NEMA 1 Enclosures
NEMA 1 enclosures are constructed for indoor use to provide protection to the equipment inside the enclosure against limited amounts of falling dirt.
- Ideal for clean, dry indoor areas like offices and electrical closets.
- Protects against contact with live parts and falling dirt.
- Not sealed against water or dust — should not be used in damp environments.
- Common for housing breakers, switches, and control panels.
NEMA 2 Enclosures
NEMA 2 enclosures are constructed for indoor use. They provide a degree of protection to the equipment inside the enclosure against falling dirt and limited amounts of falling water (dripping and light splashing).
- Adds light water protection (e.g., dripping, splashing) to basic NEMA 1 coverage.
- Good for control rooms or near indoor HVAC systems.
- Keeps internal components dry during occasional leaks or condensation.
- Useful for machinery areas with minor moisture exposure.
NEMA 3 Enclosures
NEMA 3 enclosures are constructed for either indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of protection against rain, sleet, and wind-blown dust. They remain undamaged by the external formation of ice on the enclosure.
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Protects against rain, snow, sleet, windblown dust, and ice.
- Not designed for high-pressure water or full dust sealing.
- Common in construction sites, utility boxes, and general outdoor electrical setups.
NEMA 3R Enclosures
NEMA 3R enclosures are constructed for either indoor or outdoor use. They provide a degree of protection against rain, sleet, and wind-blown dust.
This ensures they’re undamaged by the external formation of ice on the enclosure.
A small drain hole on the bottom allows for ventilation and quick dispersion of any water that may enter the enclosure.
- Similar to NEMA 3 but allows more air circulation (not fully dust-tight).
- Drain holes prevent water buildup and allow ventilation.
- Good for drop-in-control units, meter boxes, and rooftop equipment.
- Ideal for rain protection in partially sheltered outdoor locations.
NEMA 3SX Enclosures
NEMA 3SX enclosures are constructed for either indoor or outdoor use. They provide protection against rain, sleet, windblown dust, and provide an additional level of protection against corrosion. These enclosures also allow for operation of external mechanisms when ice laden.
- Combines weatherproofing, corrosion resistance, and ice operability.
- Great for coastal, chemical, or freezing environments.
- Stainless steel or plastic materials prevent rust.
- Ensures switches and handles work even when iced over.
NEMA 4 Enclosures
NEMA 4 enclosures are constructed for either indoor or outdoor use. They have a dust-tight, water-tight seal to protect against windblown particles, rain, splashing water and hose-directed water. This helps them remain undamaged by the external formation of ice on the enclosure.
- Fully dust and watertight — resists hose-directed water.
- Ideal for industrial wash-down environments and outdoor control systems.
- Can handle power-washing or strong rain.
- Common in food and beverage plants, chemical facilities, and pump stations.
NEMA 4X/IP66 Enclosures
NEMA 4X/IP66 enclosures are constructed for industrial and outdoor use, and they have a dust-tight, water-tight seal to protect against windblown dust and rain, splashing water, hose-directed water, and damage from external ice formation. They also provide an additional level of protection against corrosion.
All Integra Enclosures carry a minimum 4X NEMA Rating.
- Additional corrosion resistance to NEMA 4 protection.
- Suitable for coastal, marine, or chemical wash-down areas.
- Equivalent to IP66: blocks all dust and high-pressure water.
- Standard across all Integra Enclosures — ideal for harsh environments.
NEMA 5 Enclosures
NEMA 5 enclosures are constructed for indoor use to provide protection against settling airborne dust, fibers, and dripping non-corrosive liquids.
- Seals out dust, lint, and fibers in industrial indoor settings.
- Handles light drips and minor splashes of non-corrosive liquids.
- Not suited for outdoor or high-moisture areas.
- Common in textile mills, woodworking shops, and dusty factory floors.
NEMA 6 Enclosures
NEMA 6 enclosures are constructed for either indoor or outdoor use to protect against hose-directed water, damage from external ice formation and the entry of water during occasional temporary submersion at a limited depth.
- Waterproof and dust-tight with short-term submersion protection.
- Handles hose spray and occasional flooding.
- Useful for underground vaults, damp industrial floors, or shallow wash basins.
- More rugged than NEMA 4 — great for flood-prone or humid conditions.
NEMA 6P/IP68 Enclosures
NEMA 6P/IP68 enclosures are constructed for either indoor or outdoor use. They provide protection against hose-directed water, damage from external ice formation, and the entry of water during occasional prolonged submersion at a limited depth. Integra IP 68 rated enclosures can be submerged in up to 6 feet of water for up to 24 hours.
- Offers long-duration submersion protection (up to 24 hours at 6 feet).
- IP68 rating means continuous water protection and dust-tight seal.
- Corrosion-resistant for use in wet, submerged, or marine environments.
- Used in wastewater plants, sprinkler systems, and marine applications.
NEMA 12 Enclosures
NEMA 12 enclosures are constructed (without knockouts) for indoor use to provide a degree of protection against circulating dust or fibers, falling dirt and dripping non-corrosive liquids.
- Great for dusty, dry indoor industrial spaces.
- Keeps out airborne fibers and dripping liquids.
- No pre-cut knockouts. The installer must drill and seal openings.
- Common in manufacturing, automation control, and indoor machinery protection.
NEMA 12K Enclosures
NEMA 12K enclosures are constructed (with knockouts) for indoor use to provide protection against circulating dust or fibers, falling dirt and dripping non-corrosive liquids.
- Same protection as NEMA 12 but with pre-cut knockouts for wiring.
- Easier to install cables, sensors, and conduits.
- Ideal for control panels that need many cable connections.
- Great for factory automation and modular industrial setups.
NEMA 13 Enclosures
NEMA 13 enclosures are constructed for indoor use to provide a degree of protection against dust, spraying of water, oil, and noncorrosive coolants.
- Offers added protection against oil and coolant splashes.
- Dust-tight and resists light sprays of machine oils or lubricants.
- Common near CNC machines, hydraulic presses, and metalworking equipment.
- Ideal for shops with lots of grease, coolant, or cutting fluid exposure.
FAQs
What is a NEMA enclosure rating?
A NEMA enclosure rating is a standardized code developed by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) to define the level of protection an electrical enclosure provides against environmental hazards such as dust, water, ice, and corrosion. This helps ensure your electrical equipment operates safely and reliably in its intended environment.
Why is it important to choose the right NEMA enclosure?
Choosing the correct NEMA enclosure protects equipment from damage caused by dust, moisture, chemicals, and physical contact. The right NEMA enclosure rating ensures your electrical components are shielded from specific threats, whether it’s a dusty warehouse, a wet factory floor, or outdoor weather hazards.
What does “dust tight” mean in a NEMA rating?
A “dust tight” NEMA rating, such as NEMA 4, 4X, or 12, means the electrical enclosure is sealed to prevent the ingress of airborne dust, lint, or fibers. This is essential in environments like factories, workshops, or grain mills where airborne particles can interfere with or damage electrical components inside the enclosure.
Which NEMA enclosure ratings are safe for outdoor use?
Enclosures rated NEMA 3, 3R, 3SX, 4, 4X, 6, and 6P are designed for outdoor use. These standard enclosures protect equipment from rain, sleet, snow, and in some cases, direct hose spray or submersion. For added protection in harsh environments, NEMA 4X and 6P enclosures are both weather- and corrosion-resistant.
What’s the difference between NEMA 4 and NEMA 4X?
Both NEMA 4 and NEMA 4X enclosures are dust tight and protect against rain, splashing, and hose-directed water. The difference is that NEMA 4X also includes corrosion resistance, making it ideal for marine, coastal, or chemical wash-down environments.
Are any NEMA enclosures suitable for hazardous locations?
Standard NEMA enclosure ratings aren’t designed for hazardous locations involving flammable gases, vapors, or combustible dust. For those applications, you need specially rated enclosures, such as
ATEX rated enclosures, which are designed for use in classified hazardous areas.
Can I use a NEMA 12 enclosure outdoors?
No, NEMA 12 enclosures are designed for indoor use only. While they are dust tight and protect against dripping non-corrosive liquids, they do not offer sufficient protection against rain, snow, or extreme weather conditions. For outdoor use, consider NEMA 3 or higher.
Which NEMA enclosure rating should I choose for wet environments?
For wet or wash-down environments, NEMA 4 or 4X enclosures are ideal. For applications with submersion risk, such as underground vaults or humid environments, choose NEMA 6 or 6P. These ratings are specifically designed to protect electrical components from water ingress.
Do all NEMA-rated enclosures protect against corrosion?
No. Only NEMA enclosures with an “X” designation, such as NEMA 4X or 3SX, offer corrosion resistance. These are made with materials like stainless steel or polycarbonate, which are better suited for marine, coastal, or chemically harsh environments.
What NEMA rating do I need to protect equipment in industrial environments?
It depends on the specific environment. NEMA 12 or 13 enclosures are commonly used for indoor industrial settings with dust, oil, or dripping liquids. For outdoor or wash-down areas, NEMA 4X or
6P enclosures provide stronger protection against water, dust, and corrosion.
Need a Specific NEMA Rated Enclosure? Integra Makes Custom Easy
Integra’s NEMA rated enclosures come in multiple styles, sizes and configurations to meet your application. Custom machining, finishes and mounting options are also available! By filling out our Customization Request, our team of product experts and engineers will find the enclosure solution that fits your exact needs. Bulk and Custom orders can be placed by emailing sales@integraenclosures.com
If you’re looking for smaller quantities of standard sizes, you can also Shop All Integra Enclosures right here on our website!
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