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 3R Enclosures
Designed for outdoor use, offering protection against rain and sleet. Commonly used for housing power distribution, lighting contactors, switchgear, and other electrical components in applications such as exterior electrical panels on buildings. Not available on our online catalogue, but we can build both standard and custom configurations, ranging from junction box style to MCC drop-over style enclosures for outdoor use, providing protection against rain and sleet.
NEMA 4 Enclosures
Safeguards against dust, dirt, and dripping non-corrosive liquids, making it suitable for indoor industrial environments. Commonly used for protecting control cabinets in manufacturing facilities. Explore our online catalogue with over 300 powder-coated steel options available for purchase as well as customizable make-to-order solutions.
NEMA 4X Enclosures
Combines NEMA 3R features with enhanced corrosion resistance, making it suitable for outdoor applications in corrosive atmospheres. Applied to enclosures for electrical equipment in chemical processing plants and similar environments. Explore our extensive online catalogue with over 1,000 304/316 stainless steel and aluminum options available for purchase, as well as customizable solutions.
NEMA 12 Enclosures
Provides defense against water splashes and hose-directed water, making it suitable for environments with liquid exposure. Ideal for protecting control enclosures in industrial settings with high moisture levels. Not available on our online catalogue, but we can build both standard and custom configurations. This specification safeguards against dust and dripping non-corrosive liquids, making it suitable for indoor industrial environments.
NEMA 3RX Enclosures
Offers corrosion resistance in addition to NEMA 4 specifications, making it suitable for harsh and corrosive environments. Often used for enclosures housing electronic equipment in marine or coastal installations. Not available on our online catalogue, but we specialize in building both standard and custom configurations, incorporating enhanced corrosion resistance. We offer options such as punched louvers or gasketed louver plates, along with rain hoods for added protection.
NEMA Ratings Chart
The NEMA ratings for enclosures shown in the chart below are based on similar application descriptions and performance expectations.
Download ChartNema Enclosures designs and manufactures NEMA rated 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)
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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)