Fibox understands that today’s business is global, and understanding the IP ratings compared to NEMA can come in handy when selecting a NEMA rated electrical enclosure for your next project.
Both IP and NEMA ratings provide standards for enclosure protection against environmental factors, detailing their differences and similarities.
Knowing if your need is for an indoor or outdoor application can save time and money instead of retooling a project
| NEMA Rating | IP Equivalent | NEMA Definition | IP Definition | Protection from Liquids |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IP10 | Constructed for indoor use to provide a degree of protection to personnel against incidental contact with the enclosed equipment and to provide a degree of protection against falling dirt. | 1 = Protected against solid objects 50mm in diameter and greater | 0 = Not Protected |
| 2 | IP11 | Constructed for indoor used to provide a degree of protection to personnel against incidental contact with the enclosed equipment, provide some protection against falling dirt, and provide a little protection against dripping and light splashing of liquids. | 1 = Protected against solid objects 50mm in diameter and greater. | 1 = Protected against vertically falling water drops. |
| 3 | IP54 | Constructed for indoor or outdoor used to provide a degree of protection to personnel against incidental contact with the enclosed equipment; to provide a degree of protection against falling dirt, rain, sleet, snow, and windblown dust; and that will undamaged by the external formation of ice on the enclosure. | 5 = Protected against dust -limited ingress permitted. | 4 = Protected against water sprayed from all directions – limited ingress permitted. |
| 3R | IP14 | Constructed for either indoor or outdoor used to provide a degree of protection to personnel against incidental contact with the enclosed equipment; to provide a degree of protection against falling dirt, rain, sleet, and snow; and that will be undamaged by the external formation of ice on the enclosure. | 1 = Protected against vertically falling water drops. | 4 = Protected against water sprayed from all directions – limited ingress permitted. |
| 3S | IP54 | Constructed for either indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of protection to personnel against incidental contact with the enclosed equipment; to provide a degree of protection against falling dirt, rain, sleet, snow, and windblown dust; and in which the external mechanism(s) remain operable when ice laden. | 5 = Protected against dust – limited ingress permitted (no harmful deposit). | 4 = Protected against water sprayed from all directions – limited ingress permitted. |
| 4 | IP66 |
Constructed for either indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of protection to personnel against incidental contact with the enclosed equipment. NEMA 4X enclosures also provide a degree of protection against falling dirt, rain, sleet, snow, windblown dust, splashing water, and hose-directed water. |
6 = Totally protected against dust. | 6 = Protected against strong jets of water from all directions – limited ingress permitted. |
| 4X | IP66 | Constructed for either indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of protection to personnel against incidental contact with the enclosed equipment. NEMA 4X enclosures also provide a degree of protection against falling dirt, rain, sleet, snow, windblown dust, splashing water, hose-directed water, and corrosion. | 6 = Totally protected against dust. | 6 = Protected against strong jets of water from all directions – limited ingress permitted. |
| 5 | IP52 |
Constructed for indoor use to provide a degree of protection to personnel against incidental contact with the enclosed equipment; to provide a degree of protection against falling dirt; against settling airborne dust, lint, fibers, and flying debris; and to provide a degree of protection against dripping and light splashing of liquids. |
5 = Protected against dust – limited ingress (no harmful deposit). | 2 = Protected against direct sprays of water up to 15° from the vertical. |
| 6 | IP67 |
Constructed for either indoor or outdoor use, NEMA 6 enclosures provide a degree of protection to personnel against incidental contact with the enclosed equipment; to provide a degree of protection against falling dirt; against hose-directed water and the entry of water during occasional temporary submersion at a limited depth; and that will be undamaged by the external formation of ice on the enclosure. |
6 = Totally protected against dust. | 7 = Protected against the effects of temporary immersion between 15 cm and 1m. Duration of test 30 minutes. |
| 6P | IP67 |
Constructed for either indoor or outdoor use NEMA 6P enclosures provide a degree of protection to the personnel against incidental contact with the enclosed equipment; to provide a degree of protection against falling dirt; against hose-directed water, and the entry of water during prolonged submersion at a limited depth; and that will be undamaged by the external formation of ice on the enclosure. |
6 = Totally protected against dust. | 7 = Protected against the effects of temporary immersion between 15 cm and 1m. Duration of test 30 minutes. |
| 12 and 12K | IP52 |
Constructed (without knockouts) for indoor use to provide a degree of protection to personnel against incidental contact with the enclosed equipment; to provide a degree of protection against falling dirt; against circulating dust, lint, fibers, and flying debris; and against dripping and light splashing of liquids |
5 = Protected against dust – limited ingress (no harmful deposit). | 2 = Protected against direct sprays of water up to 15° from the vertical. |
| 13 | IP54 |
Constructed for indoor use to provide a degree of protection to personnel against incidental contact with the enclosed equipment; to provide a degree of protection against falling dirt; against circulating dust, lint, fibers, and flying debris; and against the spraying, splashing, and seepage of water, oil, and noncorrosive coolants. |
5 = Protected against dust – limited ingress (no harmful deposit). | 4 = Protected against water sprayed from all directions – limited ingress permitted. |
Understanding NEMA and IP Ratings
NEMA and IP ratings are two different systems used to rate the level of protection provided by electrical enclosures. NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) ratings are primarily used in North America, while IP (Ingress Protection) ratings are used internationally. Both systems provide a way to evaluate the level of protection an enclosure offers against environmental factors such as dust, water, and corrosion. Understanding NEMA and IP ratings is crucial for selecting the right enclosure for a specific application. By knowing the degree of protection each rating offers, you can ensure that your electrical components are safeguarded against potential hazards, whether for indoor or outdoor use.
NEMA Ratings
NEMA ratings are a system developed by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) to rate the level of protection provided by electrical enclosures. These ratings consider factors such as the enclosure’s construction details, corrosion protection, and ingress protection. NEMA ratings are typically used for both indoor and outdoor applications and are classified into different types, including NEMA 1, NEMA 2, NEMA 3, NEMA 4, and NEMA 4X. Each type provides a different level of protection against environmental factors, ensuring that the enclosed equipment is shielded from elements like falling dirt, hose-directed water, and corrosive agents. Understanding these ratings helps in selecting the right enclosure to meet the specific needs of your project.
IP Ratings
IP ratings, on the other hand, are international standards that specify the degree of protection an electrical enclosure provides against the ingress of foreign objects, such as dust and water. IP ratings have two numbers: the first digit indicates the enclosure’s ability to protect against the ingress of foreign solid objects, such as dust, and the second digit indicates the level of protection against the ingress of water or other liquids. IP ratings are used to rate and categorize the performance of electrical enclosures and are certified through rigorous testing by Underwriters Laboratories. This standardized approach ensures that IP-rated enclosures provide consistent and reliable protection across different applications and environments.
Comparing NEMA and IP Ratings
While NEMA and IP ratings are not identical, they are very similar and can often be used interchangeably for rating enclosures in industrial environments. However, there is no direct correlation between NEMA ratings and IP ratings. The main difference between the two rating systems is the criteria used to rate them. NEMA ratings consider everything from the enclosure’s construction details to the corrosion and ingress protection it provides, while IP ratings focus solely on the enclosure’s sealing capabilities against dust and liquid intrusion. Understanding these differences is essential for selecting the right enclosure for your specific needs.
Selecting the Right Enclosure Rating
Selecting the right enclosure rating depends on the specific application and the level of protection required. Consider factors such as the environment, temperature, humidity, and exposure to dust, water, and corrosion. NEMA and IP ratings can be used interchangeably for some applications, but it’s essential to understand the differences between the two systems. When selecting an enclosure rating, consider the following factors:
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Level of protection required
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Environmental conditions
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Requirements for electrical components
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Indoor or outdoor use
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Corrosion protection requirements
By considering these factors and understanding NEMA and IP ratings, you can select the right enclosure rating for your specific application. This ensures that your electrical components are adequately protected, enhancing the longevity and reliability of your equipment in various industrial environments.