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Engineering Tools

NEMA Enclosure Rating Selector

Tell us where the enclosure lives and what it's up against. We'll point you to the NEMA type that fits, with the approximate IP equivalent and a material suggestion. Built for the cabinets and enclosures we help design.

01Where is it installed?

02What will it be exposed to? (select all that apply)

Defaults assume a clean, dry, general-purpose environment if nothing is selected.

Recommended enclosure

NEMA 1General-purpose, indoor

A basic indoor enclosure that guards against incidental contact and light falling dirt.

Approx. IP equivalent

IP10

Suggested material

Painted carbon steel

NEMA enclosure types at a glance

TypeProtects againstTypical use
1Incidental contact, falling dirtIndoor, general purpose
3RRain, sleet, snow (not dust-tight)Outdoor, basic weather
3Windblown dust, rain, sleetOutdoor, exposed
4Hosedown, splashing water, dust-tightIndoor/outdoor washdown
4XType 4 plus corrosionCoastal, chemical, food/wet
6Occasional temporary submersionBrief flooding
6PProlonged submersionSustained underwater
12Dust, dripping non-corrosive liquidsIndoor industrial
13Dust, oil and coolant sprayMachine-tool areas
7 / 9Explosive gas (7) or dust (9)Hazardous locations
This selector is a planning aid based on the general definitions in NEMA 250. It is not a substitute for the standard or for engineering review. Final enclosure selection, including code compliance and any hazardous-location rating, is the responsibility of the design engineer of record. IP equivalents are approximate and one-directional.

Designing an enclosure?

Russell Consulting LLC provides mechanical design and CAD drafting for enclosures and equipment, including material selection for harsh and corrosive environments.

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