Various NEMA electrical enclosures are available based on the kind of protection required. In this PPT you will find how to select the right electrical enclosure

1. The Ultimate Guide To Choosing
The Right Enclosure Material

2. Selecting the right enclosure
material is critical to achieve:
 Optimal efficiency
 Safety
 Long service life
 Low maintenance
 Protection from varying temperatures

3. Let’s take a look at the top 10
factors you need to consider
when choosing the right
enclosure material:

4. 1. Environment
 Indoor or Outdoor
 Exposure to UV rays
 Exposure to harsh chemicals
 Corrosive environment
 High-traffic areas
 Temperature variations
 Airborne debris

5. 2. NEMA Classifications
 NEMA 1 – For protecting terminations & controls
 NEMA 2 - For indoor Use
 NEMA 3 - For outdoor Use
 NEMA 3R - For junction boxes & wiring
 NEMA 3S - For operation of external mechanisms in
ice-laden conditions
 NEMA 4 - Where a pressurized stream of water is
being used
 NEMA 4X - Where corrosive materials and caustic
cleaners are being used

6.  NEMA 5 – For protection against airborne dust, debris, and
dripping non-corrosive liquids
 NEMA 6 - For protection against temporary submersion
 NEMA 6P - For protection against prolonged submersion
 NEMA 11 - For protection against corrosion from gases and
liquids
 NEMA 12 - For protection against non-corrosive liquids,
dirt, dust, contaminants, & non-pressurized oil
 NEMA 12K - For protection against falling debris and
dripping liquids
 NEMA 13 – For protection against spraying water and non-
corrosive coolants.

7. 3. Application
 Food Plants
 Repair shops
 Pools
 Parking Garages
 Water treatment plants
Depending on the application, you need to determine
the height, length and the width of the enclosure for
ease of access.

8. 4. Thermal Management
Requirements
 Capacity to handle the heat build-up
 Overheating
 Insulation of internal temperatures
 Freezing
 Dampness
Extreme temperature variations affect the longevity &
efficiency of the devices so it is vital to plan for
efficient thermal management.

9. 5. Performance Standards
 Ratings for hazardous and non-hazardous conditions
 For hazardous locations, enclosures are further
classified according to classes, groups and divisions.
Understanding enclosure ratings helps in determining
the level of protection offered by each enclosure.

10. 6. Materials
The choice is to be made on the basis of the
application demands
 Stainless steel - Corrosion resistant
 Polycarbonate plastic - High impact resistance, UV stability &
fairly resistant to acids
 Extruded aluminium - Easy to modify and light in weight
 ABS Plastic - Impervious, impact resistant & amplifiable
 PVC Plastic – Fire resistant, excellent insulation & recyclable
 Polyester plastic – Chemical resistant, lightweight & excellent
insulation
 Fibreglass – low impact resistance, chemical resistance &
dimensional stability

11. 7. Size
Selecting the right size is critical for efficiency
and optimal performance
 Consider the specific demands of the location where
the enclosure is to be mounted
 Evaluate modification flexibility
 Double check external dimension

12. 8. Safety
 Increase your safety margin by ensuring that the
enclosure protects the components from unauthorized
access
 Check the tamper resistance levels
 Consider the level of risk in the installation

13. 9. Scope for Modifications
Evaluate the modification flexibility as certain
enclosures need a few alterations on-site:
 Stainless is a good option if custom shapes and sizes
are required
 Mild steel is appropriate if the installation needs holes
or cut-outs
 Thermoplastics are suitable for onsite modifications
 Fibreglass is rigid and abrasive
 Non metallics are available in standard sizes

14. 10. Weight
Make sure that the mounting surface is able to
hold the enclosure in place especially if the
enclosed components are heavy.
 Lightweight materials like plastic and aluminium are
easy to transport
 Non-metallic materials effectively address weight
concerns
 Steel enclosures are ideal for harsh climatic conditions
 Fibreglass and polycarbonate have a high strength

15.  Other factors may come into play if you need to cater
to specific customer requests or make necessary
modifications to suit specific application needs.
 Knowing the limitations of each enclosure material
helps in determining the right selection.
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