Electronic – What tests should I perform before I claim the enclosure is Type 1

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I've seen varying definitions of "type 1" enclosure, and most of them are informal. I've also heard it informally explained that I should be able to drop a screw into the top of the unit and not have it contact any live parts, but that's also informal. Is there a defined series of tests I can perform to claim type 1?

Best Answer

Well, you can also call it a banana type 1 enclosure then or whatever else you want, because the name is rather meaningless, if it is not bound to a specification.

I guess you are referring to the NEMA enclosure types, which states type 1 to be

General-purpose. Protects against dust, light, and indirect splashing but is not dust-tight; primarily prevents contact with live parts; used indoors and under normal atmospheric conditions.

NEMA Enclosure Types is a pdf file that includes:

The purpose of this document is to provi de general information on the definitions of NEMA Enclosure Types to architects, engi neers, installers, inspectors and other interested parties. [For more detailed and complete information, NEMA Standards Publication 250-2003, “Enclosures for Electrical Equipment (1000 Volts Maximum)” should be consulted. This Standards Publication as well as all otherNEMA publications are available from IHS @ 800 854-7179 or http://www.global.ihs.com ]

The included TABLE 2 includes that type one "Provides a Degree of Protectiona gainst the Following Conditions":

  1. Access to hazardous parts
  2. Ingress of solid foreign objects (falling dirt)

But as the document says, you should consult the standard specifying document.

NEMA 250 and NEMA ICS 6 are commercially available. If you are a company/business and you want to sell products compliant to this specification, you should buy these specifications in order to do so. There is little to no point in buying these specifications as a private person. If you are just a curious private person, you should check your national/country/state library. chances are they do have these specifications available and you can read them.

If you are a student, ask your univerity or univerity library. They should have a copy of the specification available for you to read.

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