Converting from NEMA to IEC

Enclosure Classifications
Converting from NEMA enclosure classifications to
IEC enclosure classifications
NEMA enclosure classifications are developed by NEMA and used in the
U.S./American market.
Ingress Protection - IP - ratings are developed by the European Committee for Electro
Technical Standardization (CENELEC) (described IEC/EN 60529), and specifies the
environmental protection and enclosure provided.
The table below can be used to convert from NEMA Enclosure Types to IEC
Enclosure Types:
NEMA Enclosure Types IEC Enclosure Classification Designation
Protected against solid
1 General Purpose - Indoor IP10 objects up to 50mm, e.g.
accidental touch by hands.
Protected against solid
objects up to 50mm, e.g.
accidental touch by hands.
2 Dripproof - Indoor IP11
Protection against vertically
falling drops of water e.g.
condensation.
Protected against dust limited
ingress (no harmful deposit).
Dusttight, Raintight,
3 IP54 Protection against water
Sleettight - Outdoor
sprayed from all directions,
limited ingress permitted.
Protected against solid
objects up to 50mm, e.g.
Raintight, Sleet Resistant- accidental touch by hands.
3R IP14
Outdoor Protection against water
sprayed from all directions,
limited ingress permitted.
Protected against dust limited
ingress (no harmful deposit).
Dusttight, Raintight,
3S IP54 Protection against water
Sleettight- Outdoor
sprayed from all directions,
limited ingress permitted.
Watertight, Dusttight, Sleet Protected against dust limited
4 IP56
Resistant-Indoor & Outdoor ingress (no harmful deposit).
Watertight, Dusttight,
Protected against dust limited
4X Corrosion-Resistant- Indoor IP56
ingress (no harmful deposit).
& Outdoor

5 Dusttight, Drip-Proof--Indoor IP52
Occasionally Submersible,
6 Watertight, Sleet Resistant-
Indoor & Outdoor
Watertight, Sleet Resistant-
6P Prolonged Submersion-
Indoor & Outdoor
Dusttight and Driptight-
12
Indoor
Dusttight and Driptight, with
12K
Knockouts- Indoor
Oiltight and Dusttight-
13
Indoor
Note! NEMA standards meet or exceed IEC standards. The conversion does not work
in the opposite direction.
Protected against dust limited
ingress (no harmful deposit).
Protection against direct
sprays of water up to 15o
from the vertical.
Totally protected against
dust.
IP67 Protected against the effect of
immersion between 15cm and
1m.
Totally protected against
dust.
IP67 Protected against the effect of
immersion between 15cm and
1m.
Protected against dust limited
ingress (no harmful deposit).
IP52 Protection against direct
sprays of water up to 15o
from the vertical.
Protected against dust limited
ingress (no harmful deposit).
IP52 Protection against direct
sprays of water up to 15o
from the vertical.
Protected against dust limited
ingress (no harmful deposit).
IP54 Protection against water
sprayed from all directions,
limited ingress permitted.