NEMA and IP

July 3, 2024 by

Altınkaya Elektronik Cihaz Kutuları, Ümit Mirel

What is NEMA and IP?

Are NEMA enclosure classes the same as IP?

Although each system uses a very different numbering scheme, some of the IP and NEMA classes are reciprocal.

Which of NEMA and IP should I use?

It depends where you are. In Europe and Asia, IP classes are used to determine sealing protection. In North America, NEMA is more common. However, more and more companies are using IP classes as standard.

IP CLASS EQUIVALENTS	NEMA VALUE	DESCRIPTION
IP10	NEMA 1	Internal layout. Protects against falling debris.
IP11	NEMA 2	Internal layout. Protects against falling debris and dripping water.
IP14	NEMA 3	Exterior layout. Protects against rain, sleet and windborne dust. Also protects against damage due to icing on the outside of the panel.
IP14	NEMA 3R	Exterior layout. Protects against rain and sleet. It also protects against ice damage on the outside of the panel.
IP14	NEMA 3S	Interior and exterior layout. Protects against rain, sleet and wind-borne dust. In addition, the external mechanisms are ready for operation despite ice deposits.
IP52	NEMA 12	Internal layout. Protects against falling debris, flying dust and dripping liquids that will not cause corrosion.
IP54	NEMA 13	Interior layout. Protects against dust, falling debris, gushing water, oil and non-corrosive coolants.
IP66	NEMA 4	Interior or exterior layout. Protects against wind-borne dust, rain, gushing water and hostum water. Also protects against damage due to icing on the outside of the panel.
IP66	NEMA 4X	Interior or exterior layout. Protects against wind-dust, rain, gushing water, hose water and corrosion. Also protects against damage due to icing on the outside of the panel.
IP66	NEMA 5	Internal layout. Protects against falling debris, airborne dust that settles on the floor and dripping liquids that will not cause corrosion.
IP67	NEMA 6	Internal and external layout. Protects against falling debris, hose water, water ingress in case of occasional and partial submersion at a certain depth. It also protects against damage due to icing on the outside of the panel.
IP67	NEMA 6P	Internal and external layout. Protects against hose water and water ingress in case of prolonged submersion at a certain depth. Also protects against damage due to icing on the outside of the panel.