Protect What Powers Your Operation

Protect your equipment with the right NEMA enclosure. Learn the differences between common NEMA types, what they shield against, and where to use them.

What Are NEMA Enclosure Types?

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) developed enclosure type standards to classify how well an enclosure protects against environmental risks like dust, water, ice, and corrosion. NEMA enclosure types help you choose the right enclosure for your electrical equipment based on operating conditions.

Type 1 Enclosure

For indoor use only. Protects personnel from hazardous parts and equipment from solid foreign objects like falling dirt.

Type 3 Enclosure

Suitable for indoor or outdoor use, it protects personnel from hazardous parts and against falling dirt, windblown dust, rain, sleet, and snow. Can withstand ice formation on the enclosure.

Type 3R Enclosure

Indoor or outdoor rated. Offers protection against falling dirt, rain, sleet, and snow. Does not guard against windblown dust.

Type 4 Enclosure

Indoor/outdoor use. It protects against falling dirt, dust, rain, sleet, snow, water spray, and hose-directed water. Type 4 NEMA enclosures are resistant to ice buildup on the enclosure.

Type 4X Enclosure

For indoor/outdoor use. Type 4X enclosures protect personnel from hazardous parts and safeguard internal components against windblown dust, rain, sleet, snow, splashing water, and hose-directed water. They offer protection against corrosion and remain undamaged by ice formation on the exterior.

Type 6P Enclosure

Built for indoor or outdoor use, Type 6P enclosures protect against access to hazardous parts, falling dirt, hose-directed water, and entry of water during prolonged submersion at a limited depth. They are also rated for prolonged submersion at limited depths. These enclosures offer extra corrosion resistance and stay intact even when ice forms on the exterior.

Type 12 Enclosure

Indoor use only. Shields against dust, dirt, lint, fibers, and dripping or light splashing water. Does not include knockouts.

Type 13 Enclosure

Constructed for indoor use to provide a degree of protection to personnel against access to hazardous parts, solid foreign objects, such as falling dirt, circulating dust, lint, and fibers. Protects with respect to harmful effects on the equipment due to the ingress of water, dripping, and light splashing, and protects against the spraying, splashing, and seepage of oil and non-corrosive coolants.

Note: Other available types include 2, 3S, 3X, 3RX, 3SX, 5, 6, and 12K. Contact MSC Sales or visit mscdirect.com to learn more.

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