Most of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association’s thirteen types of enclosures can be roughly divided into three groups: general-purpose, specialized, and for use in hazardous conditions.
The list begins with general-purpose enclosures, like the NEMA type 1, which protects against dust, light, and indirect splashing. Then it introduces us to enclosures with specialized designs that protect against specific dangers (windblown dust, ice, corrosion, etc.). Finally, we meet enclosures suited to hazard-filled environments, like NEMA type 7, 8, and 9. And finally, with NEMA types 11, 12, and 13, we dip back into general-purpose products. Today we’re exploring the protections offered by the NEMA type 11 enclosure.
NEMA enclosure ratings can help you distinguish between enclosures and locate a product that suits your specific needs. Some enclosures must reside outdoors or indoors, while others can hop between the two. Although all enclosures provide a degree of protection to enclosed equipment, the types vary in what they provide protection against. For example, common concerns include dust, moisture, light, ice, and corrosion.
To better understand the protections offered by the NEMA type 11 enclosure, review the following list. While suited to a number of different applications, these enclosures don’t work in every environment and should be carefully considered before purchase.
NEMA Type 11 Enclosure
PURPOSE: The NEMA type 11 enclosure is a general-purpose product. This means it has a wide range of potential uses, and it is not specialized in function or design. It should not be used in hazardous locations.
LOCATION: Type 11 enclosures are designed to be used indoors in non-hazardous environments.
PERSONNEL: Type 11 enclosures provide a degree of protection against incidental contact with the enclosed equipment. In this way, they help protect personnel.
DIRT: Worried about a little dirt or dust? Luckily, the NEMA type 11 enclosure provides a degree of protection against falling dirt.
LIQUIDS: Although you shouldn’t hose down your type 11 enclosure or submerge it in water, you shouldn’t fret over a few wayward drops of liquid. These enclosures provide a degree of protection against falling liquids and light splashing.
CORROSION: Type 11 enclosures are corrosion-resistant. They provide a degree of protection against the corrosive effects of both liquids and gases. They meet drip and corrosion-resistance tests, protecting enclosed equipment against dripping, seepage, and the external condensation of corrosive liquids. They also provide a degree of protection against the corrosive effects of fumes and gases through immersion in oil.
In addition to the protections listed above, type 11 enclosures must use conduit hubs or a similar provision to ensure watertight connectivity at the conduit entrance. In addition, the means for mounting must reside outside the equipment cavity.
Ready to Purchase an Enclosure?
If you need a general-purpose enclosure to protect your equipment, a NEMA type 11 enclosure might suit your needs. However, it is important to review all of your options to ensure that you select the best enclosure for your specific situation. Type 11 is relatively rare (source); you might have better luck with a more popular general-purpose enclosure like type 1 or type 12. To view all of the NEMA enclosure types, please visit the NEMA website.
Finally, if you’re on the hunt for a company that can manufacture premium metal enclosures on your behalf, check out American Products Contract Manufacturing. Our high-quality, innovative enclosures enable our customers to assist the telecommunications industry in expanding and improving their network services. We offer NEMA type 1, type 2, type 3, type 3-R, type 3X, type 4, and type 4X metal enclosures. Plus, we manufacture these enclosures from aluminum, galvanized steel, carbon steel, and stainless steel to create a rugged and reliable structure and to meet your environment conditions. Give us a call at 1-877-960-3703 to learn more, or request a free quote online.
