Limatherm Sp. z o.o. tel.

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

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
COMPARISON OF NEMA AND IEC STANDARDS
European IEC specifications 144 & 529 define the degree of protection provided electrical enclosures
to safeguard personnel against electric shock and equipment within the enclosures from environmental
contamination such as entry of water. This is expressed by the letters IP followed by two numerals.

In the USA, NEMA and UL have established a rating system for enclosures which provides for different
levels of protection. A direct comparison between IEC and NEMA is not possible but the following table
gives an approximate guide.

Protection to Protection to NEMA

IP Definition NEMA Definition
IEC 144/855420 enclosure type
Protection against solid objects NEMA 1
IP 20 general purpose
greater than 12 mm (ventilated)
Protection against solid objects
IP 30 NEMA 1 general purpose
greater than 2,5 mm
Protection against solid objects NEMA 2
IP 21 drip proof
greater than 12 mm and dripping water (ventilated)
Protection against solid objects
IP 31 NEMA 2 drip proof
greater than 2,5 mm and dripping water
rain proof
Protection against solid objects NEMA 3R sleet (ice)
IP 24
greater than 12 mm and dripping water (ventilated) resistant
outdoor use
rain proof
Protection against solid objects sleet (ice)
IP 34 NEMA 3R
greater than 2,5 mm and dripping water resistant
outdoor use
Protection against dust and
IP 54 - -
splashing liquids
induct .use
Dusttight and protected against water jets IP 65 NEMA 12 Dusttight &
driptight
Dusttight and protected against Dusttight
IP 66 NEMA 35
heavy seas driptight
Dusttight and protected against Dusttight
IP 66 NEMA 4
heavy seas watertight
Dusttight
watertight
- - NEMA 4X
corrosion
resistant
Dusttight and protected against water
IP 67 - -
entry at one meter immersion
submersible
watertight
Dusttight
Dusttight and protected against heavy
IP 68 NEMA 6 sleet (ice)
submersion
resistant
indoor &
outdoor
Protection against sleet ( ice ) oiltight &
- NEMA 13
not specified by IEC Dusttight

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Limatherm Sp. z o.o., ul. Tarnowska 1, 34-600 Limanowa, Poland
www.limatherm.com