NEMA 4X enclosures are among the most commonly used and versatile NEMA enclosure types. These highly adaptable enclosures are designed to protect equipment from damaging environmental conditions, such as dirt, rain, ice formation and corrosion. The NEMA 4X definition, as established by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, is a rating for an outdoor electrical enclosure that has the following protective qualities:

  • Includes a gasket designed to protect against liquid and solid ingress
  • Suitable for indoor or outdoor use
  • Resistant to corrosion
  • Protects against water ingress from rain, sleet and snow
  • Protects against solid ingress from airborne dust, debris, fibers, dirt and other foreign objects
  • Protects against damage from ice forming on the outside of the enclosure

NEMA 4X enclosures are the optimal choice for equipment placed in locations frequently exposed to corrosive agents, washdowns or heavy weathering.There are many applications that require the use of a NEMA 4X enclosure, so in the course of this article, we will touch on a few of the most common places you will find them:

Outdoor Locations

NEMA 4X enclosures are designed to be weatherproof and suitable for outdoor use. These include hot, dusty locations subject to wind abrasion, damp locations with lots of rainfall or cold environments with sleet and ice storms. From the dry West Coast to the humid East Coast, NEMA 4X enclosures are prevalent.

Washdown Areas

A NEMA 4X enclosure is the ideal solution for equipment exposed to frequent washdowns with water or chemical solutions. You can find these boxes in use at facilities, such as car washes, dairy processing plants or any place where high-pressure cleaning equipment is utilized.

Exposure to Corrosive Substances

In industries where corrosive agents are present, NEMA 4X enclosures protect electrical equipment from contamination or damage. Locations, such as water treatment facilities or marine environments where equipment may be exposed to salt water or other substances, can benefit from the use of NEMA 4X enclosures.

Manufacturing Facilities

  1. Polycase hinged waterproof electrical enclosure
    HP-070504
    As low as $18.86 per unit
    7.2 x 5.2 x 4.2 in.
    183 x 133 x 109 mm.
    Material: Polycarbonate

A NEMA 4X enclosure can also be an ideal indoor electrical enclosure solution for manufacturing facilities and other demanding indoor environments. The NEMA 4X definition includes protection against circulating dust, airborne debris, flying lint fibers and other airborne contaminants often present in industrial facilities. These properties have made NEMA 4X enclosures a go-to choice for manufacturers and other industrial clients, as demonstrated by their presence in the NEMA application guide for adjustable speed AC drive systems. 

NEMA 4X Enclosure Materials

Knowing if your equipment will be present in a location that requires a NEMA 4X enclosure is just one part of the equation. You will also need to have an understanding of which enclosure material to use for your application. There are a variety of options when it comes to materials, like polycarbonate, aluminum and stainless steel. You can explore material choices for NEMA 4X enclosures on our blog post “Which NEMA 4X Enclosure Type Is Right for You?”

Polycase is here to help you with questions about which NEMA 4X enclosure to use and which type of NEMA enclosure fits your application best. Contact one of our knowledgeable and friendly customer service team members for help today!

In NEMA Rated Enclosures