A.00-A.35_revised.qxd 9/20/00 12:47 PM Page A.

02

Standards

What’s in a rating?
As a way of standardizing enclosure performance, organizations like
NEMA, UL, CSA, IEC,VDE, and TÜV use rating systems to identify an
enclosure’s ability to resist external environmental influences.
Resistance to everything from dripping liquid to hose-down to total
submersion is defined by the ratings systems.While these ratings are
all intended to provide information to help you make a safer, more
informed product choice, there are differences between them.

In North America, NEMA, UL, and CSA are
the organizations commonly recognized.
Their ratings are based on similar application
descriptions and expected performance. UL
and CSA both require enclosure testing
by qualified evaluators in their labs.They also
send site inspectors to make sure a manufac-
turer adheres to prescribed manufacturing
methods and material specifications. NEMA, on
the other hand, does not require independent
testing and leaves compliance completely up to
the manufacturer.
North American enclosure rating systems also
include a 4X rating that indicates resistance to
corrosion.This rating is based on the enclo-
sure’s ability to withstand prolonged exposure
to salt water spray.
While a 4X rating is a good indicator that an
enclosure can resist corrosion, it does not
provide information on how a specific corro-
sive agent will affect a given enclosure materi-
al. It is best to conduct a full analysis of the
specific application and environment to deter-
mine the best enclosure choice. (See Chemical
Resistance Charts starting on page A.20.)

A.02 Data subject to change without notice PH 763 422 2211 FAX 763 422 2600 ©2000 Hoffman Enclosures Inc.
A.00-A.35_revised.qxd 9/20/00 12:47 PM Page A.03
In Europe, IEC ratings are based on perform-
ance criteria similar to NEMA. Nevertheless,
there are differences in how enclosure per-
formance is interpreted. For example, UL and
CSA test requirements specify that an enclo-
sure fails the watertight test if even a single
drop of water enters the enclosure. In the
IEC standards for each protection level (IP) a
certain amount of water is allowed to enter
the enclosure.
Data subject to change without notice PH 763 422 2211
Technical Information
Standards
IEC does not specify degrees of protection
against risk of explosions or conditions
such as moisture or corrosive vapors.
NEMA, on the other hand, does specify
for most environmental conditions. For this
reason, and because the tests and evaluations
for other characteristics are not identical, the
IEC enclosure classification designations can-
not be exactly equated with NEMA enclosure
Type numbers.
FAX 763 422 2600 ©2000 Hoffman Enclosures Inc. A.03
A.00-A.35_revised.qxd 9/20/00 12:47 PM Page A.04
Standards
CE and IEC Classifications
CE
The CE Mark is a European Union (EU) com-
pliance symbol and acronym for Conformité
Européenne.The CE Mark indicates that a
product complies with all European directives
and essential harmonized standards for health,
safety, environment, and consumer protection
that may apply to that product. In
addition, the CE Mark promotes free
trade movement from outside and
within the EU.
For industrial control equipment, the CE Mark
is not intended to be applied to empty enclo-
sures because such enclosures are inactive
components of a final assembly. The responsi-
bility of insuring compliance to all applicable EU
Directives and Harmonized Standards belongs
with the final equipment manufacturer.
Hoffman enclosures are designed in compliance
with European standards and are eligible to
receive a Manufacturer’s Declaration of
Conformity.The certificate assists the final
equipment manufacturer in obtaining the CE
Mark. Contact Applications Engineering at
(763) 422-2175 for further information.
Hoffman enclosures meet the requirements
of the applicable European standards
specified below.
Applicable European Directives
73/23/EEC Low Voltage Directive for Electrical
Equipment within Certain Voltage Limits
89/336/EEC EMC Directive Relating to
Electromagnetic Compatibility
89/392/EEC Machinery Directive
Note: The EMC Directive is only secondarily
applicable since an empty enclosure does not
produce electromagnetic interference.
Applicable European Standards
IEC 60529-1 (IEC529-1) Degrees of Protection
Provided by Enclosures
IEC 60204-1 (IEC204-1) Electrical Equipment of
Industrial Machines
A.04 Data subject to change without notice PH 763 422 2211 FAX 763 422 2600
International Standards’ IP Protection
Classification
IEC Publication 60529 Classification of Degrees
of Protection by Enclosures provides a
system for specifying enclosures of electrical
equipment on the basis of the degree of pro-
tection required. IEC 60529 does not specify
degrees of protection against risk of
explosions or conditions such as
moisture (produced, for example,
by condensation), corrosive vapors,
fungus, or vermin. NEMA Standards
Publication 250 does test for environmental
conditions such as corrosion, rust, icing, oil, and
coolants. For this reason, and because the tests
and evaluations for other characteristics are
not identical, the IEC enclosure classification
designations cannot be exactly equated with
NEMA enclosure Type numbers.
The table on page A.07 provides a cross-
reference from NEMA enclosure Type numbers
to IEC enclosure classification designations.
This cross-reference is a Hoffman approximation
based on the most current available information
on enclosure test performance and is not sanc-
tioned by NEMA, IEC,VDE, or any affiliated
agency.
To use the table on the opposite page first find
the appropriate NEMA rating along the vertical
axis and then read across the horizontal axis
for the corresponding IP rating. Do not use
this table to convert IEC classification designa-
tions to NEMA Type numbers.
©2000 Hoffman Enclosures Inc.
A.00-A.35_revised.qxd 9/20/00 12:48 PM Page A.05

Technical Information
Example Rating
If 1st IP and the 2nd Then the IP rating
number is... IP number is... is...
2 3 IP 2 3
(protection (protection (An enclosure
against solid against liquids) with this designation
objects) is protected against
penetration of solid
objects greater than
12mm and against
spraying water.)

Standards

Data subject to change without notice PH 763 422 2211 FAX 763 422 2600 ©2000 Hoffman Enclosures Inc. A.05
A.00-A.35_revised.qxd 9/20/00 12:48 PM Page A.06
Standards
NEMA, UL, and CSA Ratings
NEMA, UL, and CSA Ratings
NEMA, UL, and CSA are standard writing organizations commonly rec-
ognized in North America.Their ratings are based on similar application
descriptions and expected performance. UL and CSA both require
enclosure testing by qualified evaluators.They also send site inspectors
Enclosure Types Non-Hazardous Location
National Electrical Manufacturers
Association (NEMA Standard 250) and
Enclosure Electrical and Electronic Mfg.
Rating Association of Canada (EEMAC)
Enclosures are intended for indoor use primarily to
provide a degree of protection against contact with the
Type 1 enclosed equipment or locations where unusual service
conditions do not exist.
Enclosures are intended for indoor use primarily to
provide a degree of protection against limited amounts of
Type 2 falling water and dirt.
Enclosures are intended for outdoor use primarily to
provide a degree of protection against windblown dust,
Type 3 rain, and sleet; undamaged by the formation of ice on the
enclosure.
Enclosures are intended for outdoor use primarily to
provide a degree of protection against falling rain and
Type 3R sleet; undamaged by the formation of ice on the
enclosure.
Enclosures are intended for indoor or outdoor use
primarily to provide a degree of protection against
Type 4 windblown dust and rain, splashing water, and hose
directed water; undamaged by the formation of ice on
the enclosure.
Enclosures are intended for indoor or outdoor use
primarily to provide a degree of protection against
Type 4X corrosion, windblown dust and rain, splashing water, and
hose-directed water; undamaged by the formation of ice
on the enclosure.
Enclosures are intended for use indoors or outdoors
where occasional submersion is encountered.
Type 6 limited depth; undamaged by the formation of ice on
the enclosure.
Enclosures are intended for indoor use primarily to
provide a degree of protection against dust, falling dirt,
Type 12 and dripping noncorrosive liquids.
Enclosures are intended for indoor use primarily to
provide a degree of protection against dust, spraying of
Type 13 water, oil, and noncorrosive coolant.
This material is reproduced with permission from NEMA.
The preceding descriptions, however, are not intended to
be complete representations of National Electrical
Manufacturers Association standards for enclosures nor
those of the Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers
Association of Canada.
A.06 Data subject to change without notice
to make sure a manufacturer adheres to prescribed manufacturing meth-
ods and material specifications. NEMA, on the other hand, does not
require independent testing and leaves compliance completely up to the
manufacturer.
Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
(UL 50 and UL 508)
Indoor use primarily to provide protection against contact
with the enclosed equipment and against a limited
amount of falling dirt.
Indoor use to provide a degree of protection against
limited amounts of falling water and dirt.
Outdoor use to provide a degree of protection against
windblown dust and windblown rain; undamaged by the
formation of ice on the enclosure.
Outdoor use to provide a degree of protection against
falling rain; undamaged by the formation of ice on
the enclosure.
Either indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of
protection against falling rain, splashing water, and
hose-directed water; undamaged by the formation of ice
on the enclosure.
Either indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of
protection against falling rain, splashing water, and
hose-directed water; undamaged by the formation of ice
on the enclosure; resists corrosion.
Indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of protection
against entry of water during temporary submersion at a
at a limited depth; undamaged by the external formation
of ice on the enclosure.
Indoor use to provide a degree of protection against
dust, dirt, fiber flyings, dripping water, and external
condensation of noncorrosive liquids.
Indoor use to provide a degree of protection against lint,
dust seepage, external condensation and spraying of
water, oil, and noncorrosive liquids.
This material is reproduced with permission from
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Enclosures for Electrical
Equipment, UL 50, Copyright 1995 and Industrial
Control Equipment, UL 508, Copyright 1996 by
Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) shall not be
responsible for the use of or reliance upon a UL
Standard by anyone. UL shall not incur any obligation or
liability for damages, including consequential damages,
arising out of or connection with the use, interpretation of,
or reliance upon a UL Standard.
PH 763 422 2211 FAX 763 422 2600
Canadian Standards Association
(Standard C22.2 No. 94)
General purpose enclosure. Protects against accidental
contact with live parts.
Indoor use to provide a degree of protection against
dripping and light splashing of noncorrosive liquids and
falling dirt.
Indoor or outdoor use; provides a degree of protection
against rain, snow, and windblown dust; undamaged by
the external formation of ice on the enclosure.
Indoor or outdoor use; provides a degree of protection
against rain and snow; undamaged by the external
formation of ice on the enclosure.
Indoor or outdoor use; provides a degree of protection
against rain, snow, windblown dust, splashing and
hose-directed water; undamaged by the external
formation of ice on the enclosure.
Indoor or outdoor use; provides a degree of protection
against rain, snow, windblown dust, splashing and
hose-directed water; undamaged by the external
formation of ice on the enclosure; resists corrosion.
Indoor or outdoor use; provides a degree of protection
against the entry of water during temporary submersion
at a limited depth. Undamaged by the external formation
of ice on the enclosure; resists corrosion.
Indoor use; provides a degree of protection against
circulating dust, lint, fibers, and flyings; dripping and light
splashing of non-corrosive liquids; not provided with
knockouts.
Indoor use; provides a degree of protection against
circulating dust, lint, fibers, and flyings; seepage and
spraying of non-corrosive liquids, including oils and
coolants.
This material is reproduced with permission from the
Canadian Standards Association.
©2000 Hoffman Enclosures Inc.
A.00-A.35_revised.qxd 9/20/00 12:48 PM Page A.07

Comparison of Specific Non-Hazardous Applications Outdoor Locations

Technical Information
Provides a Degree of Protection Against Type of Enclosure
the Following Environmental Conditions 3 3R** 3S 4 4X 6 6P
Incidental contact with the enclosed equipment • • • • • • •
Rain, snow, and sleet § • • • • • • •
Sleet †† •
Windblown dust • • • • • •
Hosedown • • • •
Corrosive agents • •
Occasional temporary submersion • •
Occasional prolonged submersion •
§ External operating mechanisms are not required to be operable when the enclosure is ice covered.
†† External operating mechanisms are operable when the enclosure is ice covered.
** These enclosures may be ventilated.

Comparison of Specific Non-Hazardous Applications Indoor Locations

Provides a Degree of Protection Against Type of Enclosure
the Following Environmental Conditions 1* 2* 4 4X 5 6 6P 11 12 12K 13
Incidental contact with the enclosed equipment • • • • • • • • • • •
Falling dirt • • • • • • • • • • •
Falling liquids and light splashing • • • • • • • • •
Dust, lint, fibers, and flyings † • • • • • • • •
Hosedown and splashing water • • • •
Oil and coolant seepage • • •
Oil or coolant spraying and splashing •
Corrosive agents • • •
Occasional temporary submersion • •
Occasional prolonged submersion •

Standards
* These enclosures may be ventilated. However, Type 1 may not provide protection against small particles of falling dirt when ventilation is provided in the enclosure top.
Consult Hoffman for more information.
† These fibers and flyings are non-hazardous materials and are not considered Class II type ignitable fibers or combustible flyings. For Class III type ignitable fibers or combustible flyings
see the National Electrical Code Section 500-6(a).

The preceding tables are reproduced by permission of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association
from NEMA Standards Publication 250 “Enclosures for Electrical Equipment (1000 Volts Maximum),” copyright 1991 by NEMA.

Cross-Reference (Approximate) NEMA, UL, CSA, vs. IEC Enclosure Type

(Cannot be used to convert IEC Classifications to NEMA Type Numbers)
Enclosure
Rating IP20 IP22 IP55 IP64 IP65 IP66 IP67
Type 1 •
Type 3 •
Type 3R •
Type 3S •
Type 4 •
Type 4X •
Type 6 •
Type 12 •
Type 13 •
IEC 60529 has no equivalents to NEMA enclosure Types 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11.
• Indicates compliance.
Enclosure Type Rating vs. IP Rating
Electrical enclosures are rated by type (NEMA 250 / UL 50), and/or IP rated (IEC 60529) based on the degree of protection provided.
Type ratings and IP ratings have only the following in common:
1. A degree of protection for persons from hazardous components inside the enclosure
2. A degree of protection for equipment inside the enclosure from ingress of solid foreign objects, including dust
3. A degree of protection for equipment inside the enclosure from ingress of water
NEMA 250 and UL 50 type rating documentation defines additional requirements that a type-rated enclosure must meet.These include:
• Mechanical impact on enclosure walls
• Gasket aging and oil resistance
• Corrosion resistance
• Door and cover latching requirements
• Sheet metal gauge construction requirements
Electrical enclosures that carry an IP rating only, have not been designed to the addtional type-rating requirements.Therefore, a type-rating cannot be assigned to an enclosure that has only been IP-rated.
Please note that electrical enclosures manufactured by Hoffman are tested for both type-rating and IP-rating and carry both type and IP ratings.

Data subject to change without notice PH 763 422 2211 FAX 763 422 2600 ©2000 Hoffman Enclosures Inc. A.07
 The Gallery, Suite 215
46 Newport Road
New London, NH 03257
Voice: (603) 526-9088
Fax: (603) 526-9004
info@canarysystems.com
www.canarysystems.com

Guide to NEMA and IEC Enclosure Ratings

Application Note #4

Overview

There are a number of standards that exist worldwide to define the type and applicability of enclosures. In
the United States the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) are the most prevalent,
worldwide the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards are most prevalent. Why is
there not a single standard to define enclosures and their suitability for various applications? Why ask
why?

More information on both of these organizations can be found at the following websites:

NEMA – www.nema.org - NEMA Standards Publication 250

IEC – www.iec.ch - Ingress Protection (IP) Standard 60529

This Application Note will discuss in limited detail the NEMA standards, the IEC standards, and then
provide a cross reference from NEMA standards to IEC standards. Please refer to the appropriate
sections of the latest revision of NEMA Standards Publication No. 250 for complete information regarding
applications, features and design tests. Refer to the corresponding IP Standard 60529 for similar
information on the IEC standards.

NEMA Definitions Pertaining to Non-Hazardous Locations:

Type Description
1 Intended for use primarily to provide a degree of protection against limited amounts of falling
dirt.
3 Intended for outdoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against rain, sleet,
windblown dust, and damage from external ice formation.
3R Intended for outdoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against rain, sleet, and
damage from external ice formation.
3S Intended for outdoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against rain, sleet,
windblown dust, and to provide for operation of external mechanisms when ice laden.
4 Intended for indoor or outdoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against
windblown dust and rain, splashing water, hose-directed water, and damage from external ice
formation.
4X Intended for indoor or outdoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against
corrosion, windblown dust and rain, splashing water, hose-directed water, and damage from
ice formation
6 Intended for indoor or outdoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against hose-
directed water, the entry of water during occasional temporary submersion at a limited depth,
and damage from external ice formation.
6P Intended for indoor or outdoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against hose-
directed water, the entry of water during prolonged submersion at a limited depth, and
damage from external ice formation.
12 Intended for indoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against circulating dust,
falling dirt, and dripping non-corrosive liquids.
12K Type 12 with knockouts.

Guide to NEMA and IEC Enclosure Ratings – Canary Systems Application Note #4 - Page 1 of 3
NEMA Definitions Pertaining to Hazardous Locations:

Type Description
7 Intended for indoor use in locations classified as Class I, Groups A, B, C, or D, as defined in
the National Electrical Code.
8 Intended for indoor or outdoor use in locations classified as Class I, Groups A, B, C, or D, as
defined in the National Electrical Code.
9 Intended for indoor use in locations classified as Class II, Groups E, F, or G, as defined in the
National Electrical Code.
10 Constructed to meet the applicable requirements of the Mine Safety and Health
Administration.

IEC Definitions

The IEC, standard 60529, has defined Ingress Protection as a two digit code. The first digit describes
the degree of protection against access to hazardous parts and ingress of solid objects. The second
digit designates the Ingress Protection against water. Please refer to the appropriate sections of IEC
60529 for complete information regarding applications, features, and design tests.

Therefore an IP 65 rating means that the unit is: Protected against access with a wire (1.0 mm), is Dust
tight and can handle Jetting water - any direction.

Protection Against Access to Hazardous Parts (First Digit)

Number Description
0 Non-protected
1 Protected against access with back of hand (50 mm)
2 Protected against access with jointed finger (12 mm x 80 mm)
3 Protected against access with a tool (2.5 mm)
4, 5, 6 Protected against access with a wire (1.0 mm)

Protection Against Ingress of Solid Foreign Objects (First Digit)

Number Description
0 Non-protected
1 Objects equal or greater than 50mm
2 Objects equal or greater than 12.5mm
3 Objects equal or greater than 2.5mm
4 Objects equal or greater than 1mm
5 Dust protected
6 Dust tight

Guide to NEMA and IEC Enclosure Ratings – Canary Systems Application Note #4 - Page 2 of 3
Protection Against Ingress of Liquids (Second Digit)

Number Description
0 Non-protected
1 Water dripping vertically
2 Water dripping, enclosure tilted up to 15°
3 Spraying water, up to 60° angle from vertical
4 Splashing water, any direction
5 Jetting water, any direction
6 Powerful jetting water, any direction
7 Temporary immersion in water
8 Continuous immersion in water

NEMA To IEC Enclosure Designations

The following information is provided by NEMA Standard No. 250 Appendix A as a guide to comparing
NEMA enclosure types to IEC designations.

IEC Publication 60529 Classification of Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures provides a system
for specifying the enclosures of electrical equipment on the basis of the degree of protection provided by
the enclosure. IEC 60529 does not specify degrees of protection against mechanical damage of
equipment, risk of explosions, or conditions such as moisture (produced for example by condensation),
corrosive vapors, fungus, or vermin (those creatures looking for a new home or to sharpen their teeth).
NEMA Standards Publication 250 does test for environmental conditions such as corrosion, rust, icing, oil,
and coolants. For this reason, and because the tests and evaluations for other characteristics are not
identical, the IEC Enclosure Classification Designations cannot be exactly equated with NEMA
Enclosure Type Numbers.

The following table provides a guide for converting from NEMA Enclosure Type Numbers to IEC
Enclosure Classification Designations. The NEMA Types meet or exceed the test requirements for the
associated IEC Classifications; for this reason the table should not be used to convert from IEC
classifications to NEMA Types and the NEMA to IEC conversion should be verified by test.

NEMA Enclosure Type Number IEC Enclosure Designation

1 IP10
2 IP11
3 IP54
3R IP14
3S IP54
4 and 4X IP56
5 IP52
6 and 6P IP67
12 and 12K IP52
13 IP54

Guide to NEMA and IEC Enclosure Ratings – Canary Systems Application Note #4 - Page 3 of 3