NEMA ratings serve as important standards that delineate the specific environments suitable for electrical enclosures. Established by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, this rating system indicates the capacity of a fixed enclosure to endure various environmental conditions. Below are some of the reasons why NEMA ratings are used for rating enclosures.
Environmental Protection– NEMA ratings serve as a benchmark for the level of protection that electrical enclosures offer against various environmental elements, including dust, moisture, chemicals, and corrosion.
Safety – Ensuring the safety of personnel and preventing accidents related to enclosures is of the utmost importance. By choosing the correct NEMA-rated enclosure, the risks associated with electric shock and exposure to hazardous materials can be significantly reduced or entirely avoided.
Equipment Performance– To ensure optimal performance of electrical equipment, it is essential to adhere to specific environmental requirements tailored to the equipment’s needs. The ratings associated with the equipment will guide you in selecting appropriate enclosures that offer adequate protection against temperature extremes, humidity, and excessive vibration.
Compliance and Regulations– NEMA ratings are established by regulatory bodies and industry standards to ensure that electrical installations adhere to essential requirements. Adhering to these ratings minimizes the risk of non-compliance and the potential legal ramifications that may arise from it.
Equipment Durability and Reliability– Electrical enclosures designed with the appropriate NEMA ratings provide enhanced durability and reliability by safeguarding internal components from environmental influences. This protection not only prolongs the equipment’s lifespan but also minimizes maintenance requirements and boosts overall system performance.
EXAIR Cabinet Cooler NEMA Ratings:
NEMA 12 enclosures are designed primarily for indoor use in industrial, manufacturing, and machining environments. These robust metal enclosures provide effective protection against dust, dirt, and non-corrosive liquids, including oils and lubricants.
NEMA 4 rating signifies that an electrical enclosure is designed to withstand exposure to wind-driven dust and rain, splashing water, and water from hoses, while also resisting damage from ice accumulation. This rating makes the enclosure suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, ensuring robust protection against various environmental conditions.
NEMA 4X rating indicates that an electrical enclosure is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, providing protection against wind-driven dust, rain, splashes, and hose-directed water, as well as resistance to corrosion. The inclusion of the “X” signifies enhanced corrosion protection, making these enclosures ideal for challenging environments such as marine locations and chemical processing facilities.
If you have questions about NEMA Ratings, or anything regarding EXAIR and our products, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Jason Kirby
Application Engineer
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @EXAIR_jk
