NEMA vs. IP Ratings Explained

When electronics must operate in challenging environments such as the outdoors, they need protection against water, dust, and other environmental conditions. Enclosures with specialized classifications tell you exactly how much protection a system offers so you can make the best choice for your particular application.

The two most common types of ratings are NEMA and IP. Both are valuable in different ways, but the first is more widely used in the United States and accounts for some additional metrics not considered by the other system.

What Is a NEMA Rating?

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) created a standard designation system for environments where electrical enclosures can be used and their ability to withstand specific conditions, including dust, water, and other environmental factors. Standard 250 covers this system. Those requiring specialized electrical enclosures use the rating to determine whether a particular type meets their needs.

Enclosure Protection Classifications

The NEMA system works on a scale from 1 to 13, though higher numbers do not always mean higher protection. Sometimes, they indicate a particular usage scenario, such as industrial applications or hazardous conditions.

The rating may also include a letter, which provides additional information about characteristics, such as corrosion or ice protection.

Common NEMA Enclosure Types

These enclosures come in many different varieties. Here are a few of the most common:

• NEMA 1: Enclosures in this category work well for general-purpose indoor use. They provide general protection against dust, light, and indirect splashing but are not dust-tight.
• NEMA 3: These boxes offer weather resistance for outdoor use. They protect against falling dirt, windblown dust, rain, sleet, and snow. A few specialized types in this category include 3R, 3S, and 3X. Enclosures with a 3X rating protect against corrosion.
• NEMA 4: These watertight enclosures withstand at least 65 gallons per minute of water from a 1-inch nozzle from a distance of 10 feet or more for five minutes. The 4X category also offers corrosion resistance.

What Is an IP Rating?

Ingress protection (IP) ratings come from the European International Electrotechnical Commission. This alternative system works similarly to the NEMA system but uses a different scale. IP categories do not account for environmental hazards or include information about box characteristics. These categorizations only cover protection from solid objects and water.

The IP Rating Format

IP categories use a two-number format. The first number represents the level of protection from solids and ranges from 1 to 6. The second number represents protection from water and varies from 1 to 8. An object with an IP10 rating would offer far less protection than one designated IP54.

Common IP Ratings

Here are a few IP ratings you may see for enclosures:

• IP54: This category indicates limited ingress for dust and protection against water sprays from all directions.
• IP65: This rating means the cabinet totally repels dust and protects against low-pressure water jets.
• IP66: This designation indicates increased water protection for strong water jets.
• IP67: An enclosure with this ranking endures temporary immersion in water from 15 centimeters to 1 meter.
• IP68: This number represents the highest protection level, allowing for prolonged immersion under pressure.

IP vs. NEMA Applications

While the two classifications are somewhat similar, they have some differences. IP only applies to solids and water ingress, while NEMA also accounts for specific usage environments and the construction details of the enclosure. These details make NEMA ratings more useful for particular applications in settings like industrial facilities, icy conditions, and corrosive environments.

The differences in categories mean no direct correlation exists between the two systems. You can not convert a NEMA rating into an IP rating. For example, NEMA 3 is roughly equivalent to IP54 but also protects against sleet, snow, and ice, while IP54 only includes dust and water protection. Similarly, NEMA 4 and 4X generally compare to IP55 or 56, but the NEMA standard is more specific, and 4X adds corrosion protection.

Besides differences in the categorization design, the two systems have varying areas of usage. NEMA is often used in North America, while IP is an international system.

Choosing the Right Enclosure

Selecting the proper cabinet begins with understanding the difference between NEMA and IP rating systems. You will most commonly see NEMA-rated enclosures if you operate in North America. Once you know how the systems describe an enclosure’s capabilities, you can consider your surroundings, including exposure to dust, water, and corrosive environments like salt water. These environmental factors help you narrow the selection to a particular rating.

Then, consider details like mounting on a pole or wall. The ideal design will depend on what the enclosure must hold and the best material for dissipating heat. Next, size your cabinet based on the components it must hold. You will also need to assess your budget to narrow your selection.

ArmorLogix Can Help You Find the Perfect Enclosure

At ArmorLogix, we manufacture an extensive selection of NEMA 3 and 4 enclosures, enabling you to identify the right one for your outdoor weatherproof application. Our cabinets are reliable and cost-effective, made of marine-grade aluminum that resists rust and corrosion.

Whether you need a solution for telecom, surveillance, network distribution, or another application, turn to us for a suitable system. Contact us to discuss ratings and find the right solution for your situation.