Does anyone know what NEMA rating is necessary for protective coverings for connectors used in "wet" locations as defined by the NEC? The NEC defines a wet location as "installations underground in concrete, slabs, masonry in direct contact with the earth; in locations subject to saturation with water or other liquids, such as vehicle washing areas; and in unprotected locations exposed to the weather. My first thought is that a NEMA 4 protection rating would be suitable which is good for spraying and splashing, but the line about saturation in the NEC definition, has me thinking a NEMA 6 protection rating (good for temporary submersion) might be necessary. Does anyone have any thoughts about this?
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NEMA rating for wet location connectors
- Thread starter teejer
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- PE (Retired) - Power Systems
teejer said:Does anyone know what NEMA rating is necessary for protective coverings for connectors used in "wet" locations as defined by the NEC? The NEC defines a wet location as "installations underground in concrete, slabs, masonry in direct contact with the earth; in locations subject to saturation with water or other liquids, such as vehicle washing areas; and in unprotected locations exposed to the weather. My first thought is that a NEMA 4 protection rating would be suitable which is good for spraying and splashing, but the line about saturation in the NEC definition, has me thinking a NEMA 6 protection rating (good for temporary submersion) might be necessary. Does anyone have any thoughts about this?
Typically people use Ul/NEMA type 3R for most wet locations, but there are some that require type 4, type 6/6P would only be required for submersion. I know quite a few people that consider type 12 for outdoor because they are gasketed, but they are wrong as a straight type 12 is not tested for water that might puddle on top and eventually seep in.
- Location
- Wisconsin
- Occupation
- PE (Retired) - Power Systems
teejer said:These connectors would be used in an open bottom underground vault or handhole which could be subject to seasonal groundwater, although I don't know how high the groundwater gets. I lean toward NEMA 6 because that provides the most protection.
I would agree, but aren't UL/NEMA types for enclosures not connectors?
I see what you are saying, but in this case I am referring to the protective plastic covering of the connectors. They are the quick disconnect connector type that have integral plastic/rubber coverings. Most of them are rated NEMA 3R, but I have found some rated NEMA 6 or IP67 which unfortunately are not cheap.
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