NEMA Enclosure Ratings and Why EV Chargers Need a NEMA 4 Rating in Canada

Choosing the right EV charger enclosure is one of the biggest factors that determines how well your charging station performs over time. In Canada, where EV chargers can be exposed to rain, snow, ice, wind, and dramatic temperature swings, the wrong enclosure can lead to malfunction, downtime, or even permanent damage. That’s why understanding NEMA enclosure ratings is essential before installing any indoor and outdoor EV charging equipment.

If you’ve ever seen terms like NEMA 3R, NEMA 4, or NEMA 4X and wondered what they mean or why manufacturers keep highlighting NEMA 4-rated chargers, this guide breaks it all down. From what each NEMA rated enclosure type protects against to why NEMA 4 rating is the standard for Canadian outdoor environments, you’ll learn exactly what to look for when choosing an EV charger enclosure that lasts.

What are NEMA enclosure ratings?

NEMA enclosure ratings are standards created by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association to classify how well an electrical enclosure protects against environmental conditions such as water, dust, ice, and physical access. In simple terms, they tell you what the enclosure can handle and where it can safely be installed (indoor, outdoor, extreme weather, dusty areas, etc.).

The ratings range from Type 1 (basic indoor protection) all the way to Type 13 and hazard-specific types like 7, 8, and 9.

These NEMA enclosure ratings matter because it protects the electrical components of your EV charger from:

Water (rain, snow, sleet, hose directed water)
Dust and dirt particles
Corrosion
Ice formation
Accidental contact

Common NEMA rated enclosure types

NEMA Rating	Purpose	Protection Level
NEMA 1	Indoor use	Basic indoor protection from dust only; no water resistance
NEMA 2	Indoor use	Basic indoor protection from dust, water drippings, light splashing
NEMA 3	Indoor or outdoor use	Protects against windblown dust, falling dirt, rain, sleet, snow and external ice formation
NEMA 3R	Indoor or outdoor use	Protects against falling dirt, snow, rain, sleet, snow, and external ice formation
NEMA 3X	Indoor or outdoor use	Protects against falling dirt, windblown dust, snow, rain, sleet, snow, external ice formation, with corrosion protection
NEMA 4	Indoor or outdoor heavy-duty use	Protects against falling dirt, windblown dust, snow, rain, sleet, snow, external ice formation, water splashing, and hose directed water
NEMA 4X	Indoor or outdoor heavy-duty use	Protects against windblown dust, snow, rain, sleet, snow, external ice formation, water splashing, hose directed water, with enhanced corrosion protection
NEMA 6	Indoor or outdoor use	Protects against falling dirt, hose directed water, water entry when submerged in water temporarily/occasionally
NEMA 12	Indoor or outdoor use	Protects against falling dirt, circulating dust, lint, fibers, water dripping, and light splashing

(Source: NEMA 250-2003)

Learn more: Complete Guide to EV Charging Stations and How They Actually Work

Why EV chargers in Canada need a NEMA 4 rating (or 4X)

Canadian weather is harsher, wetter, and colder than many other regions. Because of these weather conditions, a NEMA 4 rating (or 4X) is ideal because it protects your charger from:

Heavy snow, slush, and freezing rain
Snow buildup, freezing rain, and temperature swings are common in Canadian winters. NEMA 4 protects the charger even when ice forms around the enclosure.
Hose Directed Water
Most driveways, condo garages, and commercial lots have regular winter washdowns that involve hoses and high pressure sprays. NEMA 4 is specifically designed to withstand water sprayed from multiple angles.
Road salt and corrosion
If the EV charger is near a road, parking lot, or driveway, you’ll want NEMA 4X to prevent corrosion from road salt during winter. A NEMA 4X EV charger enclosure adds corrosion resistance for long-term durability.
Windblown dust and falling dirt
Essential for charging stations in parking garages and outdoor installations exposed to outdoor airflow, or rural properties.
Year-round reliability
Without the right EV charger enclosure, you risk downtime and costly repairs in the future. NEMA 4 rating keeps EV chargers operational year-round.

For most Canadian homes, condos, and commercial properties, NEMA 4 is the minimum standard you should consider. It protects your EV charger enclosure from rain, snow, ice, and hose directed water. But for long-term protection, especially in harsh climates, a NEMA 4X EV charger enclosure adds a layer of corrosion resistance that keeps your charger healthy.

Related:
EV Charger Maintenance Guide

Do I need a NEMA 4 rated EV charger?

Choosing the right NEMA enclosure rating depends where you live and where the charger will be installed. Every property is different. You might live in an area where windblown dust is minimal, but your charger could be in a spot that gets hit by sprinklers every morning, snow thrown from a plow all winter, or gets covered in ice salt from being near roads in winter. These environmental details matter and they’re why different NEMA ratings exist.

A NEMA rated 4 EV charger is recommended if you are installing:

Outdoors or exposed to weather
In a driveway
In an outdoor or uncovered parking lot
In an indoor public parking garage with winter washdowns
Near roadways with ice salt exposure
Anywhere in Canada

Ready to Install an EV Charger?

Choosing the right EV charger enclosure is one of the most important steps in ensuring long-term performance, especially in Canada’s harsh climate.

With over decades of experience designing and installing EV charging systems across condos, commercial buildings, and public spaces, metroEV will help you choose the right EV charging hardware with the right NEMA-rated enclosure and design a tailored installation plan for your property.

Contact metroEV to get started with your EV charging installation.

Thinking of installing EV chargers? Get a free, custom quote today.

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Shai Sinai

AUTHOR
Shai Sinai

Shai is the Vice President of Sales at metroEV, specializing in electric vehicle charging station installations for multi-residential, commercial and public properties. With hands-on experience across the entire process—from site assessments and EV Ready planning to infrastructure design and installation—Shai brings deep industry knowledge and practical insight to every project.