Older Builds and Lessons
Enclosures all come with an environmental rating which is based off of their ability to withstand various elements including dust and water.
There are two main environment rating systems. NEMA which was developed by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association and the IEC's IP or Ingress Protection Rating.
There is no "official" conversion between NEMA and IP ratings since they are based off of different standards but below is an approximate cross reference. Also note that UL 508A does NOT recognize IP ratings. All devices must have NEMA ratings.
| NEMA | IP |
| 1 - Indoor use to provide a degree of protection against contact with the enclosed equipment and against a limited amount of falling dirt. | 10 - Protected against solid objects over 50mm and no water protection. |
| 2 - Indoor use to provide a degree of protection against limited amounts of falling water and dirt. | 11 - Protected against solid objects over 50mm and against falling drops of water. |
| 3 - Indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of protection against windblown dust, rain and sleet; undamaged by the formation of ice on the enclosure. | 54 - Limited protection against dust (no harmful deposits) and splashed water from any direction. |
| 3R - Indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of protection against falling rain and sleet; undamaged by the formation of ice on the enclosure. | 14 - Protected against solid objects over 50mm and and splashed water from any direction. |
| 3S - Indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of protection against windblown dust, rain and sleet; external mechanisms remain operable while ice laden. | 54 - Limited protection against dust (no harmful deposits) and splashed water from any direction. |
| 4 and 4X - Indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of protection against splashing water, windblown dust and rain, and hose directed water; undamaged by the formation of ice on the enclosure; resists corrosion. | 55 - Limited protection against dust (no harmful deposits) and against low pressure water jets from any direction |
| 6 and 6P - Indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of protection against the entry of water during prolonged submersion at a limited depth. | 67 - Totally protected against dust and against short periods of immersion in water. |
| 12 and 12K - Indoor use to provide a degree of protection against dust, falling dirt and dripping non-corrosive liquids. | 52 - Limited protection against dust (no harmful deposits) and falling drops of water |
| 13 - Indoor use to provide a degree of protection against dust and spraying of water, oil and noncorrosive coolants. | 54 - Limited protection against dust (no harmful deposits) and splashed water from any direction. |