This article provides comprehensive information about NEMA enclosures. You will learn how NEMA enclosures are made, and their materials of construction as well as applications, advantages, and drawbacks.
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NEMA enclosures are specifically designed containers that protect electrical components from environmental conditions. Based on the NEMA rating, the protection offered by these enclosures includes:
| Indoor Non-Hazardous NEMA Enclosures | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specific Applications, Indoor Nonhazardous Locations | Type of Enclosure | |||||
| Offers protection against: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
| Accidental contact with internal components | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Protection from falling dust particles | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Resistance to airborne dust and particles | X | X | X | |||
| Drips from non-corrosive liquids and light splashes | X | X | X | X | ||
| Seepage of oil or coolant | X | X | ||||
| Spray or splash from oil/coolant | X | |||||
| Resistance to corrosive substances | X | |||||
NEMA enclosures not only protect internal equipment but also shield workers and property in the surrounding environment:
| Outdoor Non-Hazardous NEMA Enclosures | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specific Applications, Indoor Nonhazardous Locations | Type of Enclosure | ||||||||||
| Protected against: | 3 | 3X | 3R* | 3RX* | 3S | 3SX | 4 | 4x | 6 | 6P | |
| Incidental contact with enclosed equipment | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Rain, snow, and sleet** | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Sleet** | X | X | |||||||||
| Windblown dust, lint, fiber, and flying particles | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | |||
| Hose-down conditions | X | X | X | X | |||||||
| Corrosive agents | X | X | X | X | X | ||||||
| Occasional temporary immersion | X | X | |||||||||
| Occasional prolonged immersion | X | ||||||||||
NEMA enclosure ratings are based on the NEMA 250 standard issued by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), a leading organization that develops industry standards to enhance the safety and performance of electrical enclosures and equipment for both end-users and manufacturers. Understanding NEMA ratings is crucial for electrical engineers, contractors, facilities managers, and anyone specifying or purchasing electrical enclosures for various industrial, commercial, or hazardous applications.
NEMA enclosure standards are voluntary guidelines, and are self-certified by the enclosure manufacturer; this means that third-party certification is not required under the NEMA system. The manufacturer is responsible for ensuring their products meet or exceed the relevant NEMA rating requirements to provide protection for internal electrical components and operator safety.
Given that you're relying on the supplier's claim that they have met or self-certified to NEMA enclosure standards, it's essential to purchase from a trusted, leading supplier, preferably with a strong track record in NEMA electrical enclosures and industrial sealing solutions.
An alternative is to opt for third-party testing and NEMA certification to guarantee enclosure reliability. Reputable organizations such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL), Intertek, and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) can independently certify that NEMA-rated enclosures fully comply with the rigorous standards—offering additional assurance and peace of mind for critical applications where safety and compliance are top priorities.
A certified NEMA enclosure offers greater assurance compared to a non-certified one, especially for critical environments, high-voltage systems, or mission-critical facilities. In some cases, government, military, oil and gas, and other regulated industries require UL listed or third-party certified NEMA enclosures for the electrical boxes, panel enclosures, or control cabinets used in your design or equipment.
NEMA enclosure ratings are designed to specify the level of protection an enclosure provides against the intrusion of solid objects (like dust, dirt, and fibers), water (from rain, splashes, hose downs, or immersion), and corrosive substances. The defines rigorous testing and certification processes for each protection level, often requiring precise gaskets and advanced sealing methods to maintain an effective environmental barrier.
Each NEMA rating identifies the degree of protection an enclosure offers against hazardous penetration—including the ingress of objects, particles, fine dust, water sprays, water jets, or even water immersion. Hazardous locations and electrical safety requirements are defined according to the National Fire Protection Association's NFPA 70®-2017, National Electrical Code®, covering hazardous gases, vapors, fumes, and dusts.
To choose the right NEMA electrical enclosure for your application—whether you're sourcing NEMA-rated junction boxes, control panels, pushbutton stations, or instrumentation panels—it's important to match the NEMA type to the operating environment, including temperature, humidity, presence of corrosive chemicals, weather conditions, and potential exposure to hazardous materials.
NEMA ratings are categorized into several groups, based on their suitability for indoor use, outdoor use, wet or corrosive environments, and hazardous locations within industrial facilities:
All NEMA enclosure types are designed to protect personnel from incidental contact with live or moving electrical components, thus effectively safeguarding operators or users from the risk of electric shock or electrocution.
NEMA enclosures are specifically intended for electrical equipment operating at 1000 volts or lower, typical in power distribution, automation, HVAC, OEM equipment, and building systems.
A NEMA 1 enclosure is intended for general-purpose indoor use only. As with all NEMA enclosures, it protects personnel from accidental contact with the enclosed equipment. Additionally, NEMA Type 1 enclosures shield the enclosed equipment from falling dirt, making them ideal for switchgear, wall-mounted electrical panels, breaker boxes, and general industrial controls in dry locations.
A NEMA 2 enclosure is drip-tight and offers the same protection as a NEMA Type 1 enclosure, with the added benefit of shielding enclosed devices from dripping and light splashing of non-corrosive liquids. Typically equipped with drip shields, NEMA 2 enclosures are used in environments where condensation is a concern, such as laundry rooms, utility closets, and areas around air conditioners, refrigerators, and other cooling or humidification equipment commonly found in commercial buildings.
A NEMA 3 enclosure is weather-resistant and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It safeguards personnel against accidental contact with the enclosed equipment and protects devices from falling dirt, rain, sleet, snow, and windblown dust. Additionally, NEMA 3 enclosures are designed to withstand the effects of sleet or freezing rain, which can form an external ice layer without causing damage. This robust protection makes them well-suited for outdoor junction boxes, power distribution equipment, and telecommunications or utility enclosures.
A NEMA 3X enclosure offers enhanced protection with added resistance to corrosive elements (such as salt spray), making them excellent for coastal or marine environments.
A NEMA 3R enclosure includes all the protective features of a NEMA Type 3 enclosure but does not provide protection against wind-blown dust. These are commonly used for meter housings and switchgear in outdoor utility infrastructure.
A NEMA 3RX enclosure offers the same protection as a NEMA 3R enclosure but with added resistance to corrosive environments, extending the lifespan of outdoor electrical enclosures subjected to moisture or chemicals.
A NEMA 3S enclosure provides all the protective features of a NEMA 3 enclosure, with the added advantage that external mechanisms (handles, pushbuttons, etc.) remain operational even when covered with ice—important for critical infrastructure in cold climates.
A NEMA 3SX enclosure includes the same benefits as a NEMA 3S enclosure but also offers additional corrosion resistance for harsh weather exposure or chemical processing sites.
A NEMA 4 enclosure is watertight and can be cleaned with a hose—making it suitable for washdown areas in food processing plants, chemical factories, or outdoor industrial settings. Designed for both indoor and outdoor applications, NEMA 4 enclosures protect personnel from incidental contact and safeguard equipment from falling dirt, rain, sleet, snow, windblown dust, splashing water, and hose-directed water. They are also resistant to damage from external ice formation.
A NEMA 4X enclosure offers all the protections of a NEMA 4 enclosure but includes extra resistance to corrosion. Stainless steel and non-metallic NEMA 4X enclosures are popular choices for environments exposed to saltwater, harsh cleaning agents, or corrosive chemicals—such as marine, food processing, water treatment, and pharmaceutical industries.
A NEMA 5 enclosure is designed to be dust-tight and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. These enclosures provide protection for personnel against accidental contact with the enclosed equipment and are ideal for facilities such as grain elevators, woodworking plants, or manufacturing sites that generate large volumes of dust or airborne particulates. NEMA 5 enclosures also safeguard the enclosed equipment from falling dirt, settling airborne dust, lint, fibers, and flying debris, as well as from dripping and light splashing of non-corrosive liquids.
A NEMA 6 enclosure is designed to be submersible and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. These enclosures are ideal for temporary water submersion situations, industrial washdowns, and high-humidity applications. NEMA 6 enclosures protect personnel from accidental contact, guard against falling dirt, hose-directed spray, and temporary submersion. They are also resistant to drips, sleet, or freezing rain that might form an ice layer on the enclosure.
A NEMA 6P enclosure is engineered for continuous submersion in water—including environments such as wastewater processing, marine, irrigation controls, or underground utility vaults. In addition to this enhanced protection, a NEMA 6P enclosure offers the same safeguarding as a NEMA 6 enclosure, providing a secure, watertight barrier against the harshest environmental threats.
A NEMA 7 enclosure is designed for indoor hazardous locations and is also known as an indoor explosion-proof enclosure. These are critical in oil refineries, chemical processing, or fueling stations where flammable gases and vapors are present. They comply with Class I Groups A, B, C, and D of the NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (NEC). These groups include environments with flammable chemicals such as acetylene, hydrogen, manufactured gas, diethyl ether, ethylene, cyclopropane, gasoline, hexane, butane, naphtha, propane, acetone, toluene, and isoprene.
These enclosures are engineered to contain any internal explosion and prevent it from causing external hazards or further explosions, making them suitable for classified hazardous locations as per OSHA and NEC requirements.
A NEMA 8 enclosure is designed for use in specific indoor or outdoor hazardous locations and is also known as an outdoor explosion-proof enclosure. Like all NEMA enclosures, it protects personnel from accidental contact with the enclosed equipment. These enclosures comply with Class I Groups A, B, C, and D according to NFPA 70 and the NEC. They are typical in hazardous zones with flammable gases, such as oil and gas pipelines or chemical storage.
NEMA 8 enclosures are engineered for the toughest hazardous environments, containing internal explosions and preventing external ignition sources—often incorporating pressure-sealing or oil-immersed technologies for extra safety.
NEMA 9 enclosures are dust-ignition proof and suitable for specific indoor hazardous locations. Complying with Class II Groups E, F, and G of the NEC, these enclosures are ideal for facilities dealing with combustible dusts—such as metal foundries, flour or grain processing, and coal handling plants. Unlike NEMA 8 enclosures, which immerse equipment to prevent ignition, NEMA 9 enclosures rely on rugged construction and advanced gasketing to prevent the escape and ignition of explosive dusts.
A NEMA 10 enclosure is designed for hazardous mining locations—meeting the requirements of the Code of Federal Regulations 30 Part 18 (as mandated by MSHA). These enclosures protect not only against accidental electrical contact and explosions, but also address the unique safety needs of mining environments, including methane gas or coal dust hazards.
A NEMA 11 enclosure addresses the protection needs for specific corrosive and chemical-rich environments. These enclosures are drip-proof and protect personnel against contact. While the NEMA 11 rating is considered obsolete, it remains a reference for certain legacy installations. Enclosures with an "X" designation indicate added resistance against corrosive chemicals, making them valuable for wastewater plants and processing facilities.
NEMA 12 enclosures are built for general-purpose indoor use, often constructed without knockouts. They offer higher protection than NEMA 11 enclosures, making them ideal for indoor manufacturing, packaging, and process control panels that must remain free from dust, fiber, dripping water, oil, and coolant splashes. These enclosures help prolong the lifespan and operational reliability of industrial automation and electrical systems.
NEMA 12 enclosures protect personnel from contact and keep enclosed equipment free from dirt, dust, lint, fibers, and debris. They also provide protection against dripping water or light splashing of non-corrosive liquids, improving equipment uptime in demanding production settings.
NEMA 12K enclosures are general-purpose, indoor enclosures that come with knockouts, making them suitable for applications where frequent wiring changes, retrofits, or cable routing are necessary—common in control cabinets, machinery, and factory automation systems.
NEMA 13 enclosures are general-purpose indoor enclosures equipped with knockouts. They offer the same protection as NEMA 12 enclosures, with the added benefit of safeguarding against splashing and spraying of oils, lubricants, heat-treat oils, greases, metalworking fluids, and coolants. NEMA 13 enclosures are ideal for factories, workshops, or machine shops with potential for oil or coolant exposure, and where reliable industrial equipment protection is essential.
When evaluating NEMA enclosures for your application, consider the following factors to maximize performance, compliance, and ROI:
While NEMA ratings are primarily used in North America, international projects may reference IP (Ingress Protection) ratings under IEC 60529. Although some protection levels overlap, NEMA ratings often set additional requirements for corrosion resistance, construction, and personnel safety. Always confirm which rating is accepted or required by your project specifications or local codes.
Understanding NEMA enclosure ratings ensures safety, code compliance, and long-term reliability for electrical systems. By selecting the correct NEMA type for your application, you safeguard sensitive equipment from environmental hazards—minimizing downtime, maintenance costs, and regulatory risks. For technical datasheets, performance comparisons, or a complete line of NEMA-rated enclosures, consult with experienced enclosure suppliers or industry-standard manufacturers for guidance and support.
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) develops robust electrical safety standards for enclosures deployed in the U.S. and Canada. UL ratings are recognized nationwide in the United States, while c-UL ratings address the unique regulatory standards of Canada. Unlike NEMA ratings, which can be self-declared, UL and c-UL compliance require independent, third-party verification by recognized labs such as UL, Intertek (ETL), or CSA. This certification offers added confidence in electrical enclosure quality, assuring builders, specifiers, and procurement officers that the products meet rigorous electrical safety, fire protection, and environmental reliability standards.
Leading third-party safety certifiers evaluate NEMA electrical enclosures for adherence to UL/c-UL requirements, helping you meet regulatory needs for control panels, switchgear, and custom industrial enclosure solutions.
The primary Underwriters Laboratories standards for electrical enclosure ratings are:
These UL standards largely align with NEMA 250 (the core NEMA enclosure rating standard), but do not extend to specialized NEMA types such as 3X, 3RX, or 3SX, which are often required for harsh or corrosive environments. Electrical enclosures may bear the UL or c-UL label as evidence of certification to these standards, improving buyer confidence.
For a c-UL listing in Canada, the following Canadian safety standards are typically mandatory:
Intertek, another prominent certification body, offers the ETL, c-ETL, and us-ETL listings, recognized throughout North America for electrical safety testing and labeling. These marks advance product credibility and are valued in electrical contracting and facility engineering industries.
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) provides standardized ingress protection (IP) ratings for electrical and electronic enclosures worldwide. IP ratings, commonly referenced in global electronics, telecommunications, and automation industries, define the degree of protection enclosures provide against environmental hazards such as dust, dirt, and water. While NEMA enclosure ratings predominate in U.S. and Canadian industrial settings, IEC IP ratings are essential for products intended for international markets or for consumer applications like IT devices, security cameras, and outdoor electronics.
| IEC Ingress Protection (IP) Ratings | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ingress Protection (IP) Ratings per International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standard 60529 | |||
| 1sts IP Number | Particle or Solid Object Ingress Protection Type | 2nd IP Number | Liquid Ingress Protection Type |
| 0 | No Protection | 0 | No Protection |
| 1 | Objects over 50mm (2") | 1 | Vertical Falling Drops of Water |
| 2 | Objects over 12.5mm (0.5") | 2 | Spray up to 15° Vertical |
| 3 | Objects over 2.5mm (0.1") | 3 | Spray up to 60° Vertical |
| 4 | Objects over 1mm (0.04") | 4 | Light Spray from Any Direction |
| 5 | Limited Dust Ingress Protection | 5 | Light Jet Spray from Any Dirction |
| 6 | Total Dust Ingress Protection | 6 | Powerful Jets from Any Direction |
| 7 | Immersion Less Than 1m (3.28") | ||
| 8 | Immersion Greater 1m (3.28") | ||
| 9 | High Power Jets, High Temperature | ||
While the IEC IP rating framework provides standardized guidance for evaluating protection against both solid foreign objects and water, it is less comprehensive than the NEMA enclosure rating system. When specifying electrical or industrial enclosures, it is crucial to recognize these differences to select the proper protection for your application needs.
A specific NEMA rating may meet or exceed a given IEC IP rating for protection against particulates and moisture—but the two systems are not directly equivalent. IEC IP code focuses exclusively on ingress resistance for dust and water, while NEMA standards incorporate additional protection, including corrosion resistance, protection against oil or coolant exposure, icing, and rigorous durability testing. This makes the NEMA enclosure rating system the preferred guideline for demanding industrial, manufacturing, and outdoor equipment environments.
It is also important to note that NEMA ratings pertain to fully assembled and operational industrial enclosures, while IP code may be assigned to enclosure subsystems, housing components, or partially assembled cabinets during production.
| Comparison of NEMA and IP Ratings | |
|---|---|
| NEMA Type Enclosure | IEC IP Closest Match |
| 1 | IP10 |
| 2 | IP11 |
| 3 | IP54 |
| 3R | IP14 |
| 3S | IP54 |
| 4 | IP66 |
| 4X | IP66 |
| 5 | IP52 |
| 6 | IP67 |
| 6P | IP68 |
| 12 | IP52 |
| 13 | IP54 |
One notable difference between the NEMA and IEC IP rating systems is that the IP code lacks classifications and testing requirements for enclosures intended for hazardous locations, limiting its use for explosive or chemically aggressive environments.
International certifications for hazardous area enclosures, such as IECEx and ATEX, play a vital role in industries where electrical and electronic equipment must operate safely amid flammable gases, vapors, airborne particulates, or combustible dust. The IECEx system, established by the International Electrotechnical Commission, verifies compliance with rigorous safety requirements (IEC 60079 standards) for hazardous area electrical enclosures used globally, including petrochemical, pharmaceutical, oil and gas, mining, and processing plants.
Alternatively, ATEX certifications address requirements within the European Union, complying with the EU ATEX Directive for explosion-proof enclosures and equipment. Products certified under ATEX are engineered specifically for environments where explosive atmospheres are likely to occur, such as grain handling, chemical manufacturing, and processing operations involving hazardous dusts or vapors. ATEX certification encompasses both surface and below-ground installations, including offshore rigs and automated process facilities.
Buyers seeking electrical or instrumentation enclosures for hazardous areas should prioritize enclosure manufacturers with demonstrated experience in IECEx and ATEX testing and certification for these environments.
Industrial facilities, manufacturing plants, and commercial data centers are often environments with high levels of electromagnetic interference (EMI) or radio frequency interference (RFI) caused by industrial equipment such as motors, high-frequency RF transmitters, induction heaters, fluorescent lighting, and power conversion equipment. To safeguard sensitive components, such as PLCs, sensors, and automation controls within NEMA enclosures, EMI/RFI shielding is a crucial specification considered by engineers and equipment buyers.
Effective EMI/RFI shielding prevents electromagnetic emissions or signal leakage from adversely impacting equipment within a shielded enclosure. Moreover, these shielding solutions protect critical systems from external electromagnetic disturbances, ensuring reliability, security, and uninterrupted operation.
Standardized testing and certification for EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) is provided by numerous global agencies, including:
EMI/RFI shielding typically utilizes an electrically conductive or magnetic barrier. Metal enclosures—such as those fabricated from carbon steel, stainless steel, or aluminum alloys—naturally provide strong shielding, while plastic enclosure housings require an added metallic or conductive coating to achieve adequate EMI/RFI attenuation. Engineers often specify materials with high magnetic permeability when magnetic field shielding is needed, such as certain grades of ferritic stainless steel.
Despite robust enclosure construction, EMI and RFI can penetrate through seams, covers, or access doors. Therefore, NEMA enclosures and IP-rated electrical cabinets designed for electromagnetic shielding employ specialized shielding gaskets, such as metalized polymer, conductive fabric, wire mesh, or expanded metal, to maintain full protection at all points of entry and assembly joints. Careful application of these gaskets is a key factor in meeting EMC compliance and industry standards.
The Telcordia GR-63 CORE (NEBS) Network Equipment Building Seismic Standard determines enclosure suitability for operation in earthquake-prone regions. These standards segment the United States into seismic risk zones, with Zone 4—including California and Alaska—having the highest risk of seismic activity. Data centers, telecom sites, and mission-critical facilities located in these high-risk areas require NEBS Zone 4 NEMA enclosures or seismic-rated rack cabinets to ensure the integrity of network equipment and infrastructure when exposed to strong ground motion or shocks.
Mission-critical data and communications equipment—including NEMA rack enclosures, network cabinets, battery systems, and server racks—benefit from NEBS-compliant seismic ratings, helping organizations mitigate risk, maintain uptime, and comply with building code requirements.
For locations outside the United States, the International Building Code (IBC), formerly the Uniform Building Code (UBC), also includes seismic hazard standards, especially in designated "High Seismic Areas." However, IBC/UBC seismic testing and certification are generally less stringent and more focused on individual enclosure components than the comprehensive tests required for NEBS.
When selecting electrical or electronic enclosures for commercial, industrial, and institutional projects, environmental compliance is an increasingly vital factor. The European Union’s RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) and REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) directives set strict limits on the presence of toxic and hazardous substances used in manufacturing electrical cabinets, electronic housings, and device enclosures.
The RoHS directive prohibits the use of ten substances linked to harmful environmental and health effects in all electrical and electronic devices sold within the European Union, covering both standard and customized enclosure designs:
The REACH regulation expands upon RoHS, targeting all chemicals, paints, solvents, and substances used in the construction of electronic and electrical enclosures throughout their lifecycle. Compliance requires transparency in chemical content used in production, supporting the health, safety, and sustainability goals of manufacturers and end-users. Many leading enclosure manufacturers are now certified RoHS and REACH compliant, ensuring their products are suitable for global export and eco-friendly project requirements.
In addition to the NEMA type number, NEMA enclosures can be classified in three ways:
Some enclosures are mounted to a machine or a wall in a factory, while other NEMA enclosures are freestanding or floor-mounted. The NEMA enclosure is engineered with the required mounting flanges, legs, mounting holes, or mounting brackets specific to the mounting location.
Mounting kits might be included with the NEMA enclosure or sold as an add-on option or accessory. These kits can include leg kits, pole mounting kits, pedestals and pedestal mounting kits, fastener kits, and mounting bracket kits.
Desktop NEMA enclosures are specifically designed to be mounted on workbenches, tables, and desktops. Analytical instruments often reside in these enclosures, allowing for chemical composition analysis while safeguarding the instrumentation electronics and detectors from the wet and corrosive environments typically found in industrial, R&D, and quality control laboratories.
DIN rail systems are widely utilized for mounting sensors, controllers, relays, switches, and other monitoring and control components. A DIN rail NEMA enclosure is engineered to be mounted on a DIN rail, offering protection to sensors, electronics, and electrical devices that are sensitive to environmental conditions in industrial settings. DIN refers to the German standards organization, which is the German equivalent of ANSI, the U.S. national standards body.
Drop over NEMA enclosures feature lifting eyes and an open bottom, designed to be lifted by the eyes and placed over larger electrical equipment that requires environmental protection. These enclosures are commonly used to safeguard motor control centers, drives, transformers, electrical metering units, and electrical distribution systems. Drop over enclosures can often be walk-in, ground, or pad-type enclosures.
Floor mount NEMA enclosures are similar to free-standing enclosures but are bolted or attached to the floor. They can be less deep compared to free-standing NEMA enclosures.
Typically, they employ unibody construction and are designed for stand-alone applications rather than integration into a machine or system. These enclosures can be heavy and often feature lifting eyes on the top to facilitate movement without damaging the sheet metal or internal components.
Floor-mounted enclosures usually include floor supports or legs, elevating them off the ground to provide easier cable access. Most have a wide back panel for mounting instruments, monitoring electronics, and industrial controls. The larger NEMA enclosures generally come with lifting eyes for straightforward placement or removal.
Free-standing NEMA enclosures rest directly on the floor and are not bolted or anchored. They are typically formed as a single monolithic or unibody structure, although modular options are available from some suppliers. These enclosures are commonly used in stand-alone applications.
Free-standing enclosures lack legs, floor supports, or floor support kits. They often feature a deeper base inside the enclosure door to prevent scraping against the floor. Their width and front-to-back depth are usually greater to enhance stability and prevent tipping.
These enclosures tend to be very heavy and frequently include lifting eyes on the top to facilitate movement without damaging the sheet metal or internal components.
Free-standing enclosures may have single or double front doors, with an optional rear door or removable rear panel. They generally include internal back and side panels for mounting various devices such as automation equipment, PLCs, drives, contactors, relays, controllers, IT equipment, or process instrumentation. Some models use DIN rails, 19� EIA rack rails, fixed frames, or swing-out frames for mounting devices.
Handheld NEMA enclosures, often integrated with pushbutton switches or joystick controllers, are used to activate devices such as winches, hydraulic presses, or robotic arms. These enclosures are smaller in size and typically have a rectangular or T-shaped design.
Ground or pad-mounted NEMA enclosures are large enclosures installed on a concrete pad, commonly used in outdoor applications. These enclosures typically feature an open bottom to allow wiring or cable feeds to come up through. They are designed to house industrial controls, motor drives, power distribution equipment, and transformers.
Pole-mounted NEMA enclosures are designed for installation on poles, such as those used for electrical distribution lines. These enclosures can house electrical, network, and communications equipment. Tower-mounted NEMA enclosures also fall into this category.
Pedestal-mounted NEMA enclosures are designed to be installed on a pedestal that is securely anchored to the floor. These enclosures are commonly used for operator interfaces and machine control. Cables run from the pedestal-mounted NEMA enclosure down through the pedestal, through a trough enclosure or protective jacket, and finally connect to the machine tool, press, or process equipment. It is important to distinguish between pedestal-mounted enclosures and pedestal enclosures; the former refers to enclosures mounted on a pedestal, while the latter is a type of outdoor enclosure used for utility applications.
Rack-mounted NEMA enclosures are designed to fit into standard 19-inch EIA racks or 24-inch racks. They may include integral or optional pull handles and rack mounting brackets for secure installation. Additionally, some rack-mounted NEMA enclosures can also be used as desktop enclosures, offering versatility in different setups.
Walk-in NEMA enclosures are extremely large enclosures, typically featuring one or two doors. They often have an open bottom but can also include a full floor. These enclosures are very heavy and generally equipped with lifting eyes for positioning over a concrete pad. They are designed to protect substantial equipment such as switchboards, switchgear, transformers, drives, industrial controls, and other power distribution systems that are too large for smaller pad-mounted enclosures or cabinets.
Wall-mounted NEMA enclosures are attached to a wall or vertical surface using molded or welded brackets for secure mounting. They may include 19-inch EIA rails or back panels for mounting automation components.
These enclosures are ideal for housing smaller electrical devices, instruments, and controllers, but they cannot accommodate as much equipment as floor-mounted or free-standing NEMA enclosures.
Wall-mounted enclosures come in two variations:
NEMA control panel enclosures safeguard various control panel components, including push button switches, monitoring devices, controllers, membrane switch panels, alarms, annunciators, indicator lights, tamper sensors, and other control equipment. Specialized NEMA control panels include:
NEMA battery enclosures are engineered to house standard battery sizes in diverse environments, including outdoor, marine, highway, and industrial settings. They are designed to withstand exposure to dust, snow, rain, and water, and can contain leaks from acid batteries. These enclosures are commonly used with solar power systems to store energy and provide power during the night.
Commercial NEMA enclosures are tailored for use in various commercial settings, including stadiums, theaters, retail stores, malls, and office building complexes. They are often used to house controls for elevators, escalators, HVAC systems, and electrical power systems.
Data center enclosures, IT and telecommunications cabinets, fiber optic termination boxes, and network boxes can be built using NEMA enclosures. These enclosures typically house patch panels, network switches, servers, and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS).
Console and console enclosures often feature an angled back front panel with two trapezoidal side panels. They can be mounted on the floor, pedestal, or desktop.
These enclosures are commonly used to protect controllers, instrumentation, and industrial computers that manage machinery or process equipment.
Types of console enclosures include pushbutton consolets, workstations, and operator consoles. Specialized versions, such as industrial computer enclosures and kiosk enclosures, are tailored for specific applications.
Electrical disconnect NEMA enclosures are designed to house disconnect switches, load break switches, and circuit breakers. These enclosures are essential for safely de-energizing electrical circuits before performing maintenance on equipment or electrical distribution systems.
Drive enclosures and motor control center enclosures house motor drives, inverters, and motor controllers, providing the necessary electrical power to manage the speed and operation of AC or DC motors. For larger installations, drop-over drive enclosures offer a protective solution.
NEMA enclosures designed for hazardous locations that contain volatile or combustible gases or substances are engineered to suppress internal explosions and prevent these explosions from causing external hazards.
NEMA enclosures are also used for hydraulic and pneumatic controls, managing the activation and deactivation of cylinders, hydraulic motors, and fluid power valves. These enclosures may house electropneumatic and electrohydraulic components, along with electrical switches and control panel indicator lights.
Additionally, NEMA enclosures are used to house pressurization and purging equipment and systems in process plants.
Industrial-grade NEMA enclosures are designed for use in manufacturing factories and process plant settings. Typically constructed from cold-rolled steel, galvanized steel, stainless steel, or aluminum, these enclosures are often made with heavier gauge thicknesses to ensure durability and robust protection.
NEMA instrument enclosures are designed to safeguard instrumentation such as monitors, analyzers, and data loggers used in factory settings. These instruments measure various parameters including temperature, pressure, humidity, flow, part count, force, and strain. While instrument enclosures are typically compact, larger versions are available to accommodate complex processes requiring extensive measurement and data logging.
Junction box NEMA enclosures are used to protect wiring connections, DIN rails, and terminal wiring within an electrical distribution system. They may also house switches, outlets, or receptacles. Junction boxes, also referred to as terminal boxes or utility boxes, provide a secure and organized way to manage electrical connections.
NEMA message board or display enclosures are designed to protect display screens mounted in overhead factory locations. These enclosures safeguard the screens that provide critical information to operators, technicians, and engineers about process conditions, productivity levels, and hazardous situations. Common applications include message boards for Vorne systems, which are housed in these protective enclosures.
Metering cabinets are designed to house transformers and electrical metering equipment, typically located outdoors and exposed to various weather conditions such as rain, snow, and ice. To ensure protection, these cabinets are equipped with NEMA-rated enclosures. They are also referred to as utility measurement cabinets.
Miniature NEMA cases are compact enclosures designed to house smaller components such as sensors, transducers, sensor transmitters, instruments, and printed circuit boards.
These cases are often integrated into or form part of a product design, serving as the housing for handheld instruments or monitors intended for operation in dusty, wet, or hazardous environments. A miniature NEMA case is essentially a scaled-down version of an instrument enclosure.
Enclosure designed to contain operator interface devices such as electronics, controls, pushbuttons, joysticks, switches, membrane switch panels, and displays.
Operator interface equipment enables an operator to monitor and control manufacturing machinery, process equipment, and other plant systems. Human-machine interface (HMI) devices are comparable products used for interacting with machines and processes.
Types of operator interface NEMA enclosures include console enclosures, pushbutton enclosures, PC enclosures, and handheld enclosures.
NEMA PC enclosures are designed to house and protect industrial computers, computer boards, monitors, keyboards, and peripherals. They are commonly used for process and machine control applications.
Pushbutton NEMA enclosures feature front panels with multiple holes designed to accommodate push button switches. Custom gaskets or seals are often required to ensure these openings are properly sealed.
NEMA rack enclosures are designed with 19-inch EIA rails to mount standard network and communications equipment, including servers, routers, UPS systems, network switches, and audio-video equipment. They are also used in cleanroom and laboratory environments.
Hygienic or sanitary NEMA enclosures are designed for use in industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, hospitals, dental, and medical device manufacturing, where washdown capabilities are crucial for maintaining clean and disinfected equipment. These enclosures are typically made from stainless steel and feature removable seals for thorough cleaning and disinfection. NEMA Type 4 or 4X watertight enclosures, which are suitable for washdown with high-pressure water, are often the best choice for these applications.
Solar energy NEMA enclosures are used to house components such as wiring, wiring terminals, and charge controllers. Batteries for solar energy systems are often housed in separate NEMA battery enclosures for added protection and organization.
Traffic control NEMA enclosures safeguard components used in rail, mass transit, and street signal systems, including timing clocks, lightning arrestors, circuit breakers, and disconnect switches. They ensure the protection of critical controls and equipment against environmental factors.
NEMA tamper and vandal-proof enclosures are designed with locks or lockable latches to deter tampering and unauthorized access. They may also include tamper sensors that detect when a control or security panel enclosure is opened without proper authorization, adding an extra layer of security.
NEMA wireways and wiring trough enclosures are used to organize and protect cables and wiring. They shield wiring runs from environmental hazards such as dirt, dust, oil, dripping water, rain, sleet, and snow.
Functioning similarly to ductwork for wires and cables, these enclosures come in various shapes and sizes. In addition to straight sections, they are available with several connectors and adapters, including:
Wireways can be regarded as a type of raceway or enclosed conduit. Wiring troughs typically come with two end caps or closed ends, whereas wireways have open flanged ends. Wiring troughs may feature knockouts along the sides or on the closed ends.
Wireways come in three distinct types:
Wireways and wiring troughs are also referred to as conduits, gutters, raceways, wiring ducts, and wire ducts.
Modular enclosures are typically designed with a frame to which the side, front, top, bottom, and back panels are attached. These external panels can be made from sheet metal, extrusions, or roll-formed parts. The frame is usually mounted to the floor with leveling feet or a base plinth.
This modular design provides enclosure manufacturers, system integrators, OEMs, and manufacturing facilities with greater flexibility to customize and adapt configurations for specific applications.
Modular enclosures are often used for IT equipment cabinets, featuring 19" EIA mounting rails for IT components. Internal side and back panels are utilized to mount various automation equipment, including monitors, relays, data acquisition units, and controllers.
Monolithic or unibody enclosures are constructed as a single solid structure, often made from formed sheets welded together, molded fiberglass, or die-cast aluminum. For larger enclosures, this construction type offers enhanced structural load support compared to modular or bolted assemblies. However, customization and modifications may be more challenging to implement compared to modular enclosures.
The level of protection and durability an enclosure provides is significantly influenced by its material composition. Enclosures are typically made from materials categorized as metals or polymers, including coated steel, galvanized steel, stainless steel, aluminum, fiberglass, and plastic.
Metals generally offer better conductivity for both heat and electricity compared to other materials. This electrical conductivity is advantageous for grounding the enclosure.
Metal enclosures can protect electronic and electrical devices from electrical and magnetic fields, as well as electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). However, gaps in doors and openings for cables can still allow noise to penetrate.
Standard NEMA enclosure shapes include rectangular and square boxes, while less common shapes feature round boxes, T-shaped enclosures, and angled front boxes. T-shaped enclosures typically have a lower handle attached to a square or rectangular box.
Key components of an enclosure are the enclosure box, cover, bezel, legs or stand, and mounting hardware.
Steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and other metallic NEMA enclosures and their parts are commonly fabricated by bending, forming, drawing, roll forming, and stamping sheet metal into the desired shapes.
Aluminum sheet metal, due to its high ductility and formability, is particularly easy to work with when creating box or enclosure shapes. In addition to forming, aluminum enclosures can also be produced through die casting and extrusion processes.
Compared to steel, aluminum is softer and can be cut or machined more easily. Its softness allows even woodworking carbide saw blades to cut through it effectively.
Steel is a popular choice for forming enclosures due to its strength and malleability. As a commercial iron alloy containing carbon, steel comes in various grades. Low carbon steels like 1020 or 1010 are softer and easier to form, making them ideal for many applications. Compared to plastic, steel or stainless steel enclosures offer significantly higher impact resistance.
In a busy factory setting, heavy-walled coated steel or stainless steel enclosures are more durable and resistant to denting and impacts than aluminum or plastic enclosures. While a steel enclosure might sustain a dent from a forklift, a similar impact could shatter a fiberglass or plastic enclosure.
Steel lacks the inherent corrosion resistance found in plastics and stainless steels. Therefore, steel enclosures typically require additional protective coatings, such as electroplating, zinc galvanization, or powder coating. These coatings not only enhance durability but also offer the flexibility to match or provide colors for new product designs and older equipment refurbishments.
Stainless steel is preferred over standard steel in environments where corrosion resistance is crucial. It offers both chemical and corrosion resistance, and can handle relatively high-pressure conditions.
The most common grades for stainless steel enclosures are 304 and 316 austenitic stainless steels. Among these, 316 stainless steel provides superior resistance to pitting corrosion in chloride and saltwater environments. Additionally, 304L and 316L stainless steels are low carbon variants designed to maintain their corrosion resistance after welding.
In some applications, such as shielded NEMA cabinets for telecommunications and IT, 400 series ferritic stainless steels are used. These steels are magnetic and highly formable, though they are not as corrosion-resistant as the 300 series stainless steels.
Although stainless steel is more expensive than aluminum or standard steel, it is virtually maintenance-free. Unlike other metals, stainless steel does not require coatings that need to be stripped and reapplied. In fact, applying a coating to stainless steel can actually impair its corrosion resistance.
Aluminum, while generally more expensive than steel, offers several superior properties. Its lower density makes it lighter than steel or stainless steel, which can be advantageous for enclosures used in airplanes, spacecraft, or vehicles where weight reduction is critical.
Aluminum also boasts higher electrical and thermal conductivity compared to steel. This higher thermal conductivity can aid in managing heat dissipation from the joule heating of enclosed electrical or electronic components. To enhance heat removal, aluminum enclosures can be manufactured with extruded fins.
Although aluminum provides better oxidation resistance than steel, it still requires anodizing or protective coatings to withstand harsh environments such as ocean salt sprays or chemical plants.
A 316 stainless steel enclosure can cost nearly twice as much as a coated steel enclosure of the same size, making it a choice only for industrial environments where its superior corrosion resistance is necessary. In comparison, 304 stainless steel is about 50% more expensive than coated steel enclosures. Aluminum, while more costly per pound than steel, has a density of 2.7 g/cmÂł, which is only 34% of steel's density of 7.8 g/cmÂł. Consequently, aluminum typically carries a premium of about 20% over coated steel. These cost estimates are based on prices listed by a leading supplier.
Plastic or fiberglass NEMA enclosures are typically manufactured using various molding processes. Thermoplastic resin enclosures can be produced through injection molding, extrusion, and thermoforming, with common materials including PVC, ABS, and polycarbonate resins.
Plastics and fiberglass are easily machined to create cutouts or openings for wiring, switches, and operator interface controls.
The fiberglass fabrication process depends on the type of glass fiber used, such as short or long fibers, nonwoven glass mat, or woven fiberglass cloth.
Thermoset resin-based fiberglass enclosures can be made from sheet molding compounds (SMCs) or bulk molding compounds (BMCs), typically through compression or injection-compression molding. Reaction injection molding (RIM) is also used for molding thermoset resins, such as polyurethanes, into enclosures.
Resin transfer molding (RTM) is another method used for creating thermoset fiberglass enclosures. In this process, fiberglass mat or woven fabric is placed in a mold, and a thermoset resin mixed with a hardener or catalyst is then injected into the mold.
The SCRIMP (Seemann Composites Resin Infusion Molding Process) is an RTM method that uses vacuum pressure to pull liquid resin into a mold containing fiberglass reinforcement. SCRIMP is known for producing high-quality fiberglass parts with minimal VOC emissions.
Large custom enclosures or even industrial shelters are fabricated with manual lay-up molding. In the manual lay-up process, fiberglass cloth or nonwoven mats are laid into a mold. Thermosets are poured or sprayed onto the fiberglass. Rollers and squeegees are used to “wet out� the fiberglass or force the resin into the fibers, remove trapped air, and wipe away excess resin.
Pultrusion processes are utilized to create long channel shapes or ribs in larger sheets, which can be particularly useful for fabricating NEMA wireway enclosures. In this process, plastics are reinforced with long strands of fiberglass in a continuous, extrusion-like method, resulting in strong, durable shapes.
Plastic and fiberglass enclosures can be pigmented to match specific colors, whether for new product designs or refurbishing older equipment. Additionally, coatings can be applied to these enclosures to enhance their environmental resistance, improve UV stability and weatherability, and achieve specific colors suited to particular applications.
Polymer-based materials, such as plastic or fiberglass, are nonmetallic and exhibit a wide range of properties depending on the specific fillers, reinforcements, and additives used in their compounding formulations. These materials can be customized to meet specific performance requirements, making them versatile options for various applications. Common trade names for these polymer-based materials include Cycolac® (GE Plastics), Lustran® (Bayer), and Novodur® (Bayer).
Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) is a durable, rigid, and cost-effective thermoplastic terpolymer known for its excellent chemical resistance and dimensional stability.
ABS achieves strong impact resistance through a “rubber toughened� structure, where small rubbery butadiene spheres are dispersed within a rigid plastic matrix. This impact-resistant ABS is commonly used in products like hard hats, automotive bumpers, and golf club heads.
Fiberglass or fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) is a robust, durable polymer that offers enhanced resistance to many caustics and higher temperatures compared to standard plastics. However, fiberglass is not completely resistant to environmental degradation. Over time, fiberglass enclosures may experience yellowing, discoloration, gloss reduction, fiberglass bloom, and blistering.
Fiberglass generally exhibits less shrinkage during molding and offers better dimensional stability compared to certain molded plastics.
As a composite material, fiberglass consists of reinforcing glass fibers embedded within a plastic matrix. The glass fibers used can be short or long strands, a nonwoven glass mat, or a woven fiberglass cloth.
The most commonly used thermoset resins for fiberglass include polyester and epoxy.
Polycarbonate (PC) is an amorphous material known for its outstanding impact strength, clarity, and optical properties. Some common brand names for polycarbonate include Caliber® (Dow), Lexan® (SABIC), Makrofol®, and Makrolon® (Bayer). Clear polycarbonate windows boast 200 times the impact strength of glass windows.
Polycarbonate is exceptionally tough and possesses excellent mechanical properties, making it suitable for molding with tight tolerances. However, it can be vulnerable to attack by solvents and certain chemicals. The weatherability of polycarbonate is generally moderate, but it can be improved with the addition of UV inhibitors and protective coatings.
Polypropylene is a thermoplastic known for its exceptional resistance to many chemicals, making it a popular choice for chemical laboratory bottles and labware. Due to its chemical resistance and durability, polypropylene is often used to fabricate enclosure covers, bezels, small junction boxes, and handheld enclosures.
Polystyrene is a low-cost thermoplastic that is generally more brittle compared to tougher polymers like polycarbonate or polyamides (Nylon). Despite its brittleness, polystyrene is often used to fabricate enclosure covers, bezels, small junction boxes, and handheld enclosures due to its affordability.
Polystyrene is a low-cost thermoplastic that is generally more brittle compared to tougher polymers like polycarbonate or polyamides (Nylon). Despite its brittleness, polystyrene is often used to fabricate enclosure covers, bezels, small junction boxes, and handheld enclosures due to its affordability.
Enclosure components are typically assembled and joined using fasteners, welds, or, less commonly, adhesives. An enclosure that is fastened together is referred to as a modular enclosure. Modular enclosures offer greater flexibility for customization by allowing the mixing and matching of different modular components.
Fasteners enable disassembly for repairs or part replacements; however, they can become loose due to vibration or movement commonly found in industrial environments. Additional sealing washers might be necessary to meet specific NEMA or IP ratings.
Welded enclosures, on the other hand, are more secure against loosening during operation. Welds provide a leak-tight seal, which can eliminate the need for extra seals, gaskets, or sealants in a NEMA enclosure.
A monolithic or unibody enclosure is made from a single, solid piece of material, whether through aluminum die casting, plastic injection molding, or welding of formed sheet metal. While repair or replacement of damaged components in a welded assembly can be more challenging, monolithic or unibody enclosures tend to be sturdier and have fewer gasketed gaps, reducing the chance of ingress.
Although a NEMA enclosure might appear as a basic metal or plastic box, each enclosure can be customized with specific panel cutouts, coatings, and accessory parts. Customizing metal NEMA enclosures generally requires less tooling investment compared to plastic NEMA enclosures, which is an important factor to consider in the overall cost and customization process.
Specialized custom coatings and printing can be applied to NEMA enclosures to enhance their appearance and functionality for specific designs and applications.
Openings must be created in NEMA enclosures to provide electrical power and facilitate data transmission for housed devices. Data signals need to be routed to and from electronic devices, monitors, process controllers, data acquisition modules, and other components inside the enclosure.
Power cabling from motor drives, contactors, transformers, and relays must pass through the enclosure walls to connect with motors, heaters, pumps, machine tools, lasers, or other equipment being monitored and controlled.
The configurations of these openings can vary widely, depending on the specific requirements of the application:
NEMA enclosures feature doors and covers designed to work with seals or gaskets to prevent the ingress of dust, water, and other contaminants. Leading manufacturers offer a variety of covers and doors to meet diverse needs:
The gaskets and seals used in a NEMA enclosure play a crucial role in ensuring protection against water, oil, dust, and dirt ingress. The three main types of gaskets or seals include:
NEMA enclosures can include additional components to facilitate the internal mounting of electronics and electrical equipment. Key components for mounting devices inside a NEMA enclosure include:
NEMA enclosures may benefit from thermal management to ensure that temperatures within the enclosure remain within a range where electronics and electrical components can function properly.
A NEMA enclosure can be designed to allow enclosed devices to operate efficiently even in frigid, outdoor settings. In some cases, the enclosure may be encased in ice. For low-temperature applications, insulation or an internal heater might be beneficial.
In environments such as investment metal casting foundries, forges, heat treating operations, glass melting furnaces, primary metal furnaces, and oil refineries, elevated temperatures may be present. In these scenarios, drives, transformers, and process controllers housed in NEMA enclosures might require fans, air conditioning, or other cooling solutions to maintain instrumentation within allowable operating ranges.
Some thermal management accessories or options can include:
Additional enclosure parts include:
When ordering a NEMA enclosure, the NEMA rating number is the primary specification to consider. This rating indicates the level of protection the enclosure provides against environmental factors.
The dimensions and shape of the enclosure are also crucial specifications. The size and shape should accommodate the electrical or electronic devices to be protected. The enclosure must be large enough to allow for in-place repairs or removal for servicing.
It is important to ensure sufficient clearance between the electrical devices and the walls of the metal NEMA enclosure. This clearance allows for proper wiring installation and helps prevent electrical shorts or ground faults to the enclosure housing.
Additionally, consider the available space in the facility, on a machine tool, or within a piece of process equipment when determining the enclosure size.
Another important factor is that any modifications made to the enclosure, such as adding holes or altering the door's position, can nullify its NEMA rating. These changes should be carefully considered to maintain the enclosure's protective qualities.
NEMA enclosures typically have rectangular box shapes, but they can be custom-made in many different shapes and with many additional features.
| Application Conditions & NEMA Type Selection | ||
|---|---|---|
| Application | Environment or Conditions | NEMA Enclosures Types |
| Industrial - Manufacturing Floor of Factory Warehouse | Indoor with dirt, dust, and dripping on corrosive liquid/water | NEMA 2 - Drip Tight NEMA 12 |
| Industrial - Manufacturing Floor of Factory Warehouse | Indoor with dirt, dust, and machinery requiring washdown or hose down with non-corrosive liquid or water | NEMA 4 - Water Tight/Hose Down |
| Industrial - Manufacturing Floor or process plant | Using oils, lubricants, metal working fluids, & coolants | NEMA 13 - Oil Tight |
| Industrial - Manufacturing Floor or Process Plant, Steel & Metal Mills, Cement Plants, Ceramic | Using non-combustible dust and particulates | NEMA 5 - Dust Tight |
| Commercial & Contractor | Indoor & Outdoor - falling rain, snow, and ice main concerns | NEMA 1 - General Purpose NEMA 3, 3R, 3S - Weather Resistant |
| Utility Power or Gas Distribution, Cable/Telephone/Network Equipment | Indoor & outdoor, non-corrosive water, rain | NEMA 4 - Water Tight/Hose Down NEMA 12 - General Purpose |
| Food & Beverages Facilities, Farm / Agricultural, Chemical Process Plants, Marine | Wet indoor or outdoor, rain, ice, and corrosive liquids | NEMA 4X - Water Tight (Weatherproof) wit Corrosion Protection (X) |
| Ships, Chemical Plants, and Oil & Gas Refineries | Indoor & outdoor NEPA flammable chemicals hazardous class locations | NEMA 7 - Explosion Proof NEMA 8 - Oil Immersed |
| Metal Mills, Metal Powder, Coke & Coal, Flour & Grain Processing Facilities | Indoor NFPA combustible powder class locations | NEMA 9 - Dust ignition Proof |
| Mining - Underground Hazardous / Flammable Class Locations | Potential for Combustible Dust or Gas | NEMA 10 - MSHA Complaint |
Manufacturers typically offer a catalog of standard shapes and sizes for NEMA enclosures. However, for specialized applications with sufficient order volumes, custom shapes and sizes can be produced to meet specific requirements.
Like many engineers, I tend to prefer using standard or catalog parts, assuming they are less expensive than custom options.
In theory, catalog, standard, and COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) parts are readily available and require no additional engineering.
However, it’s important to conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis when deciding between standard and custom parts.
In many cases, even catalog NEMA enclosures will need some level of customization or configuration for industrial control panels and various applications. Many NEMA enclosure suppliers offer configuration tools that let you tailor or select the necessary features and options for your specific needs.
If accommodating a standard enclosure requires significant modifications to your design, opting for a custom NEMA enclosure might be a more suitable choice.
Another consideration is whether additional modifications or retrofitting will be needed for the NEMA enclosure to suit your application. You should ask yourself:
Leveraging the skills of the enclosure manufacturer is usually the best option for modification and customization of an enclosure.
NEMA enclosures are manufactured in a wide range of NEMA types to provide the appropriate level of protection for your application from dust to dripping or wet locations to water immersion.
NEMA enclosures are available in a wide range of shapes, configurations, mounting styles, and NEMA ratings.
Many NEMA enclosure manufacturers are familiar with the nuances and unique requirements of specific industry applications. They can provide products specialized for different industries.
NEMA enclosures can be designed and built to meet additional ratings such as:
Electronic enclosures are box-like structures that are designed to protect, contain, and enclose electronic components such as switches, relays, printed circuit boards (PCB), integrated circuits, power supplies, processors, etc...
EMI shielding is a technique of creating a barrier that prevents leakage of strong electromagnetic fields that can interfere with sensitive devices and signals. They can be installed to isolate the electromagnetic field source or as an enclosure of the device that needs protection...
Precision sheet metal fabrication is a common manufacturing process where the structure of a metal workpiece is cut, bent, and assembled by machining. There are any number of operations that are performed in the creation of a finished sheet metal product...
Radiofrequency (RF) shielding is the practice of blocking radiofrequency electromagnetic signals that cause radio frequency interference (RFI). RFI can disrupt the electrical circuits of a device from working normally...
Secondary manufacturing processes, or fabrication, work on products from primary processes to create a metal part or structure that is suitable for end-use. In these processes, semi-finished metal products are reshaped and joined...