Nema classifications versus IP Ratings

[Clayshtone]

I am working on reclassifying a product made in Europe to become UL listed in the USA.

The product has a IP67 rating.

I want to have it tested and listed in the most appropriate NEMA rating, but don't know what the IP67 rating is close to at all. I can't find anything on the web.

Does anyone have a suggestion?

 

[ozmosis]

This has been discussed numerous times in Eng-Tips. Have a look at this thread: thread237-163194 but please also remember that IP classifications do not differentiate between Inside use or Outside use, whereas NEMA does.

 

[dbaird]

Check:

http://www.coleparmer.com/techinfo/...NEMA_IEC.htm&Title=NEMA/IEC+Enclosure+Ratings

David Baird

Sr Controls Designer
EET degree.
Journeyman Electrician.

 

[Clayshtone]

Thanks for the quick replies.

Ironically, in examining the links you provided, the Nema classifications meet or exceed the IP ratings, but you cannot go the other way.

HMMMMM

 

[Marmite]

This website lists the conversions, as well as lots more useful info.

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/electrical-systems-t_33.html

Regards
Marmite

 

[jraef]

The easy NEMA rating for IP67 to pass is 4 or 4X (depending on corrosion resistance for the "X"). We have components rated IP67 that have passed NEMA 6P. The problem with that is that because type 6 ratings are rare, many people will not recognize 6 or 6P as exceeding 4/4X and think that they must use a 6P rated enclosure with them. 6P enclosures are relatively rare and expensive compared to 4/4X, so if you want to avoid all that potential confusion, just test to 4 or 4X. Just for the record though, if you use a 6P rated device in a type 4 enclosure, it is considered compliant.

BTW, I don't agree with that Cole-Parmer chart on the NEMA 4 being the same as IP56. Generally, NEMA 4 equates to IP65 or 66. it's all very subjective however. Hoffman, the gold standard of enclosures for the North American marketplace, use this chart for comparison and this is the de facto authority in a lot of engineering circles.

http://www.hoffmanonline.com/stream_document.aspx?rRID=16143&pRID=2121

Lastly, if you are going to do the testing, use UL. UL adopted the NEMA specs and use the same numbering system, but it is a recognized 3rd party listing agency whereas NEMA is not a true testing or regulatory authority, just a set suggested guidelines put out by manufacturers. You can get in trouble making a NEMA rating claim that is not backed up by a NRTL test report. NRTL stands for Nationally Recognized Testing Lab such as UL and ETL.

JRaef.com
"Engineers like to solve problems. If there are no problems handily available, they will create their own problems." Scott Adams
For the best use of Eng-Tips, please click here -> faq731-376