Definition of NEMA 6 Enclosure
A NEMA Type 6 enclosure is an electrical enclosure rated for protection against water during occasional temporary submersion.
NEMA, or the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, establishes standards for Enclosure Type classifications based on degrees of protection.
The Type 6 rating indicates your enclosure prevents water from entering during short-term immersion, like accidental submersion.
Features of NEMA 6 Rated Electrical Enclosure
NEMA 6 enclosures use gasketed seals at all points where the enclosure components meet to prevent water from entering.
The compression force applied to these seals at all points around the enclosure including those around doors, vents and conduits, ensures that no space is left uncovered.
Alternatively, other designs adopt seams that overlap; this helps when machining the enclosure components, which will interlock tightly upon fastening.
Manufacturers of NEMA 6 enclosures subject their products to comprehensive tests that involve submerging them under water to check for any leak paths through the seals.
The use of materials like stainless steel (that have a high resistance to corrosion) promotes the lifespan of these seals over a long period.
Advantages of NEMA 6 Environmental Rating
When electrical components require shielding from environmental risks, NEMA 6 enclosures provide valuable benefits.
Their ratings facilitate safe, reliable performance in applications involving moisture or water exposure. Some of the benefits your NEMA 6 standard electrical enclosure are:
- Temporary Submersion Protection– NEMA 6 enclosures allow machinery to withstand brief accidental liquid contact like an unexpected spill. Their seals maintain an interior-exterior barrier during temporary submersion, keeping encased electronics functioning after unintended contact. Splashes don’t disrupt operations.
- Durability and Impact Resistance– Accidents involving drops or bumps can damage equipment lacking a protective box. NEMA 6 shielding withstands impacts to safeguard components long-term. Their impact-resistant construction ensures investments remain intact despite unexpected jostles industrial settings sometimes see.
- Resistance to External Ice Formation– Exposure to freezing temperatures poses ice-related dangers. However NEMA 6 rated enclosures resist effects from external ice accumulation that could compromise lesser boxes. Reliable performance continues even in frigid climate work environments.
- Corrosion Resistance– While not as robust as NEMA 6P materials, NEMA 6 utilizes corrosion-resistant enclosure designs like coated steels. Over time and among moisture, coatings deter rusting compared to bare metals, helping enclosures fulfill their safeguarding role longer.
- Application Versatility– NEMA 6 ratings accommodate diverse industries and contexts requiring water-safe equipment operation. Their range of compatibility enables protective use across various settings and scenarios.
Materials for NEMA 6 Enclosure
Some of the materials for electrical enclosuresare carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. In particular, a powder-coated carbon steel stands out for its durability and resistance to rust while being cost-effective.
For environments that demand high levels of corrosion resistance, consider stainless steel grades such as 304 and 316; they are well suited for places like chemical plants.
On the other hand, aluminum enclosures are lighter than bare carbon steel and they exhibit good heat transfer properties plus mild corrosion resistance.
They have benefits over the heavy duty carbon steel enclosure including lower weight plus effective thermal dissipation as well as modest protection against corrosion.
Your choice between these materials should take into account the specific environmental and budgetary considerations you have in place.
Recommended Construction for Waterproof NEMA 6 Enclosures
A reliable NEMA 6 rating cannot be achieved unless the construction details are taken into consideration.
The sealing surfaces should not only be clean, but they also should be smooth without any defects that could prevent them from compressing fully.
It is important to use high-quality gasket material that is compatible with both the enclosure material and the environment where it will be used.
Enclosure components should be tightly machined together to ensure minimal gaps and crevices; any seams should have sealant applied liberally to discourage water further.
The proper fasteners, when correctly torqued, hold the components together in a way that they compress the seals. Desiccants placed inside will then absorb moisture from incomplete seals.
Comparing NEMA 6 Vs. NEMA 6P Enclosure Rating
The NEMA 6P standard differs from NEMA 6 specifically in its corrosion resistance needs.
Both call for waterproof enclosures, but if you look at 6P, it takes a step further by providing additional protection. That is, for the enclosures through phosphatizing or alternative anti-corrosion processes.
While NEMA 6 only offers nominal protection (assuming low corrosive effects) 6P ensures that even extended submersion does not affect the enclosure even after salt spray tests and exposure to caustic atmospheres, the functionality of these enclosures remains unaffected.
Limitations of NEMA 250 Type 6 Enclosure
· Not Intended for Continuous or Permanent Submersion
NEMA 6 provides protection only during temporary submersion or exposure to moisture. Prolonged full immersion can compromise the seals over time.
· Limited Corrosion Resistance
While NEMA 6 enclosures are waterproof, the materials used may only provide surface protection against corrosion in certain conditions. Repeated exposure to moisture can still lead to corrosion.
· Short Splash and Rinse Protection only
Heavy duty or high-pressure water spraying is beyond the scope of NEMA 6. Prolonged spraying events could potentially lead to water ingress.
· Avoid Corrosive Chemicals
NEMA 6 enclosures are rated for water resistance only. Exposure to corrosive liquids, gases or industrial chemicals can damage enclosure materials and seals.
· Flammable Gas Environments Prohibited
NEMA 6 is not certified for use in hazardous gas atmospheres due to risk of sparks from equipment inside the enclosure.
Where to use NEMA 6 Electrical Enclosure
Common uses of NEMA 6 enclosure include:
- Marine settings such as dockside equipment where protection against splashing water or brief inadvertent submersion is needed.
- Wash-down environments within factories and food processing facilities where use of NEMA 6 is vital to endure spray washings.
- Underground enclosures holding controls or junction boxes where NEMA 6 is used for occasional flood protection.
- NEMA 6 can also be used in low light industrial environments where water (rain, snow or condensation) may put components at risk.