NEMA/IEC Enclosure Ratings Conversion of NEMA type classifications to IEC classification designation (IP ratings)
Note: NEMA standards meet or exceed IEC standards; therefore, the conversion does not work in the opposite direction. NEMA
enclosure
type no. | NEMA definition | IEC
enclosure
class | | 1 | General-purpose. Protects against dust, light, and indirect splashing but is not dust-tight; primarily prevents contact with live parts; used indoors and under normal atmospheric conditions. | IP10 | | 2 | Drip-tight. Similar to Type 1 but with addition of drip shields; used where condensation may be severe (as in cooling rooms and laundries). | IP11 | | 3 and 3S | Weather-resistant. Protects against weather hazards such as rain and sleet; used outdoors on ship docks, in construction work, and in tunnels and subways. | IP54 | | 3R | Intended for outdoor use. Provides a degree of protection against falling rain and ice formation. Meets rod entry, rain, external icing, and rust-resistance design tests. | IP14 | | 4 and 4X | Watertight (weatherproof). Must exclude at least 65 GPM of water from 1-in. nozzle delivered from a distance not less than 10 ft for 5 min. Used outdoors on ship docks, in dairies, and in breweries. | IP56 | | 5 | Dust-tight. Provided with gaskets or equivalent to exclude dust; used in steel mills and cement plants. | IP52 | | 6 and 6P | Submersible. Design depends on specified conditions of pressure and time; submersible in water; used in quarries, mines, and manholes. | IP67 | | 7 | Hazardous. For indoor use in Class I, Groups A, B, C, and D environments as defined in the NEC. | — | | 8 | Hazardous. For indoor and outdoor use in locations classified as Class I, Groups A, B, C, and D as defined in the NEC. | — | | 9 | Hazardous. For indoor and outdoor use in locations classified as Class II, Groups E, F, or G as defined in the NEC. | — | | 10 | MSHA. Meets the requirements of the Mine Safety and Health Administration, 30 CFR Part 18 (1978). | — | | 11 | General-purpose. Protects against the corrosive effects of liquids and gases. Meets drip and corrosion-resistance tests. | — | | 12 and 12K | General-purpose. Intended for indoor use, provides some protection against dust, falling dirt, and dripping noncorrosive liquids. Meets drip, dust, and rust resistance tests. | IP52 | | 13 | General-purpose. Primarily used to provide protection against dust, spraying of water, oil, and noncorrosive coolants. Meets oil exclusion and rust resistance design tests. | IP54 | | |