NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) standardized the use and ratings of NEMA enclosures. These standards benefit both purchasers and manufacturers by improving communication, safety, and economics. In addition, complying to these standards enhances the efficiency of a product when used in different processes.
NEMA enclosures are boxes that offer equipment varying levels of protection from different forms of damage and danger. The type of NEMA enclosure, denoted by a number scale rating 1 to 13, depends on the environment where an electrical enclosure can be used and the enclosure’s ability to withstand certain environmental conditions.
Energy Technologies, Inc. manufactures a diverse range of NEMA enclosure power products such as UPS Products, DC Power Products, and Frequency Converters to name a few. These are utilized in various military and industrial applications. All NEMA units we offer are time-tested for reliable performance in normal and extreme conditions. To know more about the different NEMA types, read the following descriptions below.
Type 1 NEMA enclosures are intended for indoor use. They provide general protection to personnel and other objects against accidental contact with live parts. These also protect equipment from dirt and debris.
Type 2 NEMA enclosures, like Type 1, give protection from human contact and ingress of solid foreign objects but include additional protection against light dripping or minor splashing of water.
Type 3 NEMA enclosures are suitable for indoor or outdoor use where protection against non-hazardous environments is required. This type protects equipment against falling dirt, windblown dust, rain, sleet, and external ice formation.
Type 3R NEMA enclosures are resistant to rain, snow, and external ice formation like Type 3. However, they provide less protection against windblown dust. They are usually made of galvanized steel and are primarily used as utility boxes and electronics housing in a mobile power distribution system.
Type 3S NEMA enclosures offer the same protection as Type 3 but with added protection for external mechanisms to remain operable when enclosures are ice-laden.
Type 3X NEMA enclosures have similar functions to Type 3 but with additional protection against corrosion.
Type 3RX, 3SX NEMA enclosures exhibit combined features of Type 3R, Type 3S, and Type 3X, respectively.
Type 4 NEMA enclosures are mainly designed for outdoor use that requires extra protection against water ingress such as wind-driven rain and hose-directed water. They also remain undamaged from external ice formation. These enclosures are gasketed and have the door clamped for maximum sealing. These are used in many applications involving pressurized streams of water.
Type 4X NEMA enclosures provide protection like Type 4 but with additional corrosion protection. These are mostly used in offshore applications, industrial food processing plants, and wastewater treatment facilities.
Type 5 NEMA enclosures are used for indoor applications such as steel and cement plants where protection from airborne particulates, falling dirt, and dripping non-corrosive liquids is required.
Type 6 NEMA enclosures are primarily used in tough outdoor applications where occasional water submersion at a limited depth is inevitable. They also protect equipment from falling dirt, hose spray, and external ice formation.
Type 6P NEMA enclosures are like Type 6 but allow prolonged water submersion at a limited depth.
Type 7 NEMA enclosures are built to withstand minor to moderate explosions indoors. They are designed for use in hazardous locations under Class I, Division I, Groups A, B, C, or D designations by NEC (National Electrical Code). These are environments that contain flammable materials.
Type 8 NEMA enclosures are designed for indoor and outdoor environments classified as Class I, Groups A, B, C, and D as defined by NEC.
Type 9 NEMA enclosures are intended for indoor and outdoor use in Class II, Division I, Groups E, F, or G environments as per NEC. Class II, Division I, Groups E, F, or G are environments that contain metal, carbonaceous, and non-conductive dust.
Type 10 NEMA enclosures meet MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) standards. MSHA regulates the approval and certification of electrical machines and components used in mining operations where hazardous gases like methane are produced. Type 10 is also designed for indoor use to contain any possible explosion.
Type 11 NEMA enclosures are intended for indoor use to provide equipment with protection against corrosive effects of liquids and gases.
Type 12 NEMA enclosures are for indoor use like Type 1 or Type 2 but with a higher level of protection against non-corrosive liquid. They can be mounted or freestanding. They are commonly used in industrial, manufacturing, and machining applications.
Type 12K NEMA enclosures offer similar protection to Type 12 but include pre-constructed knockouts.
Type 13 NEMA enclosures are like Type 12 but with additional protection against oil and coolant seepage.
At Energy Technologies, Inc., we offer Type 1 to Type 13 NEMA enclosures suitable to withstand extreme industrial environments and harsh climatic conditions. Visit nemapower.com to learn more about our NEMA offerings.