NEMA 3S Rating
NEMA 3S ratings are specific standards formulated by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) in the USA for electrical enclosures. NEMA 3S rating is mainly designed for outdoor electrical enclosures to keep electrical components safe from laden ice.
Level of Protection in NEMA 3S Enclosure
This rating is set to ensure that your electrical enclosures are constructed to offer a level of safety against sleets, rain, and external ice formations, snow, even as it allows air to go through. However, it does not offer protection against water immersion or direct water jets.
Features of NEMA 3S Rating
Even as you shop for electrical enclosures, always have it in mind that it comes with these key features:
- Safety against the weather conditions like rain, snow, sleet, etc.
- Designed to resist corrosion and durable
- Come with gasket seals around its access panels and doors to prevent water ingress
- Designed to be waterproof
- Resists dripping
- Comes with ventilation and drainage spaces
- Easy to install
- Built to be strong and study
NEMA 3S vs. NEMA 3R Rating
| Area | NEMA 3S Rating | NEMA 3R Rating |
| Drip resistance | Prevents water ingress in normal settings | Prevents water ingress in normal settings |
| Weather resistance | Protection against snow, rain, and sleet when in straight position | Safety against sleet, snow, and rain no matter the mounting position |
| Gasket seals | Has gasket seals around access panels and doors | Might come with gasket seals or some other unique methods for ingress prevention |
| Material and make | Made ideally from materials that resist corrosion or stainless steel | Ideally made from materials like aluminum or galvanized steel |
| Ventilation | Offers ventilation to ensure internal condensation is prevented | Comes with drainage to keep the interior dry |
| Installation | Needs to be installed in straight position | Can be installed in any position |
| Common uses | Can be used as junction boxes, control panels, and distribution boards | Ideal as outdoor meter cabinets, and switchgear enclosures |
| NEMA Standards | Meets NEMA 250-2018 standards | Meets NEMA 250-2018 |
NEMA 3S vs. NEMA 3SX Enclosure
| Feature | NEMA 3S | NEMA 3SX |
| Weather protection | Protection against rain, snow, falling dirt, and sleet when uprightly installed | Protection against rain, snow, falling dirt, and sleet |
| External ice formation | Can still work even when covered with ice | Works perfectly even when covered with ice |
| Water protection | Safety against all forms of water | Has enhanced water resistant features, ideal for wash downs |
| Ingress protection | Prevents lint, windblown dust, and particulates due to gasketed seals | Prevents lint, windblown dust, and particulates due to its enhanced gasketing seals |
| Resistance to corrosion | Has standard safety against outdoor environments | Has an enhanced safety against harsh environments |
| Construction | Non-corrosive coatings or materials | Materials that are highly resistant |
NEMA 3S vs. NEMA 3 Enclosure
| Area | NEMA 3S Enclosure | NEMA 3 Enclosure |
| Weather safety | Safety against snow, rain, and sleet when the standard installation is done (upright) | Safety against external ice formation, rain, and sleet |
| Drip resistance | should be able to prevent water ingress ideally | Should be able to prevent water ingress under some external conditions |
| Gasket seals | Comes with gaskets for sealing against water ingress | Comes with gasketed seals to keep moisture out |
| Drainage | Built with draining systems to get rid of water accumulated | Can come with drainage features to ensure water that enters enclosure is managed |
| Ventilation | Comes with ventilation features to prevent condensation within | Offers ventilation to ensure moisture is well built and to maintain the flow of air |
| Environmental rating | Meets the NEMA 3S standard requirements | Meets NEMA 3 standard requirements |
Where to use NEMA 3S Enclosure
Some uses of NEMA 3S enclosures include:
- Used as outdoor electrical enclosures against rain, sleet, and snow.
- Gives junctions and connections weatherproof protection in outdoor electrical installations.
- As control panels for outdoor lighting controls or HVAC systems
- As utility infrastructure to protect meters and electricity distribution equipment
- Used for industrial applications
- Can be used as traffic control enclosures
Conclusion
Now you know the degree of protection NEMA 3 S enclosures provide. However, if you are looking for high quality NEMA 3S enclosures, at KDM we offer the most practical solution.
From design to fabrication, our team will help you get high quality NEMA 3S electrical enclosures – contact us now.