NEMA is the signifier used by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. It rules industrial standards for using electrical enclosures and items. The association primarily works with different grades of electrical equipment that find usage in industries all over.

NEMA provides every industry device with a suitable NEMA rating to shield it from any personal gain to the harmful contents and any extra type-dependent chosen environmental instances. There can be countless environmental instances against which the rating is relevant to offering the gadget's ultimate defense

If you're new to all this, you may be asking what is NEMA rating? The post below breaks it down so you can understand better.

Is NEMA the Same As IP?

No. NEMA is an American standard, while IP is a European standard. Specialists developed NEMA to form the technical standards for the production of electrical equipment and medical imaging apparatus.

NEMA works to set industry levels for:

• Environment
• Safety
• Interoperability
• Creativity
• Market improvement of our industry

Though the NEMA bureau supervises different responsibilities in the electrical manufacturing production, most people closely associate them with the term NEMA classifications and the kind of enclosure an electrical piece is constructed with.

Similarities and Differences Between IP Rating and NEMA Rating

Here's where the resemblance with IP ratings starts. IP stands for International Protection. However, individuals almost always interpret it as Ingress Protection since it's the classification structure that indicates the degree of defense from the entry of water and dust.

NEMA classifications and IP gradings both define levels of shielding against substances like dust and water. But, they use varying test parameters and techniques to determine their enclosure types. NEMA utilizes NEMA 250, and IP uses standard 60529.

The NEMA grading structure, just like the IP classification system, permits us to spot an enclosure to suit the surrounding that's to be fixed.

Experts use NEMA ratings specifically for enclosures. However, professionals use IP ratings for all types of appliances. The IP classification formation utilizes two numbers, IP66, where the first digit shows the degree of dust shielding. In this case, the six means the enclosure is defended from dust.

The second number shows the degree of water entry shielding, with six meaning the enclosure, is protected from heavy water jet spray. There's no direct change between NEMA ratings and IP ratings. However, the degree of defense they offer is equivalent. Therefore, we can say that the NEMA grading equal to IP66 is NEMA four or 4X, with the four X offering an extra degree of shielding from corrosion.

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NEMA Grading Levels

NEMA ratings for non-dangerous locations go from one through to six and eleven through to thirteen. NEMA ratings for hazardous areas go from seven through to ten.

NEMA Types for Non-Dangerous Area

• Type 1 NEMA- it's most frequently used to specify and spot the protection for commercial indoor applications like junctions, switches, and utility boxes.
• Type 2 NEMA- it's similar to type 1 but comes with an extra drip shield used mainly in cooling and laundry rooms.
• Type 3R/3RX NEMA offers defense against various kinds of weather hazards, falling dirt, and windblown dust.
• Type 3/3X NEMA- dust-tight, rain-tight, and sleet-tight and are made for outdoor and indoor use.
• Type 3S/3SX NEMA- they benefit from a similar shielding as NEMA 3. However, it offers protection when ice builds on the enclosure and will stay functional when covered in ice. The 3SX adds defense against corrosion.
• Type 4/4X NEMA- they provide the same shielding as NEMA 3 enclosure but with extra protection against water entry and hose-directed water.
• Type 5 NEMA- it can handle light splashing but can't be immersed for a long time.
• Type 6/6P NEMA- it offers extra protection from short-term water submersion to a chosen depth. A 6P section means that you can immerse the chamber for long.
• Type 11 NEMA- they're corrosion-resistant and offer to shield even when immersed in lubricant.
• Type 12 NEMA- NEMA 12 and 12K enclosures shield from splashing and dripping water and are rust-resistant.
• Type 13 NEMA- they offer extra protection against sprayed or dripping coolants and oils.

NEMA Types for Dangerous Area

• Type 7 NEMA
• Type 8 NEMA
• Type 9 NEMA
• Type 10 NEMA
  

Why are NEMA Gradings Essential?

Regardless of the production, you deal with; it's vital to check its NEMA rating before fixing it with your other appliances if you utilize any electrical apparatus. You can have countless reasons to do so, among which are:

• The ratings assist the user in confirming if the electrical enclosures have good durability or not.
• It offers adequate details concerning the electrical equipment's operational standards, stability, and security.
• The NEMA grading not only bears crucial details but also assists the user in understanding the mechanism correctly.
• If you've been seeking the ideal instrument for industrial use, such grading will assist you in narrowing down the search outcome as per the kind of surrounding in which you wish to use the component.

Conclusion

NEMA ratings are crucial for your and your property's safety. That's why you should take your time and learn all there is to know about them before settling for a specific enclosure. Granted, it might not be easy to adjust if you're learning about them now, but you'll know all about them with time and patience.