NEMA Ratings

 Explanation and Ratings

Environmental ratings for enclosures based on "NEMA" Type designations "NEMA" Types

Enclosure Type Designation
Intended Use and Description

1Indoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against limited amounts of falling dirt.
2 Indoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against limited amounts of falling water and dirt.
3 Outdoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against rain, sleet, wind blown dust and damage from external ice formation.
3R Outdoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against rain, sleet, and damage from external ice formation.
3S Outdoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against rain, sleet, windblown dust and to provide for operation of external mechanisms when ice laden.
4 Indoor or outdoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against windblown dust and rain, splashing water, hose-directed water and damage from external ice formation.
4X Indoor or outdoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against corrosion, windblown dust and rain, splashing water, hose-directed water, and damage from external ice formation.
5 Indoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against settling airborne dust, falling dirt, and dripping noncorrosive liquids.
6 Indoor or outdoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection again hose-directed water, and the entry of water during occasional temporary submersion at a limited depth and damage from external ice formation.
6P Indoor or outdoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against hose-directed water, the entry of water during prolonged submersion at a limited depth and damage from external ice formation.
7 Indoor use in locations classified as Class I, Division 1, Groups A, B, C or D hazardous locations as defined in the National Electric Code (NFPA 70) (Commonly referred to as explosion-proof).
8 Indoor or outdoor use in locations classified as Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C or D hazardous locations as defined in the National Electric Code (NFPA 70) (commonly referred to as oil immersed).
9 Indoor use in locations classified as Class II, Division 1, Groups E, F and G hazardous locations as defined in the National Electric Code (NFPA 70) (commonly referred to as dust-ignition proof).
10 Intended to meet the applicable requirements of the Mine Safety and HealthAdministration (MSHA).
12 and 12K Indoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against circulating dust, falling dirt, and dripping noncorrosive liquids.
13 Indoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against dust, spraying of water, oil, and noncorrosive coolant.