NEMA, created in the fall of 1926 by the merger of the Electric Power Club and the Associated Manufacturers of Electrical Supplies, provides a forum for the standardization of electrical equipment, enabling consumers to select from a range of safe, effective, and compatible electrical products.

The organization has also made numerous contributions to the electrical industry by shaping public policy development and operating as a central confidential agency for gathering, compiling, and analyzing market statistics and economics data.

The standard of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association defines a product, process, or procedure with reference to one or more of the following:

It is NEMA's belief that standards play a vital part in the design, production, and distribution of products destined for both national and international commerce. Sound technical standards benefit the user, as well as the manufacturer, by improving safety, bringing about economies in product, eliminating misunderstandings between manufacturer and purchaser, and assisting the purchaser in selecting and obtaining the proper product for his particular need.

Best Solutions has the experience and knowledge to ensure you understand these rating and which will benefit you in any product you purchase and the task you have in mind for it.

North America NEMA 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 rating systems. These ratings are intended to provide more informed choices and ultimately a safer work area.

In North America NEMA is a commonly recognized organization. However, NEMA does not require independent testing and leaves compliance down to the manufacturer.

For More information on NEMA, please visit:http://www.nema.org.

Type 1 enclosures are intended for indoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against contact with the enclosed equipment or locations where unusual service conditions do not exist.

Type 2 enclosures are intended for indoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against limited amounts of falling water and dirt.

Type 3 enclosures are intended for outdoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against windblown dust, rain, and sleet; and to be undamaged by the formation of ice on the enclosure

Type 3R enclosures are intended for outdoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against falling rain, and to be undamaged by the formation of ice on the enclosure

Type 4 enclosures are intended for indoor or outdoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against windblown dust and rain, splashing water, and hose directed water; and to be undamaged by the formation of ice on the enclosure.

Type 4X enclosures are intended for indoor and outdoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against corrosion, windblown dust and rain, splashing water, and hose-directed water; and to be undamaged by the formation of ice on the enclosure.

Type 6 enclosures are intended for indoor or outdoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against the entry of water during temporary submersion at a limited depth; and to be undamaged by the formation of ice on the enclosure.

Type 7 enclosures are for indoor use in locations classified as Class I, Groups A, B, C, or D, as defined in the National Electrical Code.

Type 7 enclosures shall be capable of withstanding the pressures resulting from an internal explosion of specified gases, and contain such an explosion sufficiently that an explosive gas-air mixture existing in the atmosphere surrounding the enclosure will not be ignited. Enclosed heat generating devices shall not cause external surfaces to reach temperatures capable of igniting explosive gas-air mixtures in the surrounding atmosphere. Enclosures shall meet explosion, hydrostatic, and temperature design tests.

Type 9 enclosures are intended for indoor use in locations classified as Class II, Groups E, F, or G, as defined in the National Electrical Code.

Type 9 enclosures shall be capable of preventing the entrance of dust. Enclosed heat generating devices shall not cause external surfaces to reach temperatures capable of igniting or discoloring dust on the enclosure or igniting dust-air mixtures in the surrounding atmosphere. Enclosures shall meet dust penetration and temperature design tests, and aging of gaskets (if used).

Type 12 enclosures are intended for indoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against dust, falling dirt, and dripping non-corrosive liquids.

Type 13 enclosures are intended for indoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against dust, spraying of water, oil, and non-corrosive coolant.