NEMA Rating In Proximity to Pumps/Pipes

[bwat]

All indoors, but there may be some fresh water piping and pumping not too far away. Is there any code or reference for when I would need to change my switchboard from NEMA 1 to NEMA 12 to NEMA 3R bases on distances/proximity to pumping equipment? Industrial application with controlled site access. 480V.


For sake of argument, if my 1600A switchboard was in the same room, but the opposite side of a 200,000 sqft warehouse type building that had pipes, pumps, valves, etc a long way away from it, I would image there's nothing that would require me to go above NEMA 1. But if my equipment was right next to the pumping equipment, my initial reaction would be NEMA 1 is not enough. But where's the line, and what code/standard determines this.

 

[petersonra]

personally, I would not be worried about proximity to pipes or valves or pumps.

Unless there is a rupture it won't be any wetter there than if the piping, pumps, and valves were on the other end of the plant.

I would want plenty of clearance so I could work on both the plumbing and the electrical equipment and have plenty of laydown area. Maybe 6-10 feet, but beyond that, I would not be worrying about it.

 

[Jraef]

Equipment enclosure environmental ratings are based on normal use, not accidents.

Switchgear doesn’t come in NEMA 4 (as a standard option), which is what you would need if you are worried about a pipe breaking. 3R wouldn’t do you much good because that is only intended to protect against FALLING water from above or wind blown rain, not sideways sprays from burst pipes or pump seals.

 

[bwat]

personally, I would not be worried about proximity to pipes or valves or pumps.

Unless there is a rupture it won't be any wetter there than if the piping, pumps, and valves were on the other end of the plant.

I would want plenty of clearance so I could work on both the plumbing and the electrical equipment and have plenty of laydown area. Maybe 6-10 feet, but beyond that, I would not be worrying about it.

Thanks. That gives me more confidence that we'll be ok with NEMA 1. It is that "unless there is a rupture.." piece that is giving me pause.

Equipment enclosure environmental ratings are based on normal use, not accidents.

Switchgear doesn’t come in NEMA 4 (as a standard option), which is what you would need if you are worried about a pipe breaking. 3R wouldn’t do you much good because that is only intended to protect against FALLING water from above or wind blown rain, not sideways sprays from burst pipes or pump seals.

Thanks. Great point about the normal use and not accidents. I suppose I'm lumping maintenance activities into the normal use though, rather than accidents, and I've seen a maintenance activity or two splash more water around than I'd like.

I should have left 3R out of it. NEMA 1 vs NEMA 12 is more of thought process.

 

[tom baker]

I like NEMA 12 as it keeps the dust out

 

[jim dungar]

I like NEMA 12 as it keeps the dust out

But it is hard to find a1600A switchboard in anything other than Type 1 or Type 3R

 

[Strathead]

Thanks. That gives me more confidence that we'll be ok with NEMA 1. It is that "unless there is a rupture.." piece that is giving me pause.

What is the roof leaks over your indoor panel? Same difference.

 

[petersonra]

But it is hard to find a1600A switchboard in anything other than Type 1 or Type 3R

If you need better protection than this a concrete block wall is pretty easy to build and relatively cheap.