NEMA-Rated Types of Electrical Utility Cabinets

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) is a United States based association, created September 1, 1926 when the Associated Manufacturers of Electrical Supplies and the Electric Power Club merged. It is headquartered in Rosslyn, Virginia. NEMA is a non-profit trade organization, supported by manufacturers of electrical apparatus and supplies, and its standards alleviate misunderstandings and help potential buyers select the proper electrical products. This article will discuss some of the different types of NEMA-rated electrical utility cabinets in both non-hazardous and hazardous locations.

Non-Hazardous NEMA-Rated Electrical Utility Cabinets

-Type 1: General purpose (Indoor) – utility cabinets constructed for indoor use to provide a degree of protection to personnel against incidental contact with the enclosed equipment and to provide a degree of protection against falling dirt.

-Type 2: Drip-proof (Indoor) – utility cabinets constructed for indoor use to provide a degree of protection to personnel against incidental contact with the enclosed equipment, to provide a degree of protection against falling dirt, and to provide a degree of protection against dripping and light splashing of liquids.

-Type 3: Dusttight, Raintight, Sleettight (Outdoor) – utility cabinets constructed for either indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of protection to personnel against incidental contact with the enclosed equipment; to provide a degree of protection against falling dirt, rain, sleet, snow, and windblown dust; and that will be undamaged by the external formation of ice on the enclosure.

-Type 4: Watertight, Dusttight, Sleet Resistant (Indoor & Outdoor) – utility cabinets constructed for either indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of protection to personnel against incidental contact with the enclosed equipment; to provide a degree of protection against falling dirt, rain, sleet, snow, windblown dust, splashing water, and hose-directed water; and that will be undamaged by the external formation of ice on the enclosure.

-Type 5: Dusttight, Drip-Proof (Indoor) – utility cabinets constructed for indoor use to provide a degree of protection to personnel against incidental contact with the enclosed equipment; to provide a degree of protection against falling dirt; against settling airborne dust, lint, fibers, and flyings; and to provide a degree of protection against dripping and light splashing of liquids.

-Type 6: Occasionally Submersible, Watertight, Sleet Resistant (Indoor & Outdoor) – utility cabinets constructed for either indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of protection to personnel against incidental contact with the enclosed equipment; to provide a degree of protection against falling dirt; against hose-directed water and the entry of water during occasional temporary submersion at a limited depth; and that will be undamaged by the external formation of ice on the enclosure.

Hazardous NEMA-Rated Electrical Utility Cabinets

-Type 7: Class I, Group A, B, C, or D Hazardous Locations (Indoor) – utility cabinets constructed for indoor use in hazardous locations classified as Class I, Division 1, Groups A, B, C, or D as defined in NFPA 70.

-Type 8: Class I, Group A, B, C, or D Hazardous Location (Indoor & Outdoor) – utility cabinets constructed for either indoor or outdoor use in hazardous locations classified as Class I, Division 1, Groups A, B, C, and D as defined in NFPA 70.

-Type 9: Class II, Group E, F, or G Hazardous Locations (Indoor) – utility cabinets constructed for indoor use in hazardous locations classified as Class II, Division 1, Groups E, F, or G as defined in NFPA 70.

-Type 10: Requirements of Mine Safety and Health Administration – utility cabinets constructed to meet the requirements of the Mine Safety and Health Administration, 30 CFR, Part 18.