protection with respect to harmful effects on the equipment due to the ingress of water (rain, sleet, snow, splashing water, and hose directed water)
That provides an additional level of protection against corrosion
And that will be undamaged by the external formation of ice on the enclosure

NEMA 12

Constructed (without knockouts) for indoor use to provide a degree of protection to personnel against access to hazardous parts
To provide a degree of protection of the equipment inside the enclosure against ingress of solid foreign objects (falling dirt and circulating dust, lint, fibers, and flyings)
And to provide a degree of protection with respect to harmful effects on the equipment due to the ingress of water (dripping and light splashing)