IP Protection Classification
IEC Publication 529 Classification of Degrees of Protection by Enclosures, provides a system for specifying required enclosures of electrical equipment. IEC 529 does not specify degrees of protection against risk of explosion, or conditions such as moisture (produced, for example, by
condensation), corrosive vapors, fungus, or vermin. NEMA Standards Publication 250 does test for environmental conditions such as corrosion, rust, icing, oil, and coolants. For this reason, and because the tests and evaluations for other characteristics are not identical, the IEC enclosure classification designations CANNOT be exactly equated with NEMA enclosure Type numbers.
The accompanying table provides a cross-reference from NEMA enclosure Type numbers to IEC enclosure classification designations. This cross-reference is an approximation based on the most current available information of enclosure test performance and is not sanctioned by NEMA,
IEC, or any affiliated agency.
To use the table shown below first find the appropriate NEMA rating along the vertical axis and then read across the horizontal axis for the corresponding IP rating. DO NOT use this table to convert IEC classification designations to NEMA Type numbers.
Specification
IP 2 3
IP Characteristic letters
2 1st characteristic numeral (Protection against solid objects)
3 2nd characteristic numeral (Protection against liquids)
An enclosure with this designation is protected against the penetration of solid objects greater than 12mm and against spraying water.
Enclosures for Non Hazardous locations
Type Designation |
NEMA |
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) |
Canadian Standards Association |
1 |
Enclosures are Intended (or indoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against contact with the enclosed equipment or locations where unusual service conditions do not exist.
|
Indoor use primarily to provide protection against contact with the enclosed equipment and against a limited amount of falling dirt.
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General purpose enclosure. Protects against accidental contact with live parts.
|
2 |
Enclosures are intended (or indoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against limited amounts of falling water and dirt.
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Indoor use to provide a degree of protection against limited amounts of falling water and dirt.
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Indoor use to provide a degree of protection against dripping and light splashing of noncorrosive liquids and falling dirt.
|
3 |
Enclosures are intended tor outdoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against windblown dust, rain, and sleet; undamaged by the formation of ice on the enclosure.
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Outdoor use to provide a degree of protection against windblown dust and windblown rain; undamaged by the formation of ice on the enclosure.
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Indoor or outdoor use; provides a degree of protection against rain, snow, and windblown dust: undamaged by the external formation of Ice on the enclosure.
|
3R |
Enclosures are Intended for outdoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against falling rain and sleet; undamaged by the formation of Ice on the enclosure.
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Outdoor use to provide a degree of protection against falling rain, undamaged by the formation of ice on the enclosure.
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Indoor or outdoor use; provides a degree of protection against rain and snow, undamaged by the external formation of Ice on the enclosure.
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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; undamaged by (he formation of ice on the enclosure.
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Either indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of protection against falling rain, splashing water, and hose-directed water: undamaged by the formation of Ice on the enclosure; resists corrosion.
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Indoor or outdoor use; provides a degree of protection against rain, snow, windblown dust, splashing and hose-directed water; undamaged by the external formation of Ice on the enclosure.
|
4X |
Enclosures are intended for indoor or outdoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against corrosion, windblown dust and rain, splashing water, and hose-directed water; undamaged by the formation of ice on the enclosure.
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Either indoor or outdoor use to proved a degree of protection against falling rain, splashing water, and hose-directed water; undamaged by the formation of Ice on the enclosure; resists corrosion.
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Indoor or outdoor use; provides a degree of protection against rain, snow, windblown dust. splashing and hose-directed water; undamaged by the external formation of Ice on the enclosure; resists corrosion.
|
6 |
Enclosures are intended for use indoors or outdoors where occasional submersion is encountered.
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Indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of protection against entry of water during temporary submersion at a limited depth: undamaged by the formation of ice on the enclosure.
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Indoor or outdoor use; provides a degree of protection against the entry of water during temporary submersion at a limited depth; undamaged by the external formation of Ice on the enclosure: resists corrosion.
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12 |
Enclosures are intended for indoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against dust, (ailing dirt, and dripping non- corrosive liquids.
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Indoor use to provide a degree of protection against dust, dirt, fiber flyings, dripping water, and external condensation of non-corrosive liquids.
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Indoor use; provides a degree of protection against circulating dust, lint, fibers, and flyings; dripping and light splashing of non- corrosive liquids; not provided with knockouts.
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13 |
Enclosures are Intended for indoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against dust, spraying of water, oil, and non- corrosive coolant.
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Indoor use to provide a degree of protection against lint, dust seepage, external condensation and spraying of water, oil, and non-corrostve liquids.
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Indoor use; provides a degree of protection against circulating dust, lint, fibers, and flyings; seepage and spraying of non- corrosive liquids, Including oils and coolants.
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The preceding descriptions are not intended to be complete representations of National Electrical
Manufacturers Association standards for enclosures nor those of the Electrical and
Electronic Manufacturers Association of Canada.
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) shall not be responsible to anyone for the use of or reliance upon a UL Standard by anyone. UL shall not incur any obligation or liability of damages, including consequential damages, arising out of or connection with the use, interpretation of, or reliance upon a UL standard.
Comparison of Specific Non-Hazardous Applications Indoor Locations
Provides a Degree of Protection Against the Following Environmental Conditions |
Type of Enclosure |
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4 |
4X |
12 |
13 |
Incidental Contact With The Enclosed Equipment |
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Falling Dirt |
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Falling Liquids and Light Splashing |
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Dust, Lint, Fibers, and Flyings |
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Hosedown and Splashing Water |
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Oil and Coolant Seepage |
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Oil or Coolant Spraying and Splashing |
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Corrosive Agents |
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Occasional Temporary Submersion |
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Occasional Prolonged Submersion |
These fibers and flyings are non-hazardous materials and are not considered Class III type ignitable fibers or combustible flyings. For Class III type ignitable fibers or combustible flyings see the National Electrical Code, Section 500-6(a).