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International and USA Enclosure Classifications
IP (ingress protection) class of enclosures is according to IEC
529 given in the form of IP classification, a two digit coding which is shown
below. The first table shows IP classification criteria. NEMA performance criteria
and test methods are used by Underwriters Laboratories as guidelines for
investigation and listing of electrical enclosures. The second table shows NEMA
classifications, the approximate IP equivalency and the NEMA rating criteria.
IP Classifications
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First Digit = Protection against contact and ingress of solid |
Second Digit = Protection against ingress of water |
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0 - No special protection |
0 - No special protection |
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1 - Protected against ingress solid objects with a diameter of more than 50 mm. No protection against deliberate access, e.g. with a hand, but large surfaces of the body are prevented from approach |
1 - Protection against dripping water falling vertically. No |
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2 - Protected against penetration by solid objects with a diameter of more than 12 mm. Fingers or similar objects prevented from approach |
2 - Protection against dripping water falling vertically. There must be no harmful effect when the equipment (enclosure) is tilted at an angle up to15° from its normal position (drops falling at an angle). |
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3 - Protected against ingress of solid objects with a diameter of more than 2.5 mm. Tools, wires etc. with a thickness of more than 2.5 mm are prevented from approach |
3 - Protection against water falling at any angle up to 60° from the vertical. There must be no harmful effect (spray water). |
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4 - Protected against ingress of solid objects with a diameter of more than 1 mm. Tools, wires etc. with a thickness of more than 1 mm are prevented from approach |
4 - Protection against water splashed against the equipment (enclosure) from any direction. There must be no harmful effect (splashing water). |
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5 - Protected against harmful dust deposits. Ingress of dust is not totally prevented but the dust must not enter in sufficient quantity to interface with satisfactory operation of the equipment. Complete protection against contact. |
5 - Protection against water projected from a nozzle against the equipment (enclosure) from any direction. There must be no harmful effect (water jet). |
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6 - Protection against ingress of dust (dust tight). Complete Protection against contact. |
6 - Protection against heavy seas or powerful water jets. Water must not enter the equipment (enclosure) in harmful quantities (splashing over). |
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7 - Protection against water when the equipment (enclosure) is immersed in water under defined conditions of pressure and time. Water must not enter in harmful quantities (immersion) |
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8 - The equipment (enclosure) is suitable for continuous submersion in water under conditions which must be specified by the manufacturer (submersion). |
NEMA / UL Classifications (with approximate IP equivalent classification)
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NEMA 1 (IP 30) |
Indoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against contact with the enclosure equipment and against a limited amount of falling |
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NEMA 2 (IP 31) |
Indoor use to provide a degree of protection against limited |
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NEMA 3 (IP 64) |
Outdoor use to provide a degree of protection against windblown |
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NEMA 3R (IP32) |
Outdoor use to provide a degree of protection against rain and |
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NEMA 4X (IP 66) |
Indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of protection against splashing water, windblown dust and rain, hose directed water; undamaged by the formation of ice on the enclosure. (Resist corrosion). |
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NEMA 12 (IP 65) |
Indoor use to provide a degree of protection against dust, falling dirt and dripping non corrosive liquids. |
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NEMA 13 (IP 65) |
Indoor use to provide a degree of protection against dust and |