FAQ

Question #1

What is the difference between a NEMA Type 3R and NEMA Type 12 ?

Answer:

A NEMA Type 3R product is generally suitable for use outdoors.  And will give protection against falling rain, sleet, and snow.  A NEMA Type 12 is generally used indoors to afford protection against falling fibers and a dust-laden environment.

Question #2

What is the construction difference between a NEMA Type 12 and NEMA Type 4?

Answer:

A NEMA Type 12 can be produced from Carbon steel and prime-painted.  Also, the hardware (bolts, hinge, clamps) can be zinc painted. The requirement for the number and location of fasteners on a NEMA Type 12 are significantly less than a NEMA Type 4 in contrast, a NEMA Type 4 needs to be bondarized steel or prime-painted with a finish coat of paint.  All hardware (bolts,hinge, clamps) must be stainless steel.  Lastly, the number and location of clamps and fasteners far exceed requirements of a NEMA Type 12, as this design standards must preclude liquids under pressure (70psi) from entering this type product.

Question #3

What NEMA is a rain-tight, water-tight, and a dust-tight enclosure?

Answer:

Generally speaking, a “rain-tight” could be a NEMA 3R, not under pressure of liquids.  A “water-tight” could be a NEMA 4 if the application has liquids under pressure.  Finally,  a “dust-tight” could be a NEMA 12 as these enclosures are gaskets, made with a seam-weld construction.

Question #4

Can a NEMA 3R be used indoors?

Answer:

Yes, a NEMA 3R can be used indoors as it supercedes all NEMA 1 design and construction standards.