Limatherm Sp. z o.o. tel.

+48 18 337 60 42 fax +48 18 337 14 43

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

COMPARISON OF NEMA AND IEC STANDARDS

European IEC specifications 144 & 529 define the degree of protection provided electrical enclosures to safeguard personnel against electric shock and equipment within the enclosures from environmental contamination such as entry of water. This is expressed by the letters IP followed by two numerals. In the USA, NEMA and UL have established a rating system for enclosures which provides for different levels of protection. A direct comparison between IEC and NEMA is not possible but the following table gives an approximate guide.
Protection to IEC 144/855420 IP 20 IP 30 IP 21 IP 31 Protection to NEMA enclosure type NEMA 1 (ventilated) NEMA 1 NEMA 2 (ventilated) NEMA 2 NEMA 3R (ventilated)

IP Definition Protection against solid objects greater than 12 mm Protection against solid objects greater than 2,5 mm Protection against solid objects greater than 12 mm and dripping water Protection against solid objects greater than 2,5 mm and dripping water Protection against solid objects greater than 12 mm and dripping water

NEMA Definition general purpose general purpose drip proof drip proof rain proof sleet (ice) resistant outdoor use rain proof sleet (ice) resistant outdoor use induct .use Dusttight & driptight Dusttight driptight Dusttight watertight Dusttight watertight corrosion resistant submersible watertight Dusttight sleet (ice) resistant indoor & outdoor oiltight & Dusttight

IP 24

Protection against solid objects greater than 2,5 mm and dripping water Protection against dust and splashing liquids Dusttight and protected against water jets Dusttight and protected against heavy seas Dusttight and protected against heavy seas

IP 34

NEMA 3R

IP 54 IP 65

NEMA 12

IP 66 IP 66

NEMA 35 NEMA 4

Dusttight and protected against water entry at one meter immersion

NEMA 4X

IP 67

Dusttight and protected against heavy submersion

IP 68

NEMA 6

Protection against sleet ( ice ) not specified by IEC

NEMA 13

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