NEMA Definitions. What is NEMA?

NEMA is an acronym for National Electrical Manufacturers Association. It provides a Forum for the standardization of electrical equipment.

NEMA 1: Indoor use; provides a degree of protection for falling dirt

NEMA 2: Indoor use; provides a degree of protection from falling dirt; dripping and light splashing liquids

NEMA 3: Indoor or outdoor use; provides a degree of protection from falling dirt, rain, sleet, and snow; will be undamaged by the external formation of ice on the enclosure

NEMA 3R: Indoor or outdoor use; provides a degree of protection from falling dirt, rain, sleet, and snow; will be undamaged by the external formation of ice on the enclosure

NEMA 3S: Indoor or outdoor use; provides a degree of protection from falling dirt, rain, sleet, snow and windblown dust; external mechanisms remain operable when ice laden

NEMA 4: indoor or outdoor use;  provides a degree of protection from falling dirt, rain, sleet, snow, windblown dust, splashing water, and corrosion; will be undamaged by the external formation of ice on the enclosure

NEMA 4X: Indoor or outdoor use; provides a degree of protection from falling dirt, rain, sleet, snow, windblown dust, splashing water, hose directed water, and corrosion; will be undamaged by the external formation of ice on the enclosure

NEMA 5: Indoor use; provides a degree of protection against falling dirt, settling airborne dust, lint, and fibers; provides a degree of protection against dripping and light splashing liquids

NEMA 6: Indoor or outdoor use; provides a degree of protection against falling dirt; hose directed water and the entry of water during occasional, temporary submersions at a limited depth; will be undamaged by the external formation of ice on the enclosure

NEMA 6P: Indoor or outdoor use; provides a degree of protection against falling dirt; hose directed water and the entry of water during prolonged submersion at a limited depth; will be undamaged by the external formation of ice on the enclosure