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Nema Enclosures

Reference data and engineering information about nema enclosures for miscellaneous applications.

nemaenclosures

Overview

Engineering reference data for Nema Enclosures in miscellaneous.

Key Formulas

Unit Conversion

y=x⋅ky = x \cdot k

Multiply by conversion factor.

Linear Interpolation

y=y1+(x−x1)(y2−y1)x2−x1y = y_1 + \frac{(x - x_1)(y_2 - y_1)}{x_2 - x_1}

Estimate between two known points.

Percentage

p=partwhole×100%p = \frac{\text{part}}{\text{whole}} \times 100\%

Part as fraction of whole.

Variables

SymbolDescriptionUnit
xxInput value—
yyOutput value—
kkConversion factor—

NEMA Enclosure Types Reference

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) defines standards for electrical enclosures used in non-hazardous locations. Each type specifies the level of protection provided against environmental hazards.

13 rows
NEMA Enclosure Types for Non-Hazardous Locations
NEMA Type
Protection Rating
Location
Description
Type 1General PurposeIndoorProtection against incidental contact & falling dirt
Type 2Drip-ProofIndoorProtection against falling dirt, dripping & light splashing
Type 3Dust/Rain/Sleet tightOutdoorProtection against falling dirt, rain, sleet, snow, windblown dust; undamaged by external ice
Type 3RRain tight, Sleet ResistantOutdoorProtection against falling dirt, rain, sleet, snow; undamaged by external ice
Type 3SDust/Rain/Sleet tightOutdoorProtection against falling dirt, rain, sleet, snow, windblown dust; mechanisms operable when ice laden
Type 4Watertight, Dust tightIndoor/OutdoorProtection against falling dirt, rain, sleet, snow, windblown dust, splashing & hose-directed water; undamaged by external ice
Type 4XWatertight, Dust tight, Corrosion-ResistantIndoor/OutdoorSame as Type 4 plus corrosion resistance
Type 5Dust tight, Drip-ProofIndoorProtection against falling dirt, settling airborne dust/lint/fibers/flyings, dripping & light splashing
Type 6Occasionally SubmersibleIndoor/OutdoorProtection against falling dirt, hose-directed water, occasional temporary submersion at limited depth; undamaged by external ice
Type 6PProlonged SubmersionIndoor/OutdoorProtection against falling dirt, hose-directed water, prolonged submersion at limited depth; undamaged by external ice
Type 12Dust tight, Drip tightIndoorWithout knockouts; protection against falling dirt, circulating dust/lint/fibers/flyings, dripping & light splashing
Type 12KDust tight, Drip tightIndoorWith knockouts; protection against falling dirt, circulating dust/lint/fibers/flyings, dripping & light splashing
Type 13Oil tight, Dust tightIndoorProtection against falling dirt, lint, fibers, flyings, & oil/coolant seepage

Source: NEMA Standards Publication 250

Environmental Protection Summary

HazardType 1Type 2Type 3Type 3RType 3SType 4Type 4XType 5Type 6Type 6PType 12Type 12KType 13
Falling dirt✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓
Dripping water-✓---✓✓✓--✓✓-
Rain/sleet/snow--✓✓✓✓✓------
Windblown dust--✓-✓✓✓------
Hose-directed water-----✓✓-✓✓---
Submersion--------✓✓---
Corrosion------✓------
Oil/coolant seepage------------✓

Selection Guidelines

When selecting NEMA enclosures, consider these factors:

  • Indoor vs. Outdoor: Types 3, 3R, 3S, 4, 4X, 6, and 6P are rated for outdoor use
  • Water exposure: Choose Type 4 or 4X for washdown environments; Type 6/6P for submersion
  • Corrosive environments: Type 4X provides additional corrosion resistance
  • Dusty environments: Types 3, 4, 5, 12, 12K, and 13 offer dust protection
  • Icing conditions: Types 3S maintains operable mechanisms when ice-laden
  • Oil exposure: Type 13 is specifically designed for oil-tight applications

References

Source: engineeringtoolbox.com