NEMA Ratings vs. IP Ratings: What Are the Differences?

Historically, data center managers have been concerned with a few key specs and features when choosing server racks and cabinets. These include static and dynamic (rolling) load capacities, cable and thermal management features, shelving options, security, ease of access, and more. 

Edge computing has added a new concern: protection against foreign substances. In the edge computing model, racks and cabinets may be installed in remote edge data centers with difficult or even hazardous conditions. They must be able to protect IT equipment from dust, liquids, and other risks.

Two standards are used to rate a server cabinet’s ability to withstand incursion by foreign substances: NEMA and IP. Although the two standards are related, there are key distinctions. Data center managers need to understand the differences in order to evaluate the degree of protection an enclosure provides. This is particularly important for server cabinets that will be installed in harsh environments.

Who Created the NEMA and IP Ratings?

NEMA stands for the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, an ANSI-accredited organization that develops standards covering a wide range of electrical products and components. Headquartered in Arlington, Va., the organization is best known for its ratings for electrical enclosures. The ANSI/NEMA 250-2020 standard outlines specifications for enclosures for electrical equipment of 1,000 volts or less.

IP stands for “ingress protection.” The standard was developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), a nonprofit membership organization that maintains about 10,000 standards related to electrical and electronic products. IP ratings are defined under IEC standard 60529 and cover electrical enclosures and mechanical casings. IP ratings can be found on everything from smartphones to lighting enclosures to electrical equipment.

Where Are NEMA and IP Ratings Used?

NEMA ratings are primarily used in the U.S. and Canada. UL and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) base their enclosure ratings on NEMA standards. The three ratings follow similar guidelines and have similar descriptions, but UL and CSA require third-party testing of products, and NEMA does not.

IP ratings are used globally. Many North American products carry IP ratings in addition to or in lieu of NEMA ratings.

What Factors Are Considered in NEMA Ratings vs. IP Ratings?

NEMA standards rate an enclosure’s ability to protect against dust, liquids, weather (rain, snow, and ice), corrosion, and explosive gases. There are also separate ratings for hazardous and nonhazardous locations, with nonhazardous locations broken down by indoor and outdoor environments. 

IP ratings cover only incursion by liquids and solids, but the solids include more than just dust. The solids ratings range from protection against objects larger than 50mm to total dust protection. Other IEC standards cover protection against additional contaminants. There are no IP ratings for hazardous environments.

Because the two standards are based on different considerations and testing criteria, they have no direct correlation. However, there are tables that cross-reference the two standards, illustrating where NEMA standards meet or exceed IP standards. These cross-references only include the NEMA ratings for nonhazardous environments (1-6 and 12-13).

Dust and Water Resistance for Edge Deployments

The Internet of Things is revolutionizing modern technology. Recognizing that IoT and edge computing go hand-in-hand, Enconnex provides solutions engineered to help solve the challenges associated with edge deployments and industrial environments. Our EdgeRack Industrial 8M is rated:

• NEMA 12 -- protects against dust and dripping and splashing liquids in indoor locations
• IP55 – protects against dust and low-pressure water jets from any direction

Of course, the EdgeRack Industrial 8M includes all the features Enconnex is known for, starting with solid construction and fully welded seams. Engineered for plug-and-play deployment, it comes fully assembled with a built-in cooling unit that delivers up to 8kW of cooling capacity and a condensate processing unit that eliminates the need for drainage pipes. Security features include mechanical or electromagnetic door access control and side panels fixed via exterior security-head screws. 

Learn more about 8M and our other micro data centers for edge computing and browse our selection of micro data centers for sale today.