NEMA enclosure classifications versus IEC enclosure classifications
NEMA enclosure classifications are developed by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and used in the U.S./American market.
Ingress Protection – IP – ratings are developed by the European Committee for Electro Technical Standardization (CENELEC) (described IEC/EN 60529), and specifies the environmental protection and enclosure provided.
The table below can be used to convert from NEMA Enclosure Types to IEC Enclosure Types:
Note! NEMA standards meet or exceed IEC standards. The conversion does not work in the opposite direction.
| NEMA Enclosure Type | IEC Enclosure IP Code | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | General Purpose – Indoor | IP 10 |
| 2 | Drip-Proof – Indoor | IP 11 |
| 3 | Dust-tight, Rain-tight, Sleet-tight – Outdoor | IP 54 |
| 3R | Rain-tight, Sleet Resistant – Outdoor | IP 14 |
| 3S | Dust-tight, Rain-tight, Sleet-tight – Outdoor | IP 54 |
| 4 | Water-tight, Dust-tight, Sleet Resistant – Indoor & Outdoor | IP 56 |
| 4X | Water-tight, Dust-tight, Corrosion-Resistant – Indoor & Outdoor | IP 56 |
| 5 | Dust-tight, Drip-Proof – Indoor | IP 52 |
| 6 | Occasionally Submersible, Watertight, Sleet Resistant – Indoor & Outdoor | IP 67 |
| 6P | Water-tight, Sleet Resistant- Prolonged Submersion – Indoor & Outdoor | IP 67 |
| 12 | Dust-tight and Drip-tight- Indoor | IP 52 |
| 12K | Dust-tight and Drip-tight, with Knockouts – Indoor | IP 52 |
| 13 | Oil-tight and Dust-tight – Indoor | IP 54 |