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What Equivalence between NEMA Enclosure Types and IP

There are two types of enclosure rating systems. One is the National Electronic Manufacturers Association (NEMA) rating system, which is primarily used in the U.S. and Canada. The other is Ingress Protection or International Protection (IP) rating system. Both of the standards establish specifications about the performance criteria for different enclosures. To help you determine which type of enclosure is right for you, we’ve put together a list of NEMA enclosure types, IP Equivalency Ratings and definitions to help you compare your options.

What is a NEMA Enclosure?

NEMA enclosures pass the performance criteria outlined by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. This rating system defines what an electrical enclosure must do to meet a specific rating, but does not cover how to manufacture it. NEMA does not certify products, but Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and Canadian Standards Association (CSA) use NEMA performance criteria and testing methods. Enclosures that pass the required testing are authorized to carry a UL or CSA label. Some testing companies are also accredited to perform NEMA 250 testing.

NEMA ratings define an electrical enclosure’s level of protection against ingress of water, solid objects, and corrosion resistance.

What is an IP enclosure?

IP enclosures pass the performance criteria outlined by the international standard IEC 60529. The rating consists of the letters IP followed by two digits. The first digit indicates the level of protection against solid objects. The second digit indicates the level of protection against liquids. Accredited companies can perform the IP testing (Gasket Design).

IP ratings define an electrical enclosure’s level of protection against ingress of water and solid objects.

NEMA Enclosure Types and IP Equivalency Chart

Please Note: This table includes IP Equivalents based on the NEMA Rating, not vice versa.

NEMA Rating	Definition	IP Equivalent	IP Level of Protection (solids)	IP Level of Protection (Liquids)
Type 1	Indoor use Protection against: • incidental human contact inside • falling dirt	IP10	1= Protection against: • solids greater than 50mm in diameter (hand)	0= No protection
Type 2	Indoor use Protection against: • incidental human contact inside • falling dirt • dripping/light splashing of liquids	IP11	1= Protection against: • solids greater than 50mm in diameter (hand)	1= Protection against: • vertically falling drops of water
Type 3	Indoor/Outdoor use Protection against: • incidental human contact inside • falling dirt • rain • sleet • snow • windblown dust • damage from the formation of ice on the enclosure	IP54	5= Protection against: • dust that may harm equipment	4= Protection against: • water splashed from all directions
Type 3R	Indoor/Outdoor use Protection against: • incidental human contact inside • falling dirt • rain • sleet • snow • damage from the formation of ice on the enclosure	IP14	1= Protection against: • solids greater than 50mm in diameter (hand)	4= Protection against: • water splashed from all directions
Type 3S	Indoor/Outdoor use Protection against: • incidental human contact inside • falling dirt • rain • sleet • snow • windblown dust External Mechanism(s) Must Remain Operable: • when covered with ice	IP54	5= Protection against: • dust that may harm equipment	4= Protection against: • water splashed from all directions
Type 4	Indoor/Outdoor use Protection against: • incidental human contact inside • falling dirt • rain • sleet • snow • windblown dust • splashing water • hose-directed water • damage from the formation of ice on the enclosure	IP66	6= Completely dust tight	6= Protection against: • strong jets of water from all directions
Type 4X	Indoor/Outdoor use Protection against: • incidental human contact inside • falling dirt • rain • sleet • snow • windblown dust • splashing water • hose-directed water • corrosion • damage from the formation of ice on the enclosure	IP66	6= Completely dust tight	6= Protection against: • strong jets of water from all directions
Type 5	Indoor use Protection against: • incidental human contact inside • falling dirt • settling airborne dust, lint, fibers, and flyings • dripping/light splashing of liquids	IP52	5= Protection against: • dust that may harm equipment	2= Protection against: • falling drops of water when unit is tilted 15° from vertical
Type 6	Indoor/Outdoor use Protection against: • incidental human contact inside • falling dirt • hose-directed water • entry of water during occasional temporary submersion at a limited depth • damage from the formation of ice on the enclosure	IP67	6= Completely dust tight	7= Protection against: • 30 minute immersion at a water depth between 15cm and 1m.
Type 6P	Indoor/Outdoor use Protection against: • incidental human contact inside • falling dirt • hose-directed water • entry of water during prolonged submersion at a limited depth • damage from the formation of ice on the enclosure	IP67	6= Completely dust tight	7= Protection against: • 30 minute immersion at a water depth between 15cm and 1m.
Type 12	Indoor use (without knockouts) Protection against: • incidental human contact inside • falling dirt • circulating dust, lint, fibers, and flyings • dripping/light splashing of liquids	IP52	5= Protection against: • dust that may harm equipment	2= Protection against: • falling drops of water when unit is tilted up to 15° from vertical
Type 13	Indoor use Protection against: • incidental human contact inside • falling dirt • circulating dust, lint, fibers, and flyings • spraying, splashing, seepage of water, oil, and noncorrosive coolants	IP54	5= Protection against: • dust that may harm equipment	4= Protection against: • water splashed from all directions