Enclosure Classifications

General and Motor

GENERAL
NEMA TYPE
1
3
3R
4
4X
6P
7
9
12
13

Definition
Indoor General Purpose
Outdoor, Rainproof Dust tight. Protection against windblown dust, rain, sleet,
and external ice formation.
Outdoor, Rainproof. Protection against falling rain and external ice formation.
Indoor or Outdoor. Protection against windblown dust and rain, splashing
water, hose-directed water, and external ice formation.
Indoor or Outdoor. Protection against corrosion, windblown dust and rain,
splashing water, hose-directed water, and external ice formation.
Indoor or Outdoor. Protection against the entry of water during prolonged
submersion at limited depth, and external ice formation.
Indoor use for areas classified as Class I, Groups C&D as defined in the NEC.
Indoor use for areas classified as Class II, Groups E, F and G as defined in the
NEC.
Indoor Dust tight Industrial Use. Protection against dust, falling dirt, and
dripping non-corrosive liquids.
Indoor Oil tight. Protection against dust, spraying of water, oil, and noncorrosive coolant.

Motor
NEMA TYPE

Definition

Standard (smaller) NEMA Frame Sizes

TEFC
Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled. Offers best protection from the environment
because the air does not pass freely through the motor. An external shaft
driven fan circulates air over the finned frame housing.
ODP
Open Drip Proof. Air from the environment is circulated through the motor for
cooling. Lowest enclosure cost. Inlet and exhaust openings are protected from
dripping water at an angle of 15 degrees. Should be used in a relatively clean,
weather protected area.
XPFC
Explosion Proof Fan Cooled. These motors have special enclosures and
conduit box certified for use in hazardous environments. Care must be taken in
specifying the proper motor for the environment and temperature.
Larger NEMA Sizes
WPI, Type I

WPI, Type II

TEBC

Weather Proof, Type I. These are a version of an open motor where air
circulates from the environment through the motor. Outlet vents have louvered
covers and screens. It offers light weather protection. From some vendors this
is just an ODP with rodent screens.
This is a further upgrade to the WPI by adding a protective hood which
changes the air flow into the motor by three 90 degree bends. The hood also
slows the air flow to less than 600 CFM and adds weep holes to drain moisture
away from the entry to the motor. This is the most rugged open type and is
suitable for outdoor use in severe weather. Air filters are available and
insulation can be added to create a "low noise" motor. This may require a
larger motor for the application since the cooling air flow has been lowered.
Totally Enclosed Blower Cooled. These are similar to TEFC motors except that
the cooling is provided by a separately powered axial fan. These motors are
often used in variable speed applications where a wide speed range is desired.