NEMA 13 Enclosure - KDM Fabrication

Every NEMA enclosure rating offers unique safety and protection features. Today, we are going to explore the NEMA 13 enclosure – which is the highest safety and protection rating.

From features, benefits, construction design, to application, this articles explores all critical aspects about NEMA 13 rated electrical cabinets. Let’s dive right in.

Table of Contents

What is NEMA 13 Enclosure?

NEMA 13 enclosure are electrical cabinets designed to meet the highest safety and protection measure according to National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) for enclosures.

These electrical enclosures are just a step above NEMA 12 enclosures. A reason you can also refer to them as NEMA 12 enclosure rating.

Features of NEMA 13 Enclosure

Here are some unique features NEMA 13 enclosures offer:

No issues with dust – With these enclosures, there is no way you will have to worry about harmful or dust air particles entering components inside. Therefore, they do not default in efficiency.

No drips or splashes – You will not need to worry about splashes or water drips when components are securely in these enclosures. Therefore, components are always safe.

Resists oils and coolants – NEMA 13 enclosures are built to be resistant to oils, fluids that are non-corrosive, and coolants. Therefore, no form of damage occurs.

Perfect to be used indoors – With these enclosures, indoor use is ideal. However, it can be used also in settings where there are light water drips, and dust.

Made to be strong – Due to the quality and strong materials used to make them, they are durable. Some of these materials include aluminum and stainless steel.

Flexibility in mounting – You will always find that, they come with alternatives for you to mount with ease on walls or surfaces. Therefore, you can easily have it installed depending on your needs.

Easy to access – It comes designed with removable panels and hinged doors. These help in ensuring components are well maintained and checked with ease.

All openings have seals – These enclosures are made with seals where there are openings. These seals help in preventing oils, dusts, and so on from going inside and causing damages.

Other feature of electrical enclosure with NEMA 13 rating include ventilation and cooling features. They may also feature welded seams.

Benefits of the NEMA 13 Enclosure

Some major benefits to consider include:

Safety of parts within is always assured
Enhances security
These enclosures are dependable
Very easy to make use of
Prices are reasonable to meet different needs
Can be used in different settings or environments

Construction and Materials of the NEMA 13 Electrical Enclosure

There are many electrical enclosure material options you can choose for your NEMA 13 electrical cabinets. Some of the most common materials include:

· Steel

You will find them made from mainly galvanized steel and cold-rolled steel. This is due to their corrosion resistance and durability levels.

· Stainless Steel

Mostly 304 and 316 stainless steel is used under this material due to how high its corrosion resistance is.

· Aluminum

Since it is resistant to corrosion, lighter in weight and has great thermal conductivity, it is used in making these enclosures worldwide.

· Fiberglass-reinforced polyester

Due to its properties like high level of strength, electrical insulation, corrosion resistant, and others, it is used to make NEMA 13 enclosures.

Construction Considerations for NEMA 13 Compliant Electrical Enclosure

With the construction of NEMA 13 enclosures, these designs can be seen visibly:

· Strong Build

They are built to have corners that are reinforced and seams welded. This is done to make these enclosures stand the test of time no matter the environmental pressure.

· Openings Covered or Sealed

You will find that NEMA 13 enclosures are made with gaskets and openings that are sealed. This makes them secure from all environmental hits.

· Unique options for Fixing

NEMA 13 enclosure gives you the option to mount on walls, surface mount, free standing, etc. It also has brackets and holes to make sure you install tirelessly.

· Access made Smooth

Its hinged doors and removable panels makes it easy to access and use. Therefore, you do not struggle when there is any electrical issue that needs to be sorted out from NEMA 13 enclosures.

· Coating and Finishing

Where finishing and coating are concerned, powder coating is used for steel enclosures, while stainless steel enclosures undergo electropolishing. These finishes and coatings enhance their general features and characteristics.

· Ventilate and Cool

The finest NEMA 13 enclosure designs come with cooling and ventilation features like heat exchangers, vents, and others to ensure components within have reasonable ventilation.

Compliance and Standards for NEMA 13 Enclosure

NEMA 13 enclosures need to meet the National Electrical Manufacturers Association standards and the standards of other important bodies. Below are some NEMA standards to note down:

NEMA 250 standards
UL or Underwriters Laboratories Standards (UL 50, UL 508A, and UL 50E)
IEC, or International Electrotechnical Commission Standards (IEC 60529)

Applications

Below are some applications of NEMA 13 enclosures:

Used in industrial and manufacturing setups in control panels, automation systems, machine tooling, motor drives and starters, etc.
In the food and beverage industries, you can find them in food processing plants, packaging lines, bottling of beverages, etc.
In chemical and pharmaceutical settings, they are used in chemical processing plants and pharmaceutical manufacturing plants.
Used in production lines, painting, and coating areas in the automotive industries.
It is used as a control system and in pumping stations for wastewater treatment plants.
In HVAC systems, these enclosures help with air handling units and cooling tower component enclosures.
In the transportation industry, these enclosures are used to house train and subway stations as well as airport control systems and communication components.
Power plants
Barns and sheds
Mining and quarrying, etc.