Bud Industries
A NEMA 6P rated enclosure gives your design the highest level of protection against dust and water intrusion. Specify in harsh environments where washdown of equipment is expected or in outdoor locations. NEMA 6P enclosures can even be submerged for prolonged periods of time to a limited depth. Because they must be corrosion resistant, they are made of corrosion-resistant die-cast aluminum, Stainless Steel, or plastic.
NEMA 6P rated enclosures are a popular choice for outdoor applications including security, 5G, IoT, and vehicle charging.
The key feature of NEMA 6P enclosures is their ability to withstand long-term submersion. According to the NEMA 6P standard, an enclosure must keep its contents dry for at least 24 hours at a depth of two meters.
NEMA 6P enclosures are constructed from corrosion-resistant materials such as die-cast aluminum, stainless steel, and plastic. Corrosion resistance is essential in wet conditions and in environments with harsh chemicals, such as chemical processing facilities and oil and gas production sites.
It is helpful to understand how NEMA 6P enclosures differ from enclosures with other ratings. While NEMA 6 enclosures also provide protection against temporary submersion (30 minutes) , they are not intended for prolonged immersion.
NEMA 4X enclosures also protect electrical components from moisture. They are designed to protect against water splashes, hose-directed water, and corrosion, making them suitable for factory washdown areas, food processing plants, or outdoor electrical installations. However, they are not intended for submersion. For example, a NEMA 4X enclosure might be appropriate for an outdoor control panel exposed to rain, while a NEMA 6P enclosure would be better suited for a motor in a pumping station that could occasionally flood.
Common NEMA 6P applications include housing equipment on docks, ships, and offshore platforms. Wastewater treatment plants also use NEMA 6P enclosures, as do outdoor telecom installations.
In summary, NEMA 6P enclosures provide features that make them highly effective in protecting electrical equipment in challenging conditions. While NEMA 4X enclosures excel in environments involving washdowns and NEMA 6 enclosures offer protection against temporary submersion, NEMA 6P enclosures stand out for their ability to handle prolonged submersion and to resist corrosion, ensuring reliable performance in harsh scenarios.
A NEMA 6 enclosure is an electrical enclosure that meets strict requirements for water and dust protection. This rating requires enclosures to prevent the ingress of water during washdowns, outdoors, and during temporary submersion (up to six hours) in water or oil. The related NEMA 6P standard prevents the ingress of water during prolonged (P) submersion. There are higher NEMA protection ratings for special applications, but for moisture, NEMA 6 and NEMA 6P ratings indicate maximum protection. The ratings are roughly equivalent to the IEC rating IP68.
NEMA 6-rated enclosures are commonly used to house controls, lighting, Wi-Fi equipment, and as junction boxes in locations subject to factory washdown and wet weather. NEMA 6 and NEMA 6P enclosures are preferred in environments like water treatment facilities and car washes where temporary immersion is possible.
Available in die cast aluminum, ABS plastic, and polycarbonate plastic, these box enclosures come in a variety of styles, including styles that are wall-mounted and have hinged covers. The wide range of materials and styles means they are suitable for a wide range of situations.
Specifiers sometimes confuse NEMA 4X and NEMA 6 ratings. Actually, they are intended for different purposes and have different requirements for the enclosures to meet.
NEMA 4X is a common rating for enclosures used in factories that have airborne contaminants or wash down equipment. The tests for NEMA 4X include withstanding power jets of water. The X signifies corrosion resistance.
In contrast, the NEMA 6 and NEMA 6P ratings are designed for environments where the enclosure may be submerged. These ratings provide a higher level of ingress protection than NEMA 4X. Of course, they also offer corrosion resistance by virtue of the materials used in their construction.
When selecting an electrical enclosure, it’s essential to consider the level of protection required for your specific application. Is a NEMA 6P enclosure really what you need? Here are some resources to help you make the best decision.
• Our NEMA Rating Guide explains what all the ratings mean.
• This article gives guidance on choosing the right material for your electrical enclosure.
• Read our blog post for five easy suggestions for selecting the best enclosure.
By taking this advice, you can choose the right electrical enclosure for your application and ensure a safe environment for your design.
NEMA stands for the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (now called just NEMA), formed in 1926. This industry organization publishes standards related to the safety and interoperability of electrical equipment and devices such as motors and receptacles. As terms like “waterproof” did not have a precise meaning, the association developed standards that define various levels of environmental protection for electrical enclosures. The standards make it easy for enclosure buyers to select the level of protection needed for their applications.
Notifications
