NEMA/IEC Enclosure Ratings

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