¿Qué es una caja nema?

What is a NEMA enclosure?
A NEMA enclosure is a protective cabinet used for electrical controls such as circuit protectors, switches, terminals, bands, and circuits. NEMA enclosures created by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association were rated according to the enclosure's ability to withstand environmental conditions such as dust, corrosion, moisture, and impact. NEMA enclosures are commonly used within the electrical industries commercial and industrial applications.

Key Things To Know About NEMA Enclosures:
Material - Diecast Aluminum
The majority of NEMA enclosures have been made in Diecast aluminum, a material that offers great corrosion resistance, good heat dissipation (relative to plastics), and a robust mechanical structure that is resistant to deformation. These characteristics help NEMA enclosures thrive in extreme conditions you find in a industrial automation plant or an outdoor utility box.

Mounting Options:
DIN Rail - Made for quick mounting of modular electrical components such as relays, power supplies, and terminal blocks without the need of additional hardware.
Flanged-Surface Mount - If it needs to be permanently mounted to a flat surface* (such as a wall or panel) this mount is the best option.
Hinged - Many NEMA enclosures are hinged, which is ideal for quick access to the components inside without fully removing shade from box—great for maintenance or regular inspections.

Using Diecast Aluminum means you are getting:

Excellent Corrosion Resistance - In accordance to NEMA ratings, diecast aluminum NEMA enclosures offer good-level corrosion resistance in outdoor applications* (NEMA 3R, 4, 4X, 6P), marine applications, washdown applications (NEMA 4X), and to chemical exposures—this is why NEMA 4X is commonly specified.
EMI/RFI Shielding - Not only does diecast aluminum offer some inherent electromagnetic shielding (EMI), it is an aluminum growl cage that helps protect sensitive electronics from radio frequency interference (RFI).
Good Thermal Conductivity - The thermal conductivity of diecast aluminum is sufficient to help dissipate heat generated from internal components.
Excellent Resistance to UV Degradation - Diecast aluminum has excellent resistance to degradation from UV exposure (very unlikely) and extreme temperatures.
Outstanding for industrial controls, motor starters, sensitive instrumentation, outdoor applications, and corrosive environments.

DIN Rail Mount
Feature: Includes integral or compatible mounting points (clips, slots) designed to hold the enclosure securely to a standard "DIN" rail (Top Hat rail - 35mm x 7.5mm or 15mm).
Purpose: The DIN rail mount simplifies and standardizes the installation and removal of enclosures in control panels, cabinets, or machinery, allowing for modular design and reconfiguration.
Common Applications: Control panels, PLC cabinets, industrial automation systems, power distribution units.

Electrical Application:
Core Function: NEMA enclosures are an integral building block of electrical systems.
Protects: wiring connections (junction boxes), circuit breakers, relays, contactors, terminal blocks, switches, controllers (PLCs), transformers, power supplies.
Flanged-Surface Mount
Mounting Style: Includes a flange (lip) around the base of the enclosure.
Installation: Mounting screws or bolts pass through holes in this flange to directly mount the enclosure to a flat surface (wall, machine, panel).

Hinged:
Access Feature: The enclosure cover is a hinged attachment to the body.
Full Access: Allows the cover to swing open fully to allow unobstructed access to the internal components of the enclosure for installation, wiring, maintenance, and inspection.
Common Types: Full-length hinges, continuous hinges (i.e. piano hinge), or removable pin hinges.

IP Rated (Ingress Protection) International Standard: IEC 60529 defines the IP Code (i.e., IP65, IP66, IP67, and IP69K) for protection from solid objects (first digit: dust) and liquids (second digit: water). Caja de empalmes Function: A junction box is a container that provides the means of housing and protecting electrical wire splices, wire connections, and wire terminations. NEMA Relevance: A junction box protects these electrical connections from the environmental factors, such as moisture and dust, and physical damage that could cause shorts, corrosion, and other electrical reliability issues. A junction box must be rated for NEMA, based on a location (indoor vs. outdoor, wet vs. dry).

Material
Common Types & Properties:
Die-Cast Aluminum:  Strength, corrosion resistance, EMI shield, heat dissipation.
Polycarbonate (PC): Lightweight, high impact resistance, good UV resistance, a transparent option is available - common for NEMA 4X (non-corrosive). Limited temperature range vs. metal.
Fiberglass Reinforced Polyester (FRP): Excellent corrosion resistance (strong acids/bases), lightweight, good strength, non-conductive . Common for NEMA 4X in haphazard chemical environments.
Acero inoxidable: Highest corrosion resistance, very strong, hygienic (washdown). Used for NEMA 4X, 6P in extreme environments (food processing, pharmaceuticals, marine). Expensive .
Acero al carbono: Economical , strong . Needs to be painted or powder coated for corrosion resistance . Commonly used for indoor ( NEMA 1 , 12 ) or sheltered outdoor (NEMA 3R) environments.

Custom Options Services

Precision Cutouts: Holes for displays, keypads, switches, meters, interfaces drilled to qualified specifications.
Engraving, Labeling: Permanent labels, logos, or instructions.
Special (Hardware) Features: Special hinges, latches, handles, etc.
Special Finishes/Painting: Special colors or textures.
Internal Mounting plates or Panels: DIN Rail, mounting plates, or plates pre-mounted or pre-installed

In summary, A NEMA enclosure is an important protective enclosure defined and measured to its performance against environmental hazards (NEMA Rating / IP Equivalent).made from different Materials like Die-Cast Aluminum (strong, great resistance to corrosion) its world of features, like DIN Rail Mount, Flanged-Surface Mount, Hinged doors, and Knockouts enhance both its capabilities and installation process. Primarily, made for Junction Boxes or Electrical protection for the general use, it is chosen for specific Indoor/Outdoor Use (uses).Color, Clear Cover, Size, Series (type) organization, and customization options allow for many solutions that can be employed when we need safety and reliable application in a custom configured NEMA enclosure in its design and layout.