Electrical panels are rate for exposure by the National Electric Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
NEMA 1
NEMA 1 enclosures are intended for indoor settings and are designed to protect control panels from solid falling debris, such as rocks and dirt.
NEMA 2
NEMA 2 enclosures offer the same level of protection as a Type 1, but with added protection against water ingress, dripping or light splashing.
NEMA 3
NEMA 3 enclosures are suitable for indoor and outdoor settings and protect against solid objects, blowing dust, water ingress, and precipitation and ice.
NEMA 3R
NEMA 3R enclosures are appropriate for indoor and outdoor settings and provide the same protection as NEMA 3 enclosures, minus the dust protection.
NEMA 3RX
NEMA 3RX enclosures protect against solid objects, water ingress and precipitation, ice and some corrosion resistance. They can be used indoors or outdoors and fitted with louvers and ventilation.
NEMA 4
NEMA 4 enclosures are designed for indoor and outdoor settings, offering protection against falling and blowing objects, water and precipitation, and ice.
NEMA 4X
NEMA 4X enclosures offer the same protection as NEMA 4 options but also provide corrosion resistance. Also, like NEMA 4 enclosures, 4X options are suitable for indoor and outdoor settings.
NEMA 5
NEMA 5 enclosures offer identical protection to NEMA 4 enclosures but are meant for indoor use. However, they have reduced water protection and can’t remain submerged for extended periods.
NEMA 6
NEMA 6 enclosures provide identical protection to NEMA 4 options but with increased protection against short-term water immersion at a limited depth. There is a 6P version that allows for longer water submersion.
NEMA 7
NEMA 7 enclosures are designed for indoor settings deemed as hazardous locations. They are explosion-proof, shielding digital control panels from flammable dust, fibers, and flyings.
NEMA 8
NEMA 8 enclosures are also explosion-proof like NEMA 7 options but are suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
NEMA 9
NEMA 9 enclosures are also designed for hazardous locations, primarily indoor settings. They offer protection specifically against flammable dust particles.
NEMA 11
NEMA 11 enclosures are designed for indoor oil submersion, protecting control panels from corrosion stemming from oil exposure. They also shield temperature control panels from corrosive fumes and gas.
NEMA 12
NEMA 12 enclosures are designed to offer protection against solid objects and airborne particles such as flammable dust, fibers, and flyings. They also provide a measure of rust and water-resistance, and typically service indoor settings.
NEMA 13
NEMA 13 enclosures are geared mainly for indoor use, offering identical protection to NEMA 12 options. However, they provide added resistance to the effects of oils and coolants.