Types of classifications in electrical cabinets, which one do you need?
The cabinets that house electrical and electronic equipment are manufactured following regulatory parameters that guarantee minimum levels of protection according to the applications or environments to which they will be exposed. With these standards, the different classifications in electrical cabinets are born so that users can identify and choose the model that best suits their needs.
Classifications for electrical cabinets What are they?
Currently, the three most prestigious organizations that have their own classification systems are the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), which raises Standard 60529, the National Electrical Manufacturer's Association (NEMA) with Standard 250 and Standards 50 or 50E of the Underwriter Laboratories (UL).
NEMA / UL or IEC type ratings differ in their definitions, test methods, and pass / fail criteria. However, all use classification systems through alphanumeric codes that indicate the degrees of protection of the equipment and its ability to be installed in indoor or outdoor environments.
3 Types of ratings for electrical cabinets
IEC classifications
Define enclosures by their Ingress Protection (IP) level using 2 numbers. The first goes from 0 to 6 and indicates the protection against the ingress of dust and similar particles, and the second goes from 0 to 7 and refers to its protection against the ingress of liquids.
For example, a simple indoor cabinet protected against human contact and falling water droplets, condensation product, will have an IP11 rating. On the other hand, an enclosure for outdoor use, which is completely protected against the ingress of dust and can even withstand direct immersion in water, will be classified as IP67.
NEMA and UL Ratings
The NEMA electrical cabinet ratings system is somewhat more complex than IEC ratings and is divided into indoor and outdoor products. In addition, they take into account minimum requirements for the design such as impact resistance, sealing, thermal resistance and the materials with which they are manufactured.
Type 1, 2, 5 are cabinets for indoor use, these are more vulnerable and without protection against liquids. While the 11 and 13 are those that guarantee protection against dust and the entry of liquids by splashes.
Types 3, 3R, 4X, 6, and 6P are best suited for outdoor use. They provide a degree of protection against access to hazardous parts and ingress of dirt and dust, while protecting against ingress of rainwater and corrosion.
Unlike the NEMA rating, UL is an independent certification organization that enforces compliance through third-party testing and site visits for compliance. Therefore, they represent a formal confirmation and guarantee of compliance with the performance and construction that is required.
Related Posts
What is an electrical cabinet or panel?
THE ELECTRICAL CABINET, WE SHOW YOU WHAT IT IS AND HOW IT WORKS
