At times, deciding whether to choose NEMA 3R or NEMA 12 is challenging without the right information.
For this reason, we will compare all the fundamental facts about NEMA 3R and NEMA 12. From degree of protection, application, to price – you will find all information about these NEMA rating.
What is NEMA 3R?
The NEMA 3R is a type of enclosure that protects electrical components from certain hazardous conditions. It is also used in protecting lighting contractors, power distribution components as well as switch gears.
You can use these electrical enclosures for both indoor and outdoor applications. This owes to their good protective qualities such as being water resistant. They are also resistant to corrosion.
What is NEMA 12?
The NEMA 12 enclosure also provides against hazardous indoor conditions. This entails dust, dirt, as well as humid conditions.
They serve best in areas prone to a lot of liquid exposure. They also offer better indoor protection services compared to the NEMA 3R. Moreover, they cannot optimally function in outdoor spaces like the NEMA 3R.
Degree of Protection in NEMA 3R vs NEMA 12
Although both enclosures offer protection, each has a level of protection it can achieve.
For instance, both enclosures can withstand indoor house conditions. Hence, they can be used a household.
The NEMA 3R further provides protection against snow, rain, ice formation, sleet and is resistant to ingress of water. This makes it a better choice for outdoor use. Therefore, if you are looking for an enclosure for both indoor and outdoor use, NEMA 3R is recommendable.
Unlike NEMA 3R, NEMA 12 is specifically designed to be used indoors. This enclosure also has protection against solid contaminants from dust, dirt, fibers and even lint. It is also water resistant and has oil resistant gaskets to provide protection from corrosion.
Comparing NEMA 3R vs NEMA 12 Price
The NEMA 3R is practically more expensive than the NEMA 12. This is majorly because of its duplex properties that makes it a perfect choice for both indoors and outdoors.
However, costs should be the least of your worries when it comes to purchasing the NEMA enclosures.
You should aim to acquire an enclosure that best serve your needs depending on the various protection properties of each.
For instance if you need an enclosure that serves both indoor and outdoors, the NEMA 3R is your option. This means it will cost you more than purchasing a NEMA 12.
However, it will be an enclosure that has served your purpose.
Similarities between NEMA 3R and NEMA 12
Despite the existing differences between NEMA 3R and NEMA 12, there are some profound similarities.
They both can serve in indoor environments. The NEMA 12 was specifically made to serve in indoor environment. However, NEMA 3R can as well offer enclosure protection in indoor spaces.
They both offer protection against dirt, and dust. Although NEMA 12 achieves this only when indoors.
Additionally, they both provide protection against water and other non-corrosive liquids. However, for NEMA 3R it mainly water from the rain while for NEMA 12 it is mainly water from splashes. This is because NEMA 12 is used only indoors.
Where to Use NEMA 3R and NEMA 12
You can use NEMA 3R enclosures to house equipment in most engineering projects. It helps in protecting equipment’s used in power distribution, lighting contractors or switch gears.
Since they can also be used for outdoor purposes, they are a good choice for outdoor projects as well.
NEMA 3R are equipped with properties intended to offer protection from outside non-hazardous environments.
The NEMA 12 enclosures are designed for indoor applications.. Due to their water-resistant property, they are best for use especially in industries with high moisture levels. This includes the machining companies.
For instance, you can choose NEMA 12 for most automation control systems. It is also used in manufacturing companies to help handle materials in the non-corrosive environments. It is also used for packaging in the electronic drives systems.
FAQ
What is NEMA 3R equivalent IP Rating?
The IP rating system is considered to be less strict than the NEMA rating standards.
The IP rating system uses numbers to show level of protection of enclosures. The first digit represents level of protection against foreign solids. The second digit shows level of protection against liquids.
The NEMA 3R is equivalent to IP14 rating. Its protection level against solids is 1 and that against liquids is at 4. This means that it can offer protection against solids of about 50mm in size. Water entry to into the enclosure is protected from all sides.
Is there IP Rating Equivalent to NEMA 12?
Not really, however, it is considered that IP52 rating is one to be close to NEMA 12 rated enclosure. This means that the enclosure is protected from dust.
Additionally, it signifies protection from water sprays from any direction.
Due to the quality of rating, an IP54 enclosure may also match the NEMA 12.
IP rated enclosures do not meet tests such as oil resistant tests, corrosion resistance tests, and coolant leakage tests. Therefore, if you need a more quality enclosure, opt for a NEMA rated one.
Conclusion
Well, with the above information, you can comfortably choose NEMA 3R or NEMA 12 as long as it meets your unique application requirements.
In case you are not sure, KDM team is always here to guide you – contact us now.
