NEMA Enclosure Types

Type 13 Enclosures constructed for indoor use to provide a degree of protection to

personnel against access to hazardous parts; to provide a degree of protection of the

equipment inside the enclosure against ingress of solid foreign objects (falling dirt and

circulating dust, lint, fibers, and flyings); to provide a degree of protection with respect to

harmful effects on the equipment due to the ingress of water (dripping and light

splashing); and to provide a degree of protection against the spraying, splashing, and

seepage of oil and non-corrosive coolants.

Table 1

[From NEMA 250-2003]

Comparison of Specific Applications of Enclosures

for Indoor Nonhazardous Locations

Type of Enclosure

Provides a Degree of Protection Against the

Following Conditions

1 * 2 * 4 4X 5 6 6P 12 12K 13

Access to hazardous parts X X X X X X X X X X

Ingress of solid foreign objects (falling dirt) X X X X X X X X X X

Ingress of water (Dripping and light splashing) ... X X X X X X X X X

Ingress of solid foreign objects (Circulating dust,

lint, fibers, and flyings **)

... ... X X ... X X X X X

Ingress of solid foreign objects (Settling airborne

dust, lint, fibers, and flyings **)

... ... X X X X X X X X

Ingress of water (Hosedown and splashing water) ... ... X X ... X X ... ... ...

Oil and coolant seepage ... ... ... .. ... ... ... X X X

Oil or coolant spraying and splashing ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... X

Corrosive agents ... ... ... X ... ... X ... ... ...

Ingress of water (Occasional temporary

submersion)

... ... ... ... ... X X ... ... ...

Ingress of water (Occasional prolonged

submersion)

... ... ... ... ... ... X ... ... ...

* These enclosures may be ventilated.

** These fibers and flyings are nonhazardous 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,

Article 500.

National Electrical Manufacturers Association Approved by NEMA Enclosures Section

1300 N. 17

Street, Suite 1752 November 2005

Rosslyn, VA 22209