NEMA 1 allowed

[Bjenks]

I have seen contractors put indoor rated equipment such as transformers, switches and panels inside of NEMA 3R enclosures outdoors. I have seen NEMA 1 panels put inside a fiberglass pool equipment housings and many other situations.

My question is that since NEMA 1 is designed for indoor use per NEMA 250 Sec. 2.2, does putting something inside a fiberglass enclosure or another rain rated enclosure such as NEMA 3R make it "indoors" and acceptable? This question would also expand to a UL listed device rated for indoors being put in a NEMA 3R enclosure? I can't find an answer, but see it all the time.

Thanks..

 

[jim dungar]

Basically the inside of any NEMA3R, 4, and 12 enclosure can be consider an 'indoor' environment and is suitable for either open style or NEMA1 enclosed devices. Interior temperature and humidity are not part of the enclosure specifications and must be always controlled regardless where the enclosure is mounted.