NEMA Ratings for Cord Reels: What You Need to Know
Understanding NEMA ratings for commercial cord reels generally involves the classifications that include NEMA ratings from 1 through 3, including all the subsets within them. This rating system assesses cord reels for various applications and environmental conditions in which they are to be used. While many of these ratings overlap in the protection they offer, NEMA ratings for cord reels should ensure they protect under the specific situations for which the reel and cord were designed.
Alert Reel Manufacturing offers various high-quality cord reels with varying NEMA ratings. These ratings are crucial as they indicate the level of protection the reel provides against dust, debris, and moisture. The higher the rating, the more durable and weather-resistant the reel will be.
NEMA Ratings for Commercial Cord Reels
NEMA 1
Cord reels with a NEMA rating 1 are considered general-purpose enclosures meant only for indoor use. While they protect internal parts within the reel from foreign contaminants like dirt, they only protect users from potential hazards by restricting access to internal components.
NEMA ratings classify these cord reels for indoor use to protect:
- Against solid ingress from dirt
- User from accidental contact
These cord reels are the most basic type, offering no protection from water ingress.
NEMA 2
These cord reels restrict user access to internal parts that can pose a hazard while protecting against solid contaminants and a certain amount of moisture.
NEMA ratings classify these cord reels for indoor use to protect:
- Against solid ingress from dirt
- Against dripping or minor splashing of water
- User from accidental contact
These cord reels offer limited protection from water.
NEMA 3
NEMA ratings above two concern commercial cord reels that can be used indoors and outdoors. While limiting user access, they also protect from various dry contaminants and wet conditions. These reels can also withstand ice forming on their exterior.
NEMA ratings classify these cord reels for either indoor or outdoor use to protect:
- Against solid ingress from dirt and dust carried on the wind
- Against rain, sleet, and snow
- Against external formation of ice
- Users from accidental contact
These cord reels offer the most basic protection for use in outdoor environments without any hazardous conditions or substances.
NEMA 3R
Also for use inside and outside, these NEMA ratings for cord reels are weatherproof and guard components within the reels from dirt and wet conditions while also protecting users from accidental contact with internal parts.
NEMA ratings classify these cord reels for either indoor or outdoor use to protect:
- Against solid ingress from dirt and dust carried on the wind
- Against rain, sleet, and snow
- Against external ice formation
- User from accidental contact
These cord reels are similar to those rated as NEMA 3, though they offer less protection against blowing dust.
NEMA 3S
As well as protecting users from accidentally contacting internal components, these cord reels protect the interior against contamination from dry solids and water, including ice, sleet, or snow. They can remain operational even with substantial ice forming on the reels.
NEMA ratings classify these cord reels for either indoor or outdoor use to protect:
- Against solid ingress from dirt and dust carried on the wind
- Against rain, sleet, and snow
- Against heavy external ice formation
- User from accidental contact
Though these can handle heavier ice externally, once ice forms, it cannot impede the operation of outer components on the reel.
NEMA 3X
These cord reels are used for external or interior use, preventing water ingress and solid contaminants from damaging the reel. This NEMA-rated reel also resists saltwater corrosion, limiting internal access and withstanding ice forming on its surface.
NEMA ratings classify these cord reels for either indoor or outdoor use to protect:
- Against corrosion
- Against solid ingress from dirt and dust carried on the wind
- Against rain, saltwater, sleet and snow
- Against external ice formation
- User from accidental contact
These reels are similar to NEMA 3-rated reels but are also corrosion-resistant.
NEMA 3SX
These NEMA-rated reels are used primarily in heavy commercial applications. While protecting internal parts from solid contaminants, they also protect against corrosion, dust, ice, and low temperatures.
NEMA ratings classify these cord reels for either indoor or outdoor use to protect:
- Against corrosion
- Against freezing temperatures
- Against solid ingress from dirt and dust carried on the wind
- Against rain, saltwater, sleet and snow
- Against external ice formation
- User from accidental contact
These reels combine the features of cord reels with NEMA ratings of 3R and 3X.
Additional NEMA Ratings
Cord reels with NEMA ratings of 4 to 13 can deal with more severe conditions and situations, including resisting toxic and dangerous materials. These include coolants, explosions, fire, gases, more diverse solid contaminants, oil, pressurized liquids, and submersion in water.
NEMA Ratings vs. IEC Classifications
NEMA ratings aren’t the only way to classify power cord reels and other electrical equipment. A non-governmental, nonprofit organization called the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) operates in 170 countries globally, for which it provides standards. NEMA, in contrast, is a trade association of manufacturers with a North American presence that makes electrical equipment and electronics, including power cord reels. Though NEMA ratings and IEC standards deal with power cord reels and other electrical equipment, they serve similar yet different purposes.
When choosing a cord reel in North America and a few other countries like Canada, paying attention to NEMA ratings is more important. In Europe and much of the rest of the world, IEC standards are more important. There are several differences between the two rating standards, but NEMA power cords are better at withstanding short circuits and can be used for more applications. IEC standards for electrical cords are more compact and economical while quickly responding to overloaded circuits.
Using NEMA Ratings to Choose the Best Cord Reel
When considering the NEMA ratings for cord reels, it’s essential to first look at the application and the conditions that it must endure. While some applications may require water resistance, others may only need to be able to handle a bit of dirt. Often, a NEMA-rated cord need only be 1 or 2. For commercial power cord reels that need to operate outside, a NEMA 3 rating will suffice, with the exact subcategory depending on the conditions it will face.
Contact the Experts at Alert Reels
At Alert Reel Manufacturing, we understand the importance of having reliable and durable cord reels for your equipment. That is why we offer a range of NEMA-rated cord reels to meet the specific needs of our customers. Whether you need a commercial indoor or heavy-duty outdoor reel, we have you covered. Browse our selection of NEMA-rated cord reels today and invest in high-quality products that will last for years
To learn more about NEMA ratings and for more information on our commercial power cord reels and other products, including custom-built cord reels, we invite you to contact us at Alert Reels today.