ENVIRONMENTAL RATINGS
NEMA, UL, CSA, vs. IEC Type Cross Reference

Cannot be used to convert IEC classes to NEMA Type numbers

Type IP 23 IP 32 IP 64 IP 65 IP 66
1 *        
3     *    
3R   *      
4         *
4X         *
12       *  
13       *  

Comparison of Specific Non-Hazardous Applications

Provides a Degree of Protection Against the following Environmental Conditions Type
  1 3 3R 4 4X 12 13
Incidental contact
Falling dirt    
Falling liquids      
Light splashing      
Dust      
Lint      
Fibers a      
Flyings a      
Hosedown          
Splashing Water          
Oil and coolant seepage          
Oil or coolant spraying            
Oil or coolant splashing            
Rain      
Snow      
Sleet b      
Windblown dust        
Corrosive agents            
= Indoor Locations
= Outdoor Locations

a These fibers and flyings are non-hazardous materials and are not considered Class III type ignitable fibers or combustible flyings.

b External operating mechanisms are NOT required to be operable when the enclosure is ice covered.
Type 1 enclosures are intended for indoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against contact with the enclosed equipment in locations where unusual service conditions do not exist.

Type 3 enclosures are intended for outdoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against windblown dust, rain, and sleet; and to be undamaged by the formation of ice on the enclosure. They are not intended to provide protection against conditions such as internal condensation or internal icing.

Type 3R enclosures are intended for indoor or outdoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against falling rain; and to be undamaged by the formation of ice on the enclosure. They are not intended to provide protection against conditions such as dust, internal condensation, or internal icing.

Type 4 enclosures are intended for indoor or outdoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against windblown dust, rain, splashing water, and hose directed water; and to be undamaged by the formation of ice on the enclosure. They are not intended to provide protection against conditions such as internal condensation or internal icing.

Type 4X enclosures are intended for indoor OR outdoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against corresion, windblown dust and rain, splashing water, and hose directed water; and to be undamaged by the formation of ice on the enclosure. They are not intended to provide protection against conditions such as internal condensation or internal icing. (Note: An outdoor rating arises from an external icing test.)

Type 12 enclosures are intended for indoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against dust, falling dirt, and noncorrosive liquids. They are not intended to provide protection against conditions such as internal condensation.

Type 13 enclosures are intended for indoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against dust, spraying water, oil, and noncorrosive coolant. They are not intended to provide protection against conditions such as internal condensation.

Sources of Standards

National Electrical Manufactures Association
2101 L Street Northwest
Washington D.C. 20037

Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
333 Pfingsten Road
Northbrook, IL 60062

Canadian Standards Association
178 Rexdale Boulevard
Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada M9W 1R3

International Electrotechnical Commission
3 Rue de Varembe
CH -12
Geneva 20, Switzerland