NEMA 4 enclosures are designed for outdoor use where extra protection against moisture and wind-driven rain is required. These enclosures provide protection against solid objects, dust, rain, splashing water, and hose-directed water. They are commonly used in industrial environments where there is a possibility of water ingress, such as in machine tool cutters that need cooling or in buildings where water might drip inside.
NEMA 4 enclosures are made from powder-coated carbon steel and come in various types, including wall-mounted, free-standing, and JIC configurations. They feature continuous hinge clamp styles and are available in different sizes and prices.
For environments that require additional protection against corrosion, NEMA 4X enclosures are recommended. NEMA 4X enclosures are suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications and provide protection against corrosion from elements like saltwater, acid, and caustic cleaners.
When choosing between NEMA 4 and NEMA 12 enclosures, it's important to consider the specific environmental conditions and protection needs of your application. NEMA 4 offers higher protection against water ingress compared to NEMA 12, which is more suitable for dusty or dirty environments with minimal water presence.