The National Electric Manufacturers Association or “NEMA” has developed standards for electrical enclosure components to ensure the highest safety standards are upheld. The main purpose of electrical enclosures is to protect all electrical wires and electronic components inside the electrical enclosure. NEMA standards ensure that the enclosures seal tightly, to prevent outside elements from entering – each one has a set standard for different environments.

NEMA Electrical Enclosures Standards Outlined

NEMA 1: General Purpose: Indoor Use

These electrical enclosures provide ingress protection against contact from regular outside conditions i.e. tampering, dust, moisture, etc.

NEMA 2: Drip Proof: Indoor Use

These are made to protect against limited amounts of falling water and debris indoors.

NEMA 3: Indoor and Outdoor Use

These electrical enclosures are used for general outdoor purposes. They protect against wind, dust, rain, and sleet, but could be potentially damaged in extreme cold conditions if ice forms on the enclosure. They have the same properties as the NEMA 3R and the NEMA 3S.

NEMA 4

NEMA 4 provides a stronger element of protection for staff from the enclosed components which may cause harm if contact is made, accidentally or otherwise. The NEMA 4 enclosure protects against falling debris, rain, sleet, snow, windblown dust, splashing water, and hose-directed water. It cannot withstand the external formation of ice.

NEMA 4x Electrical Enclosures

As the most common electrical enclosure around industrial kitchens, the NEMA 4x electrical enclosure is the same as NEMA 4, with the addition of corrosion resistance. 

NEMA 5

Intended for use indoors or outdoors with protection from dust.

NEMA 6 Electrical Enclosures

These enclosures are fully submersible and airtight. They will not be damaged by ice inside or out.

NEMA 7

These are capable of withstanding explosions and all other elements. The NEMA 8 enclosure has the same characteristics, except that it can be immersed in oil and other liquids if necessary.

NEMA 9

NEMA 9 has enclosed heat-generating devices to prevent the external surfaces from reaching temperatures that could be capable of igniting or discolouring the components inside.

EP Normand is a local electrical enclosure supplier that provides NEMA and IP rated equipment. For these and much more, contact our experts.