Spike Electric provides an exclusive range of products and services to aid industrial, business and commercial spaces to maintain safety and to have reliable and secure access to electrical power. Also, we supply the required tools and equipment which help in building up the safety factor in the facility. All the products that we supply are perfect, of high functionality, and are of the best quality. Our electrical solutions are workable and have been crafted by the best industry experts. You can count on us if you wish to improve the safety factor in your business structure.
Many electrical appliances and devices come in a protected enclosure which are commonly referred to as NEMA enclosures. What are they? They are like protective shells or coverings that provide simple and easy accessibility to various devices like transfer switches and control panels. They also guard the appliances from damage and the outside environment. In this article, we want to explain everything about NEMA enclosures and how to choose an ideal enclosure that will perfectly suit your requirements.
Spike Electric has the best Industry Experts on board who will craft the best solutions for a wide range of businesses. We will put forth the perfect electrical and industrial solutions to enhance the productivity of your business. Contact us today for further queries.
What Is A NEMA Enclosure?
If there is one word to describe NEMA enclosures, it would have to be Versatility. These protective boxes function as guards or shields and hence provide ultimate protection to appliances and equipment from various kinds and sources of damage. The abbreviation NEMA stands for the National Electrical Manufacturers Association- The organization responsible for the standardization of the usage and ratings of NEMA enclosures.
NEMA enclosures come in different types and ratings. Based on the ratings, these enclosures provide different degrees of protection and advantages against several dangers and obstacles. How do you choose an ideal NEMA enclosure? You have to simply identify whether the appliance that you want is meant for outdoor or indoor use which suggests whether it would be sheltered or exposed. Based on this factor, you select the enclosure type which will effectively protect the appliance from potential risks and dangers it could be exposed to.
Types Of NEMA Enclosures
On what basis are NEMA enclosures categorized? A lot of factors have a role to play. The enclosures are numbered with a scale from 1-13. The numbers don’t signify the efficiency, rather they denote the kind of protection it offers. Sometimes other variables like alphabets are also included in the name of the enclosure. For example, “x” denotes that the enclosure is resistant to corrosion.
- NEMA 1- Gives protection against human contact as in the case of all enclosures. It is also resistant to dirt and the collection of debris.
- NEMA 2- This version provides more protection than the NEMA-1 rated enclosure. It is resistant to moisture intrusion. However, this enclosure is not meant for outdoor use.
- NEMA 3R, 3RX- These two types of enclosures have been rated for outdoor usage. They offer protection against demanding weather conditions like rain, snow, sleet, hail, etc.
- NEMA 3, 3X- These are stronger and more sturdy versions of NEMA 3R AND 3RX. They give added safety against water intrusion.
- NEMA 4, 4X. NEMA 4 and NEMA 4X- These enclosures are rated for both outdoor and indoor use. They are safe to use in water-based environments.
- NEMA 6, 6P- These enclosures are also water-safe. They can endure temporary submersion in water.
- NEMA 7- This Enclosure is meant for indoor use. It can protect from minor to moderate level explosions.
- NEMA 8- This Enclosure is the same as the above one. However, it can be used outdoors and can be employed in certain hazardous environments too.
- NEMA 9- These enclosures are dust and ignition-proof. They are designed for typical indoor usage and also for hazardous environments.
- NEMA 10.- NEMA 10 enclosures meet the guidelines outlined by the Mine Safety and Health Administration or the MISHA standards.
- NEMA 12, 12K.- These protect for general purposes and are resistant to water and accumulation of rust.
- NEMA 13- These too are intended for general purposes and indoor usage. As added benefits, they protect the appliance from coolants and sprayed oils.
Talk to the experts at Spike Electric to know which NEMA enclosure will be an ideal choice for your facility!
NEMA Enclosures from Spike Electric
Are you still wondering which NEMA enclosure would be the best fit for your industrial facility? Don’t worry as Spike Electric is here. Our incredible experts will guide you and will help you choose an ideal or custom NEMA enclosure for you!
Written by: Cole Attaway
Cole Attaway is the founder and CEO of Spike Electric Controls. Spike's mission is to improve the accessibility and delivery of industrial electrical gear for clients nationwide. Spike solutions result in reduced unplanned downtime, less overtime, and greater operational efficiencies.
