At-a-Glance
Rule of thumb: if you ever use a hose or chemical cleaners, start at NEMA 4. Choose 4X for corrosives or salt fog.
NEMA 1 — Steel
Best for clean, dry interiors. Basic protection from contact and light dust. Good for parkade garage doors.
| Highlights | Typical Use |
|---|---|
|
• Powder-coated steel cabinet • Hinged front access • Compact, serviceable layout |
• Offices, equipment rooms • Retail back-rooms • Dry commercial bays |
Includes a GDI-Controller mounted inside the enclosure. Avoid washdown, spray, or conductive dust, step up to NEMA 12 or NEMA 4.
NEMA 4 — Extreme Wet Zones
Sealed for hose-directed water and routine washdown. Good for car wash overhead doors.
| Highlights | Typical Use |
|---|---|
|
• Gasketed door and sealed penetrations • Robust hardware for frequent cleaning • Weather-exposed mounting OK |
• Loading docks and sanitation areas • Car washes and ag rinse zones • Outdoor perimeters |
Includes a GDI-Controller mounted inside the enclosure. For corrosive cleaners or salt-fog, use NEMA 4X (Stainless).
NEMA 4X — Stainless (304/316)
For corrosive or sanitary sites, coastal, chemical, food and beverage washdown, farm doors, and mining rolling steel doors.
| Highlights | Typical Use |
|---|---|
|
• Stainless steel (304 or 316) • Superior corrosion resistance • Smooth, cleanable surfaces |
• Food and beverage processing • Coastal docks / marine adjacent • Chemical splash and spray areas |
Includes a GDI-Controller mounted inside the enclosure. 316 is commonly preferred around chlorides (e.g., salt spray).
NEMA 12 — Dust-Tight
For dusty interiors with lint or light oil-mist. Gasketed, non-vented design. Good for mining environments and rolling steel doors.
| Highlights | Typical Use |
|---|---|
|
• Door gasket reduces dust ingress • Non-vented cabinet • Separates controls from shop air |
• Fabrication shops (saw/metal dust) • Warehousing with airborne dust • Light industrial with oil-mist |
Includes a GDI-Controller mounted inside the enclosure. Not for hose-down, move to NEMA 4 if regular spray is present.
Enclosure Comparison
| Model | Protection Focus | Typical Use | Material | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NEMA 1 — Steel | Basic indoor contact protection | Clean, dry interiors | Powder-coated steel | Not for washdown or heavy dust |
| NEMA 4 — Extreme Wet Zones | Hose-directed water / spray | Washdown and outdoor eaves | Sealed housing | Good for routine cleaning |
| NEMA 4X — Stainless (304/316) | Wet + corrosive resistance | Food/chemical and coastal | Stainless 304/316 | Best where chemicals or salt are present |
| NEMA 12 — Dust-Tight | Dust / lint / light oil-mist | Shops and warehouses | Gasketed steel | Non-vented; indoor only |
Accessories
| Accessory | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
 GDI-Controller |
Smart controller with monitored inputs and presets Learn More |
Mount inside the appropriate NEMA enclosure |
 Battery Backup (20A) |
Inline kit with serviceable batteries | Runtime varies by size and duty, test periodically |
| Panel Buttons (OCS) |
Open / Close / Stop station, NEMA 1 or NEMA 4 versions | Use sealed version in wet zones |
 Chain Hoist (Axial) |
Manual assist, 10 ft loop for balanced doors | Confirm door balance and routing |
 Right-Angle Hoist & Brake (NEMA 4) |
Wet-area compatible, floor-level brake release | Pair with NEMA 4/4X enclosures |
Tip: match the accessory environment to the enclosure environment. If the area is washdown, pick sealed stations and hardware to match.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How do I pick between NEMA 4 and 4X? | Both address spray and washdown. Choose 4X when corrosion resistance is important (salt, chemicals, or food and beverage). If it is only water exposure and no corrosives, NEMA 4 is often sufficient. |
| Can I use vented enclosures in dusty areas? | Generally no. For dust-prone interiors, use gasketed non-vented designs like NEMA 12. |
| Cold storage considerations? | Use sealed designs (NEMA 4/4X) and select glands/gaskets rated for low temperatures. |
| What about compliance? | Verify selections with your AHJ and follow applicable standards (e.g., UL-325 for door operators). |
