Electrical outdoor outlets need to be designed to keep out harmful elements such as dust, dirt, debris, tools and moisture. Interpower Outdoor Outlets conform to IEC 60529 and NEMA 250 standards. All are Ingress Protection (IP) rated for “sealing” outlets from the elements.
Interpower’s outdoor outlets are rated IP 65 (protected from dust and jetting water) and NEMA 12/4, indicating they are good for both indoor and outdoor equipment, and are protected from dirt and dust as well as from dripping and splashing water. Both of these ratings contain two numbers that have a specific protection designation (see table below).
If the Ingress Protection (IP) contains one digit and an “X” (IPX4), the X amounts to zero—it means it offers only one class of protection. IPX4 for example, states that the enclosure is moisture resistant only.
What Does an IP 65 Rating Mean?
In looking at the IP classification chart, a “6” as the first digit means the enclosure is dust-tight and protected from the ingress of dust. A “5” as the second digit means it is protected from jetting water.
What Does a NEMA 12/4 Enclosure Rating Mean?
The “12” in the NEMA 12/4 designation indicates enclosures are intended for indoor equipment and offer protection against falling dirt, circulating dust, lint, fibers, and against dripping or the light splashing of water.
The “4” in the NEMA 12/4 designation means enclosures are good for indoor or outdoor equipment and offer protection against falling dirt, windblown dust, or water (such as rain, sleet, snow, splashing water, and hose directed water).
Applications for IP 65 and NEMA 12/4 Rated Products
Interpower offers IP 65 and NEMA 12/4 rated enclosed sockets for panel mounting. They have one mounting hole cutout to simplify the configuration of equipment which can assist with exporting to multiple countries. Each of the enclosed sockets can be for indoor or outdoor applications and include a locking and sealing hinged cover for when not in use or to prevent access. The hinged lid is designed to be mounted so it opens upward. One note: the IP 65 and NEMA 12/4 enclosure ratings apply only when the cover is properly closed and latched.
Applications may include factory settings where water or fluids frequently come into contact with enclosures, such as when washing down equipment.
For more information, see the IP Codes chart found on the Interpower website.
