NEMA and IP ratings, explained

When working with enclosures, understanding protection ratings is crucial to ensure your equipment stays safe from dust, water, and other environmental factors. In this guide, we’ll define IP ratings and look at NEMA electrical enclosure ratings. Our insights will help you make informed decisions for your specific applications. Here, we’ll cover:

What are IP ratings?
What are NEMA enclosure ratings?
Differences between IP and NEMA ratings
How locks and latches help with your IP ratings 
Meeting IP ratings with cable management

What are IP ratings?

Perhaps the first question that needs answering is what does IP stand for.  IP ratings, or Ingress Protection ratings, are standardized codes defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Their purpose is to classify the degree of protection provided by an enclosure against solids, such as dust and debris. Not all enclosures require IP ratings but when they do, they help you understand the level of protection from environmental factors. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of what IP numbers mean.

IP rating chart

First digit (solids)   
The first number indicates the level of protection that the electrical accessory or enclosure provides against hazardous parts and the ingress of solid foreign objects.
 

Level Protection from a solid object:
1 Greater than 50mm, such as a hand
2 Greater than 12.5mm, such as fingers
3 Greater than 2.5mm, such as fine or small tools or thick wires
4 Greater than 1mm, such as most wires, slender screws, large insects, etc.
5 Dust, but not entirely protected – only enough that won’t interfere with the quality of the equipment’s operation
6 Complete protection from dust; dust tight, with a vacuum applied

Second digit (moisture & water)  

This is your IP waterproof rating, meaning the level of protection the enclosure provides against water ingress.
 

Level Protection from:
1 Vertically falling drops of water, such as drips. Limited Ingress expected
2 Vertically falling drops of water, with enclosure titled up to 15 degrees from vertical position. Limited Ingress expected
3 Sprays of water up to 60 degrees from vertical position. Limited ingress allowed for 3 minutes
4 Sprays of water up to 60 degrees from vertical position. Limited ingress allowed for 3 minutes
5 Low pressure jets of water. Limited ingress expected
6 Water from seas or projected in high-pressure jets shall not enter in harmful amounts
7 Effects of immersion in water between 15cm and 1m for 30 minutes
8 Effects of immersion in water of 1m or more, under pressure for long periods
9 Close range, high-pressure, high-temperature spray downs

Whether indoors or outdoors, your enclosure will require many components. Our experts explain what you’ll need for indoor enclosures in our Quick guide: industrial components for your indoor cabinet.

We urge you to also check out our guide, How to prevent condensation in enclosures.

What is NEMA?

NEMA stands for the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. They’re the largest trade association of electrical equipment manufacturers in the U.S., where their standards for enclosures are the norm, although IP ratings are growing in use. 

NEMA ratings are simple – for example, NEMA 4. The number tells you the attributes of an electrical enclosure – specifically, the type of environment it can withstand.

Here’s a closer look:

NEMA electrical enclosure ratings
 

NEMA type Definition
1 General-purpose protection against dust and light & indirect splashes. Ideal for indoor use in normal atmospheric conditions – note, NEMA 1 is not dust-tight. 
2 Similar to Type 1 but with added drip shields to handle condensation
3 Outdoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against rain, sleet, windblown dust & damage from external ice formation. 
3R Outdoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against rain, sleet, &  damage from external ice formation. 
3S Outdoor use, primarily to provide a degree of protection against rain, sleet, windblown dust & enable the operation of external mechanisms when ice-laden. 
3X, 3RX, 3SX ‘X’ indicates added corrosion resistance.
4 & 4X Suitable for both indoor & outdoor use. Provides protection against windblown dust & rain, splashing water, hose-directed water & damage from external ice formation. ‘X’ indicates added corrosion resistance. 
5 Provided with gaskets or equivalent to prevent dust ingress.
6 & 6P Indoor & outdoor use. Protection against hose-directed water & temporary submersion at limited depths, as well as external damage from ice formation. ‘P’ indicates prolonged submersion. 
7 Certified & labelled for use in areas with specific hazardous conditions: for indoor use in Class I, Groups A, B, C, and D environments as defined in NFPA standards such as the NEC.
8

Certified & labelled for use in areas with specific hazardous conditions: for indoor and outdoor use in locations classified as Class I, Groups A, B, C, and D as defined in NFPA standards such as the NFPA 70.

9 Certified & labelled for use in areas with specific hazardous conditions: for indoor & outdoor use in locations classified as Class II, Groups E, F, or G as defined in NFPA standards such as the NEC.
10 Meets the requirements of the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), 30 CFR Part 18 (1978).
11 General-purpose protection against corrosive liquids & gases. Meets drip & corrosion-resistance standards.
12 & 12 K Indoor use, primarily to provide a degree of protection against circulating dust, falling dirt & dripping non-corrosive liquids. ‘K’ indicated enclosures with knockouts. 
13 General-purpose protection against dust, water spray, & non-corrosive coolants. Meets oil exclusion & rust resistance design tests.

Differences between NEMA and IP ratings

When choosing enclosures or components for various environments, understanding the differences between NEMA and IP ratings is crucial. Both systems are used to classify the degree of protection an enclosure provides against environmental factors such as dust, water, and other hazards. 

While IP ratings focus specifically on ingress protection against solids and liquids, NEMA ratings offer a broader scope, including considerations like corrosion resistance and protection from ice. 

Which standards are higher?

NEMA standards meet or exceed those of IP ratings. This is because their testing involves additional protocols and features not covered by the IP system. Still, it’s not a case of NEMA vs. IP enclosures. There is no hard-and-fast like for like when it comes to the two. For example, no one agrees across the board if there’s an IP55/NEMA equivalent. Some equate NEMA 3 to IP55. Others assign IP54 as the NEMA 3 equivalency. 

NEMA and IP degree of protection: how they compare

This chart compares NEMA and IP ratings to help determine the most suitable standard for your application. But remember, there is no hard and fast equivalency but instead, approximations. 
 

NEMA rating Description IP rating
1 General purpose protection for indoor use. IP10
2 General purpose protection for indoor use with additional drip protection. IP11
3 & 3S General purpose – outdoor use with protection from windblown dust, rain & sleet, & undamaged by the formation of ice. IP54
IPS5
3R General purpose – outdoor use with protection from rain & sleet, & undamaged by the formation of ice. IP14
4 & 4X General purpose – indoors or outdoors use with protection from wash-down environment and corrosion resistance. IP65
IP66
5 Intended for use indoors or outdoors with protection from dust provided by gaskets.  IPS2
6 & 6P Intended for use indoors or outdoors with protection from occasional submersion.  IP67
7, 8, & 9 HAZARDOUS. See the NEMA chart above.  N/A
12 & 12K Industrial applications. Protection from dust & non-corrosive liquid drip.  IP52
13 Industrial applications. Protection from dust, spraying water, oil and non-corrosive liquid drip. IP54

How our locks and latches help with your IP ratings

When designing an outdoor utility cabinet, you need, for example, latches and locks that can ensure you meet your desired IP or enclosure NEMA rating. Any enclosure using the IP65 rating system is designed to be dust tight. This rating also protects the equipment it holds from water spray from all directions. To obtain that rating, you’ll need a latch rated IP65 too. 

View our range of NEMA & IP65 rated locks & latches


Just some examples from our range include:
 

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Quarter turn latches – L handle

IP65-rated L-shaped latch handles are available in both keyed alike and keyed different configurations. These handles are designed for use with cam latches, serving as a convenient mechanism for turning and securing the latch. They are ideal for various applications, including electric panels and machinery covers. Our range of latch handles is crafted from die-cast zinc alloy and features a durable over-molded black polyamide (PA) finish or an elegant chrome finish.

View our range of quarter turn latches – L handle

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Locking paddle latch – push to close

Our heavy-duty paddle latches are rated IP54, ensuring reliable protection against dust and splashing water, making them suitable for a variety of demanding applications. Designed for versatility, these latches are available with Eurokeyor keyed-to-differ locking options. All types feature an interior release mechanism, allowing the cam to be moved to open the lock from the inside, enhancing safety. 

View our range of locking paddle latches – push to close

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T-handle turn cam latches

T-shaped handle turn cam latches are rated IP65,  providing effective protection against dust and splashing water, making them ideal for cabinet and furniture applications. Their compression mechanism ensures a more secure seal, offering enhanced performance where ingress protection and insulation against noise and vibration are required. Available in both locking and non-locking options.

View our range of T-handle turn cam latches 

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Thick door quarter turn locks

Thick door quarter turn locks are ideal for use with thick panels, such as insulated panels and heavy doors. They are supplied with a 5mm double-bit head and a rubber sealing gasket, ensuring a secure and reliable fit. These locks meet the IP65 standard for sealing, providing excellent protection against dust and water. Manufactured from die-cast zinc alloy with a sleek chrome-plated finish, they combine durability with a polished appearance.

View our range of thick door quarter turn locks

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Compression latches - adjustable/wing knob

Rated IP65, offering superior protection against dust and water ingress, making them perfect for applications requiring enhanced sealing in environments with vibration. Commonly used for cabinets and access panels in manufacturing, these latches deliver both reliability and versatility. The range includes both adjustable and fixed latches, available in locking and non-locking configurations. Cam sold separately. 

View our range of adjustable wing-knob compression latches


Our experts have put together an excellent source to learn more in The ultimate guide to access hardware.
 

Meeting IP ratings with cable management

Effective cable management is crucial in achieving an enclosure’s IP rating, as it ensures that openings for cables are properly sealed against dust, water, and other environmental factors. For that reason, IP ratings are found on cable grommets and cable glands/grip cords. Let’s take a look at examples from our ranges.
 

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IP67 cable grommet  

Our sealing grommets are rated IP67, providing a reliable watertight seal that protects against dust and temporary water immersion. These self-sealing grommets are ideal for use in oily and greasy environments and easily snap into round holes without the need for special tools.
They also function as blanking plugs until a cable is installed, offering flexibility and protection. Also withstands vibration.

View our range of IP67 cable grommets

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Cable glands  

These straight brass cable glands securely fasten and seal electrical cables. Known for their exceptional material strength and corrosion resistance, they offer durability and long-lasting performance. For smaller sizes, they meet IP68 certification without requiring a sealing washer, featuring a TPE inner sealing gland and a CR/NBR exterior sealing gland. The inner sealing gland can be removed to accommodate larger cable diameters. Performs reliably in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 100°C. 

View our range of cable glands


What should you know about cable management in general? Our experts explain in 
The ultimate guide to cable management.
 

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Push-in cable blanking plugs

These push-in cable blanking plugs protect pneumatic tubes and hoses from sharp edges while providing waterproof sealing for unused apertures. They prevent the ingress of dust, dirt, and other contaminants, and offer excellent corrosion and wear resistance. IP67- compliant, they provide a clean, quick solution for a range of sheet metal applications, including electrical panels, control cabinets, and junction boxes. Easy installation and removal.

View our range of push-in cable blanking plugs

Download free CADs

Free CADs are available for most solutions, which you can download. If you’re not quite sure which IP-rated solution will work best for your application, our experts are always happy to advise you. Whatever your requirements, you can depend on fast dispatch. 

Download free CADs

Questions?

Email us at sales@essentracomponents.co.uk or speak to one of our experts for further information on the ideal solution for your application 0345 528 0474.