What is a NEMA Rating?
National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) represents about 325 electrical equipment manufacturers aiming to make safe, efficient, and reliable equipment.
As a leading association of U.S. manufacturers, NEMA promotes standardization of electrical enclosures.
It outlines the performance criteria of electrical enclosures for different environmental conditions.
Consequently, electrical enclosures are classified as NEMA type 1 to NEMA type 13, depending on the performance criteria in different environments.
Today, NEMA enclosure performance criteria act as a guideline by other organizations such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Canadian Standards Association(CSA), etc.
What is IEC 60529 for Electrical Enclosure?
IEC 60529 standard, also called Ingress Protection, is defined by 2 digits – IP 56, IP 55, etc.
The first digit refers to the degree of protection against solid objects or parts, while the second digit refers to the degree of protection from water.
Although the IEC 60529 standard was mainly associated with the European Union, it has been adopted globally.
Together with the NEMA rating and IEC 60529 standard (IP rating), the two play an integral role in assessing the quality and performance of electrical enclosures in different environments.
Does NEMA Rating Define Enclosure Size Specifications?
No.
The NEMA 250 standard defines performance requirements in different environments by:
- Stating the test requirements
- Construction requirements
However, every NEMA enclosure manufacturer can have their designs and sizes of electrical enclosures.
Electrical enclosure sizes
NEMA Environment Pre-Selector
Identify a NEMA enclosure type family to discuss with the supplier based on environmental exposure.
Reference selection only: NEMA ratings include construction and environmental requirements. This tool does not certify a product or provide an exact IP conversion.
Can You Submit Electrical Enclosure to NEMA for Approval?
No, the standards are voluntary.
Therefore, NEMA does not test or certify electrical enclosures.
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