NEMA 3R Definition with General Reference Applications
NEMA 3R enclosures are widely used for outdoor applications for industrial uses, such as protecting electrical wiring and junction boxes. NEMA 3R enclosures protect electrical equipment from water ingress such as falling rain, sleet, snow and external ice formation caused by extreme cold weather. And NEMA 3R enclosures are compatible for both outdoor and indoor use and applications. NEMA 3R enclosures can also be used for indoor applications to protect of electrical equipment or wiring from unexpected water dripping from water pipes or a leaking roof that needs repair.
NEMA 3R Electrical Enclosures – General Features:
- Outdoor protection from rain, ice formation, and foreign substances
- Indoor protection from falling dirt and dripping water from pipes
- Provides protection for electrical equipment from incidental contact.
Nemaco Offers Several Types of NEMA 3R Electrical Enclosures
- Indoor & Outdoor Floor Mounted Cabinets
- Indoor & Outdoor Wall Mounted Enclosures
- Indoor & Outdoor Electrical Wiring Boxes, Junction Boxes and Pull Boxes
- Electrical Wiring Trough Enclosures
Additional NEMA 3R Information
NEMACO offers NEMA 3R enclosures for industrial applications that can be used for protecting and housing electrical components such as switch gear, power distribution controls and electrical wiring. Nemaco sells NEMA 3R electrical enclosures that are manufactured to NEMA and industrial standards that ensures quality to our customers.
We manufacture electrical enclosures from top-grade carbon steel and we can customize enclosures according to a customer’s specifications.
Alternate Materials for NEMA 3R Enclosures
- Powder Coated Carbon Steel (HR / CRS) – Strong & Durable
- Powder Coated Aluminum (5052, 6061) – Low Weight
- Stainless Steel (Material Grades 304/316) – Strong, Durable, Corrosion Resistant
Carbon Steel used for Enclosures
Most forms of carbon steel are malleable, therefore it can be easily formed, shaped, cut and welded. Typically, cold rolled carbon steel (CRS) are common grades of steel of low or medium carbon content in the steel.
CRS in flat sheet format is commonly used as an electrical enclosure and cabinet material since it has structural strength and rigidity when formed (folded) into enclosure sides and other related enclosure parts. Of course, CRS cost less than stainless steel and it has many functions and advantages but it does not have the corrosion resistance properties of stainless steel.
Powder coated CRS is ideal for many NEMA 3R Enclosures products generally due to the materials lower cost, overall strength and weldability.
General Information for other grades of Carbon Steel
Low carbon steel contains lower content of carbon among all other types of carbon steel. This type of carbon steel is easier to form a shape and this is the most affordable compare to other types of metals. It is commonly used in manufacturing enclosures, cabinets and equipment for construction purposes. Despite of the advantages, it has low strength and durability because of the lower carbon content of course.
Medium carbon steel is another type of carbon steel which is resistant to longer use or wear and tear. Compared to low carbon steel, this is more durable and stronger. Medium carbon steel is commonly used in producing large metal structures and automotive accessories such as axles, shafts, couplings and other materials applicable to this industry.
High carbon steel is one of the strongest carbon steel ever known because it has a high strength steel properties. It is generally used in manufacturing high strength springs, cables and wires.
Ultra high carbon steel is a type of carbon steel is sometimes very brittle but strong and it is recommended to use in manufacturing knives and axles. This grade of carbon steel are commonly used in the production of various types of industrial tools and machines. Ultra high steel carbons are used extensively in producing different cutting tools, drill bits, and knives because these types of tools require strong and hard material.
Aluminum for Enclosures
Aluminum is ideal material for light weight NEMA 3R Enclosures. Aluminum performs well in many indoor and outdoor environmental applications whereby there is rain, snow or ice. And aluminum grades of 5052 and 6061 can be used in high-temperature or cold environments. Powder coating aluminum adds to the material corrosion resistance and generally looks great. Since aluminum is easy to form and therefore it is definitely ideal for NEMA 3R enclosures. Also, another distinct advantage of aluminum has good heat transfer capabilities. For some applications, the aluminum can be used as a heat sink to cool electronic equipment. Of course, cooling fans can be added to a vented NEMA 3R enclosure.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel grades 304 / 316 are ideal materials for corrosion resistant NEMA 3R Enclosures. NEMACO produces many electrical enclosures made from stainless steel, whereby stainless steel is widely known for having a tough, corrosion-resistant properties. Any application that requires enclosures to have good corrosion-resistant properties should be manufactured from stainless steel or non-ferrous materials. Our company has the capability to build custom-sized stainless steel electrical enclosures.
NEMA 3R Enclosure Summary
NEMA 3R electrical enclosures are manufactured for many applications that includes indoor or outdoor use. Typically, NEMA 3R Enclosures provide protection from downward directed rain, snow, ice and dripping from pipes for indoor applications. Nemaco offers NEMA 3R enclosures in powder coated steel, powder coated aluminum and stainless steel whereby corrosion resistance is required.