Learn how we’ve joined forces with Siemens Energy to fast-track data center construction and reduce deployment timelines by up to two years.

Part number search >

Search for catalog numbers

A Guide to Server and Network Cabinet Standards

IEC (IP) and NEMA Rated Enclosures

Rack enclosures are rated based on their suitability for certain applications and the degree to which they protect equipment. Each type of enclosure is given a number based on its ability to withstand environmental factors.

There are two main standards: NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) in the U.S., and IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) worldwide. See the charts below for each standard's rating descriptions.

NEMA identifies enclosures with a number to represent their specific protection qualities. Note: NEMA 7, 8, 9 and 10 type enclosures are designated for use in hazardous locations. See the National Electrical Code (NEC) for more information. The table below includes a NEMA to IP cross-reference to help with product comparison.

NEMA Rating	Protects Against	IP Equivalent
1	Limited amounts of falling dirt	IP10
3	Rain, sleet, windblown dust, and damage from external ice formation	IP54
3R	Rain, sleet, and damage from external ice formation	IP14
3S	Rain, sleet, windblown dust, and damage from external ice formation; plus provides for operation of external mechanisms when ice laden	IP54
4	Windblown dust and rain, splashing water, hose-directed water, and damage from external ice formation	IP66
4X	Corrosion, windblown dust and rain, splashing water, hose-directed water, and damage from external ice formation	IP66
6	Hose-directed water, entry of water due to occasional temporary submersion (depth limited) and damage from external ice formation	IP67
6P	Hose-directed water, entry of water due to prolonged submersion (depth limited) and damage from external ice formation	IP67
12	Circulating dust, falling dirt, and dripping non-corrosive liquids	IP52
12K	Same as type 12 but with knockouts	IP52
13	Human contact, falling dirt, circulating dust and water splashed from all directions	IP54

The IEC uses a two digit code to define specific protection capabilities. The first digit describes the degree of protection against access to hazardous parts and ingress of solids and the second digit describes the degree of protection against ingress of water. (e.g. An IP64 enclosure is dust-tight and is protected against splashing water in any direction.)

First Digit: IP Level of Protection (Solids)
Number	Protection Against Access to Hazardous Parts(Size of Opening)	Protection Against Ingress of Solid Foreign Objects(Size of Opening)
0	Non-protected
1	Back of hand (50mm)	≥ 12.5 mm
2	Jointed finger (12 mm x 8 mm)	≥ 50 mm
3	Tool (2.5 mm)	≥ 12.5 mm
4	Wire (1 mm)	≥ 12.5 mm
5	Wire (1 mm)	Dust-protected
6	Wire (1 mm)	Dust-tight

Second Digit: IP Level of Protection (Liquids)
Number	Protection Against Ingress of Water
0	Non-protected
1	Water dripping vertically
2	Water dripping, enclosure tilted up to 15°
3	Spraying water, up to 60° angle from vertical
4	Splashing water, any direction
5	Jetting water, any direction
6	Powerful jetting water, any direction
7	Temporary immersion in water
8	Prolonged immersion in water

Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to improving the quality of life and protecting the environment for people everywhere. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably and to help our customers manage power ─ today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we’re accelerating the planet’s transition to renewable energy and helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges.

Favorites

Manage favorites

IEC (IP) and NEMA Rated Enclosures

There are two main standards: NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) in the U.S., and IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) worldwide. See the charts below for each standard's rating descriptions.

Favorites

Manage favorites

IEC (IP) and NEMA Rated Enclosures

There are two main standards: NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) in the U.S., and IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) worldwide. See the charts below for each standard's rating descriptions.

Let's talk big ideas