NEMA Listing - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: calexanian
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2014, 08:38:37 pm
content: Does anybody have a good contact for a testing lab to certify a Nema enclosure? We are designing a new line of outdoor control systems and will need to cross this bridge at some point. Previously this was handled by other people, but we are now in a situation where we need to get it done ourselves and I don't know where i should be looking. All of the info on the Nema and NTRL sites is vague and ambiguous (Shocking) Just so you know its for a electronic enclosure for a timer about 10H X 8W X 5D and we want to test to NEMA 4X (IP66 equivalent I believe) The stuff inside is all class two limited energy type.Any experiences would be appreciated.

author: RABeng224
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2014, 09:34:40 pm
content: There is no such things as a NEMA certification. Here in the states you would want to get a UL type 4 or UL type 4x. The testing is pretty straight forward and can be done pretty quickly depending on the ULs backlog.Good Luck!

author: calexanian
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2014, 11:19:39 pm
content: Is there a testing lab you could recommend?

author: RABeng224
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2014, 04:07:02 am
content: We usually go right to the source.http://services.ul.com/service/component-certification

author: calexanian
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2014, 04:29:37 am
content: I try to avoid UL whenever possible. ETL (now intertek) Is far more reasonable. What actual lab do you use?

author: RABeng224
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2014, 03:57:58 pm
content: We actually test directly with UL's laboratory. Since they have gone "for profit" their costs are not as bad as they used to be. I have certified many projects, under different UL standards, directly with UL, all in the industrial realm. The process was pretty pain free and was completed fairly quickly. However, if there is a backlog the wait times can be significantly increased.If your application does not specifically require UL type 4/4x you can always self certify against the NEMA 4/4x standard. However, you won't be able to put a nice "certified" label on it. In the industrial market, UL is an absolute must.

author: calexanian
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2014, 04:51:53 pm
content: This product is targeted in the industrial market so its required. No two ways around it we are in for it. Since we are a small company with limited space do set up our test chamber and such again we may just have these assembled out. There are many box build places out there that have their regular inspections, etc.... My guess is we are in for 40k or so for the listing of this timer, plus the listing on the box itself. I forget the exact standard we fall under. We are class 2 24 vac so on the electrical load side we have far fewer requirements, but the overall scope is the same. Up until 25 years ago we had a line listed under this same standard but we sold off the product line. Now we are getting back into it and the landscape has changed a bit.