What does NEMA 4X protect against?

NEMA 4X is a watertight, dust-tight outdoor or indoor rating that also resists corrosion. It withstands windblown dust, rain, splashing, hose-directed water and ice formation, making it common for food, marine and chemical environments.

How does NEMA map to IP ratings?

The mapping is approximate because the tests differ. As a guide, NEMA 1 ≈ IP10, NEMA 12 ≈ IP52, NEMA 4 ≈ IP56 and NEMA 6P ≈ IP67. A NEMA rating can be converted to IP, but an IP rating cannot be assumed to meet NEMA without retesting.

What is the difference between NEMA 4 and NEMA 12?

NEMA 12 is an indoor type that keeps out falling dirt, dripping liquids and dust, but is not rated for hose-down water. NEMA 4 adds full watertight, hose-directed and outdoor protection, so it suits washdown and weather-exposed locations.

Which NEMA types are explosion-proof?

Types 7, 8, 9 and 10 are hazardous-location ratings for atmospheres with flammable gases, vapours, dust or mining methane. They are distinct from the general-purpose types 1–13 in this table and require certified equipment.

Does this reference run offline?

Yes. The NEMA 250 type definitions are built into the page and filtering happens entirely in your browser. Nothing is uploaded or stored.

NEMA Enclosure Rating Reference

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What NEMA enclosure ratings cover

The NEMA 250 standard classifies electrical enclosures by the conditions they withstand: dust, water, oil, ice and corrosion, for indoor or outdoor use. Unlike the IEC IP system, NEMA ratings also account for corrosion resistance, gasket ageing and external icing, so the two systems are related but not identical.

How it works

Each NEMA type defines a set of pass/fail environmental tests. Higher general-purpose numbers do not strictly stack, but broadly: type 1 is basic indoor, type 3R adds rain and ice, type 4 is fully watertight, type 4X adds corrosion resistance, type 6 adds temporary submersion, and type 12/13 cover indoor dust, drip and oil. Suffix letters carry meaning — X is corrosion-resistant, R is rainproof, P is prolonged submersion.

This reference lists the general-purpose types with their indoor/outdoor use, the hazards they exclude, and the nearest IP equivalent. The search box filters all columns.

Tips and example

For an outdoor control box exposed to rain and washdown in a food plant, choose NEMA 4X: watertight, hose-resistant and corrosion-resistant. For a clean indoor panel that only needs dust and drip protection, NEMA 12 is sufficient and cheaper. When sourcing parts internationally, treat the IP column as a guide only — convert NEMA → IP, never the reverse.