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Tips and tricks

"What protection categories are required in North America?”

IP, NEMA or UL type rating is a dilemma which must be given careful consideration for applications in North America. What you should know:

  • Under international standard IEC 60529, IP protection categories are comprised of two numerals plus additional letters for electrical equipment enclosures (where applicable). They are used worldwide, wherever North American standards do not apply.
  • The North American market often requires NEMA protection categories which have no direct equivalents with the IP system. There are significant differences, both in terms of testing and with regard to labelling/descriptions.
  • Products intended for use in North America generally require UL approval (e.g. Industrial Control Panel to UL 508 A). For empty enclosures, the emphasis is on the UL type rating, as shown on the rating plate.

UL type rating and NEMA type rating are virtually identical, because the UL tests are based on NEMA specifications. The NEMA rating is the manufacturer’s responsibility, while UL ratings are based on independent testing. Hence, for enclosures not explicitly intended for use on the North American market and which do not require UL approval, IP and NEMA information is correct. For enclosures that require UL approval, wherever they are located, the UL type rating is correct.

Author: Hartmut Lohrey, Head of Marketing Training/Support

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