2. Overview:
NEMA is the trade association of choice for the electrical manufacturing industry.
Founded in 1926 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., its approximately 450
member companies manufacture products used in the generation, transmission and
distribution, control, and end-use of electricity. NEMA develops technical standards
and guidelines for the manufacture and installation of electrical equipment, and also
advocates for policies that promote the safe and efficient use of electricity. The
organization's members include companies that produce products such as
transformers, motors, lighting systems, and circuit breakers.
3. Here are some facts about the National Electrical
Manufacturers Association (NEMA):
1. The organization represents more than 325 electrical equipment and medical imaging
manufacturers in the United States.
2. NEMA develops technical standards and guidelines for the manufacture and installation
of electrical equipment.
3. The organization's standards cover a wide range of products, including motors,
transformers, circuit breakers, and lighting systems.
4. NEMA also works to advocate for policies that promote the safe and efficient use of
electricity.
4. 5. The organization has a number of industry-specific divisions, including the NEMA
Lighting Systems Division and the NEMA Motor & Generator Section.
6. NEMA also produces market research reports and hosts industry events and
conferences.
7. The organization works closely with other industry groups, such as the National
Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
8. NEMA's mission is to develop and promote standards, policies, and technologies that
improve the safety, reliability, and efficiency of electrical products and systems.
5. Scope of Membership
Activity
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) is a federation of
over 50 diverse product sections that are grouped into eight divisions. NEMA’s
430 member companies manufacture products ranging from x-ray machines and
CT scanners to motors and generators, lamps, luminaires, cable tray, building
wire, enclosures, traffic controls, nurse call systems, batteries, residential
controls, and more.
6. Scope of Services
Each section contracts with NEMA's core departments, Business Information
Services, Technical Services, Medical Imaging, Government Relations, and
Industry Operations, to provide the services the section decides are needed to meet
its goals and objectives.
7. Thirty senior corporate executives are elected by the general membership to
3-year terms on NEMA’S Board of Governors. The Board is organized into policy
committees to guide the organization’s operations in the areas of:
Commerce and economics
Business & information systems
e-Commerce
Standards and conformity assessment
Domestic
International
Government relations
Electromagnetic fields (EMF)
Energy
Environment, health & safety
International trade
NEMA PAC (Political Action Committee)
Industry Operations
9. Early 20th Century:
Formation and Focus
NEMA was founded in 1926 as a trade association representing
manufacturers of electrical equipment in the United States. It emerged during
a time of rapid industrialization and technological advancement, particularly
in the field of electrical engineering. The association was established to
address common challenges faced by manufacturers and to promote
standardization and safety in the industry.
10. 1920s - 1930s: Developing
Standards
In its early years, NEMA focused on developing industry standards to ensure
interoperability and safety of electrical equipment. The association played a vital
role in establishing standards for products such as electrical connectors, motors,
and other components.
11. 1940s - 1950s: World War II
and Growth
During World War II, NEMA's efforts were directed towards supporting the war
effort. The association contributed by producing equipment and technology
essential for military applications. After the war, NEMA continued its role in
shaping industry standards and advancing electrical technology.
12. 1960s - 1970s: Expansion and
Diversification
During these decades, NEMA's scope expanded to include not only electrical
equipment but also medical imaging technologies. The association began
addressing issues related to radiation therapy equipment and medical imaging
devices
13. 1980s - 1990s: Advocacy
and Policy
NEMA became increasingly involved in advocacy and policy initiatives. The
association worked to influence legislation and regulations that affected its
member companies and the industry as a whole. This included efforts related to
energy efficiency, environmental regulations, and trade policies.
14. 2000s - Present: Innovation
and Collaboration
NEMA continued to evolve in the 21st century, focusing on fostering innovation and
collaboration among its members. The association played a role in promoting smart
grid technology, energy-efficient products, and sustainable manufacturing practices.
15. Here are some common NEMA
enclosure types along with
their typical applications and
characteristics:
16. NEMA 1 enclosures are designed for indoor use and provide basic protection against dust,
limited dripping water, and minimal contact with personnel.
Indoor Use: These enclosures are intended for indoor use and provide basic protection
against dust, dripping water, and limited contact with personnel.
Typical Applications: Offices, industrial facilities, utility rooms, etc.
Characteristics: Basic protection, often made of sheet steel.
NEMA 1:
17. NEMA 2:
Similar to NEMA 1, NEMA 2 enclosures are designed for indoor use but offer slightly
improved protection against dripping water and condensation.
Indoor Use: Similar to NEMA 1, these enclosures are for indoor use but provide
additional protection against dripping, light splashing, and limited condensation.
Typical Applications: Garages, warehouses, workshops, etc.
Characteristics: Slightly improved protection compared to NEMA 1.
18. NEMA 3:
NEMA 3 enclosures are suitable for outdoor and indoor use. They provide
protection against windblown dust, rain, sleet, and snow.
Outdoor Use: Designed for outdoor use, NEMA 3 enclosures provide protection
against windblown dust, rain, sleet, and snow. They are also suitable for indoor
use.
Typical Applications: Outdoor electrical equipment, utility boxes, telecom
cabinets, etc.
Characteristics: Weatherproof, typically made of corrosion-resistant materials.
19. NEMA 3R:
NEMA 3R enclosures protect against falling rain, sleet, and snow, but not windblown
dust. They are commonly used for outdoor electrical panels and junction boxes.
Outdoor Use: NEMA 3R enclosures are specifically designed for outdoor use and
provide protection against falling rain, sleet, and snow, but not windblown dust.
Typical Applications: Electrical panels, service entrance equipment, outdoor
junction boxes, etc.
Characteristics: Weatherproof and often vented for cooling.
20. NEMA 3S:
These enclosures are designed for outdoor and indoor use and offer enhanced
protection against windblown dust, rain, sleet, and snow compared to NEMA 3.
Outdoor Use: These enclosures are designed for outdoor use and provide
enhanced protection against windblown dust, rain, sleet, and snow.
Typical Applications: Remote outdoor installations, wireless communication
equipment, etc.
Characteristics: More robust weatherproofing compared to NEMA 3.
21. NEMA 4:
NEMA 4 enclosures are designed for both indoor and outdoor use and provide
protection against water jets, splashing water, and dust.
Outdoor and Indoor Use: NEMA 4 enclosures are designed to provide protection
against water jets, splashing water, and dust. They are suitable for both indoor and
outdoor applications.
Typical Applications: Harsh industrial environments, washdown areas, outdoor
electrical control panels, etc.
Characteristics: Sealed against water and dust ingress, often made of stainless
steel or aluminum.
22. NEMA 4X:
Similar to NEMA 4, NEMA 4X enclosures offer protection against water jets, splashing
water, and dust, but they also provide resistance to corrosion and other environmental
factors.
Outdoor and Indoor Use: NEMA 4X enclosures provide the same protection as
NEMA 4 but with additional resistance to corrosion and other environmental factors.
Typical Applications: Marine environments, food processing plants, corrosive
industrial settings, etc.
Characteristics: Corrosion-resistant materials, suitable for aggressive environments.
23. NEMA 6:
NEMA 6 enclosures are designed to be temporarily submersible in water and provide
protection against heavy splashing and temporary flooding.
Submersible: These enclosures are designed to be temporarily submersible in water
and provide protection against heavy splashing and temporary flooding.
Typical Applications: Outdoor electrical equipment in flood-prone areas, wastewater
treatment facilities, etc.
Characteristics: Submersible for a limited time, typically sealed and robust.
24. NEMA 6P:
NEMA 6P enclosures offer the same protection as NEMA 6 but can be submerged for
longer periods. They are fully submersible and are used in underwater applications and
marine environments.
Submersible: NEMA 6P enclosures offer the same protection as NEMA 6 but can be
submerged for longer periods.
Typical Applications: Underwater applications, marine environments, etc.
Characteristics: Fully submersible for extended periods.
25. NEMA 7:
NEMA 7 enclosures are designed for use in hazardous locations where there may be
potentially explosive gases or vapors.
Hazardous Locations: These enclosures are designed for use in environments
with potentially explosive gases or vapors. They provide explosion-proof
protection.
Typical Applications: Oil refineries, chemical plants, petrochemical facilities,
etc.
Characteristics: Explosion-proof construction.
26. NEMA 9:
NEMA 9 enclosures are also designed for hazardous locations but in environments with
combustible dusts, fibers, or flying’s.
Hazardous Locations: NEMA 9 enclosures are designed for environments with
combustible dusts, fibers, or flying’s. They provide protection against internal
explosions.
Typical Applications: Flour mills, grain elevators, chemical processing involving
combustible dusts, etc.
Characteristics: Dust ignition-proof construction
27. These are some of the most common NEMA enclosure types, each designed to provide
specific levels of protection against environmental factors, and they are used in
various industrial and commercial settings. The selection of the appropriate NEMA
enclosure type depends on the specific needs of the equipment and the environmental
conditions where it will be installed.