National Electrical Manufacturers Association

Last updated
National Electrical Manufacturers Association
AbbreviationNEMA
Founded1926;98 years ago (1926)
13-1085700 [1]
Legal status 501(c)(6) trade association [2]
PurposeTo improve the state of electrical manufacturing in the United States. [2]
Headquarters Rosslyn, Virginia, United States
Coordinates 38°53′37″N77°04′21″W / 38.893526°N 77.072578°W / 38.893526; -77.072578
Annette Clayton [3]
Debra Phillips [4]
Subsidiaries National Electrical Manufacturers Association Political Action Committee (527) [2]
Revenue (2017)
$22,508,708 [2]
Expenses (2017)$22,594,548 [2]
Endowment $13,130,745 (2017) [2]
Employees (2017)
88 [2]
Volunteers (2017)
2,366 [2]
Website www.nema.org OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) [5] is the largest trade association of electrical equipment manufacturers in the United States. [6] Founded in 1926, it advocates for the industry, and publishes standards for electrical products. Notably, the form of US household electrical outlets and plugs is specified by NEMA.

Contents

Description

It was founded in 1926 and maintains its headquarters in Rosslyn, Virginia, in the Washington metropolitan area. [7] Its approximately 350 [8] member companies [9] manufacture products used in the generation, transmission, distribution, control, and end use of electricity. These products are used in utility, industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential applications. The association's Medical Imaging and Technology Alliance (MITA) division represents manufacturers of cutting-edge medical diagnostic imaging equipment including MRI, CT, x-ray, and ultrasound products. [6] Other major end markets include building systems, electrical infrastructure, industrial systems, lighting systems and utility systems. [10] Their combined industries account for 360,000 American jobs in more than 7,000 facilities in every state. [11] Their industry produces $106 billion shipments of electrical equipment and medical imaging technologies per year with $36 billion exports. [12] NEMA also has offices in Mexico City. [13]

In addition to lobbying activities, NEMA has published nearly 1,000 electrical and medical imaging standards, [14] application guides, white papers, [15] and technical papers. Among its major standards are those for electrical enclosures, motors and magnet wire, AC plugs and receptacles; the NEMA connectors are universal in North America and also used by some other countries. [16]

See also

Related Research Articles

Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) is a technical standard for the digital storage and transmission of medical images and related information. It includes a file format definition, which specifies the structure of a DICOM file, as well as a network communication protocol that uses TCP/IP to communicate between systems. The primary purpose of the standard is to facilitate communication between the software and hardware entities involved in medical imaging, especially those that are created by different manufacturers. Entities that utilize DICOM files include components of picture archiving and communication systems (PACS), such as imaging machines (modalities), radiological information systems (RIS), scanners, printers, computing servers, and networking hardware.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">IEC 60320</span> Set of standards for AC power connectors used on domestic appliances on the appliance side

IEC 60320 Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes is a set of standards from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) specifying non-locking connectors for connecting power supply cords to electrical appliances of voltage not exceeding 250 V (a.c.) and rated current not exceeding 16 A. Different types of connector are specified for different combinations of current, temperature and earthing requirements. Unlike IEC 60309 connectors, they are not coded for voltage; users must ensure that the voltage rating of the equipment is compatible with the mains supply. The standard uses the term coupler to encompass connectors on power cords and power inlets and outlets built into appliances.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Power cord</span> Electrical cable that connects an appliance to the electricity supply via a wall socket

A power cord, line cord, or mains cable is an electrical cable that temporarily connects an appliance to the mains electricity supply via a wall socket or extension cord. The terms are generally used for cables using a power plug to connect to a single-phase alternating current power source at the local line voltage. The terms power cable, mains lead, flex or kettle lead are also used. A lamp cord is a light-weight, ungrounded, single-insulated two-wire cord used for small loads such as a table or floor lamp.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AC power plugs and sockets</span> Connector used to connect to mains power

AC power plugs and sockets connect devices to mains electricity to supply them with electrical power. A plug is the connector attached to an electrically-operated device, often via a cable. A socket is fixed in place, often on the internal walls of buildings, and is connected to an AC electrical circuit. Inserting the plug into the socket allows the device to draw power from this circuit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mains electricity by country</span>

Mains electricity by country includes a list of countries and territories, with the plugs, voltages and frequencies they commonly use for providing electrical power to low voltage appliances, equipment, and lighting typically found in homes and offices. Some countries have more than one voltage available. For example, in North America, a unique split-phase system is used to supply to most premises that works by center tapping a 240 volts transformer. This system is able to concurrently provide 240 volts and 120 volts. Consequently, this allows homeowners to wire up both 240 V or 120 V circuits as they wish Most sockets are connected to 120 V for the use of small appliances and electronic devices. While larger appliances such as dryer, electric oven, range and EV charger use dedicated 240 V sockets. Different sockets are mandated for different voltage or maximum current levels.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">CE marking</span> European Declaration of conformity mark

The presence of the logo on commercial products indicates that the manufacturer or importer affirms the goods' conformity with European health, safety, and environmental protection standards. It is not a quality indicator or a certification mark. The CE marking is required for goods sold in the European Economic Area (EEA); goods sold elsewhere may also carry the mark.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">IP code</span> Standard for protection against intrusion of dust and water

The IP code or ingress protection code indicates how well a device is protected against water and dust. It is defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) under the international standard IEC 60529 which classifies and provides a guideline to the degree of protection provided by mechanical casings and electrical enclosures against intrusion, dust, accidental contact, and water. It is published in the European Union by the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) as EN 60529.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Electrical equipment in hazardous areas</span> Electrical equipment in places where fire or explosion hazards may exist

In electrical and safety engineering, hazardous locations are places where fire or explosion hazards may exist. Sources of such hazards include gases, vapors, dust, fibers, and flyings, which are combustible or flammable. Electrical equipment installed in such locations can provide an ignition source, due to electrical arcing, or high temperatures. Standards and regulations exist to identify such locations, classify the hazards, and design equipment for safe use in such locations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Electrical enclosure</span>

An electrical enclosure is a cabinet for electrical or electronic equipment to mount switches, knobs and displays and to prevent electrical shock to equipment users and protect the contents from the environment. The enclosure is the only part of the equipment which is seen by users. It may be designed not only for its utilitarian requirements, but also to be pleasing to the eye. Regulations may dictate the features and performance of enclosures for electrical equipment in hazardous areas, such as petrochemical plants or coal mines. Electronic packaging may place many demands on an enclosure for heat dissipation, radio frequency interference and electrostatic discharge protection, as well as functional, esthetic and commercial constraints.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">NEMA connector</span> Power plugs and receptacles used in North America and some other regions

NEMA connectors are power plugs and receptacles used for AC mains electricity in North America and other countries that use the standards set by the US National Electrical Manufacturers Association. NEMA wiring devices are made in current ratings from 15 to 60 amperes (A), with voltage ratings from 125 to 600 volts (V). Different combinations of contact blade widths, shapes, orientations, and dimensions create non-interchangeable connectors that are unique for each combination of voltage, electric current carrying capacity, and grounding system.

The Professional Electrical Apparatus Reconditioning League or PEARL is an international professional organization and standards group based in Denver, Colorado. PEARL is focused on developing ethical business practices and technical standards related to inspecting, testing, and reconditioning circuit breakers, transformer, motor controls, switchgear, disconnect switches, protective relays, bus duct, motor starters and other electrical equipment and apparatus used in the electrical distribution systems of commercial, industrial, and utility facilities.

Premium efficiency, when used in reference to specific types of Electric Motors, is a class of motor efficiency.

ANSI Z535 is an American standard that sets forth a system for presenting safety and accident prevention information. It corresponds to the international ISO 3864 standard and can be integrated with other ISO standards to meet global HazCom standards when products and related documentation must be properly labeled for export.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cable gland</span> Device designed to attach and secure the end of an electrical cable to the equipment

A cable gland is a device designed to attach and secure the end of an electrical cable to the equipment. A cable gland provides strain-relief and connects by a means suitable for the type and description of cable for which it is designed—including provision for making electrical connection to the armour or braid and lead or aluminium sheath of the cable, if any. Cable glands may also be used for sealing cables passing through bulkheads or gland plates. Cable glands are mostly used for cables with diameters between 1 mm and 75 mm.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pad-mounted transformer</span> Ground mounted transformer

A padmount or pad-mounted transformer is a ground-mounted electric power distribution transformer in a locked steel cabinet mounted on a concrete pad. Since all energized connection points are securely enclosed in a grounded metal housing, a padmount transformer can be installed in places that do not have room for a fenced enclosure. Padmount transformers are used with underground electric power distribution lines at service drops to step down the primary voltage on the line to the lower secondary voltage supplied to utility customers. A single transformer may serve one large building or many homes.

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) defines standards used in North America for various grades of electrical enclosures typically used in industrial applications. Each is rated to protect against personal access to hazardous parts, and additional type-dependent designated environmental conditions. A typical NEMA enclosure might be rated to provide protection against environmental hazards such as water, dust, oil or coolant or atmospheres containing corrosive agents such as acetylene or gasoline. A full list of NEMA enclosure types is available for download from the NEMA website.

Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA) is a lobby for equipment manufacturers of medical imaging machinery.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">EnerSys</span> Stored energy systems and technology provider

EnerSys is a stored energy systems and technology provider for industrial applications. The company manufactures reserve power and motive power batteries, battery chargers, power equipment, battery accessories and outdoor equipment enclosure systems.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mr. Ouch</span> Symbol indicating electrical hazards

Mr. Ouch is a hazard symbol developed by the US’s National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) to represent electrical hazard within pad-mounted transformers. Unlike other high-voltage warning symbols, Mr. Ouch was specifically designed with young children in mind. It is part of NEMA Standard 260-1996, Safety Labels for Pad-Mounted Switchgear and Transformers Sited in Public Areas, which lays out design guidelines for a complete label design that incorporates the Mr. Ouch symbol.

There are approximately 20 types in common use around the world, such as AC power plugs and sockets, and many obsolete socket types which are still found in older buildings.

References

  1. "National Electrical Manufacturers Association". Tax Exempt Organization Search. Internal Revenue Service. Retrieved April 17, 2019.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Form 990: Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax". National Electrical Manufacturers Association. Internal Revenue Service. December 31, 2017.
  3. "Board of Governors". National Electrical Manufacturers Association. 13 July 2012. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  4. "NEMA Leadership". National Electrical Manufacturers Association. Retrieved April 17, 2019.
  5. NEMA
  6. 1 2 "NEMA NU1-1986: Introduction". Harvard Medical School Joint Program in Nuclear Medicine. Retrieved September 12, 2016.
  7. "Visit NEMA". 3 January 2013.
  8. "SDO: National Electrical Manufacturers Association" . Retrieved October 20, 2016.
  9. Member list Archived 2008-08-08 at the Wayback Machine
  10. "Member Products". NEMA.org. NEMA. Retrieved November 13, 2017.
  11. "Data". Census.gov. United States Census Bureau . Retrieved November 13, 2017.
  12. "US Census Bureau Manufacturer' Shipments, Inventories, and Orders main page". Census.gov. US Census Bureau Manufacturer' Shipments, Inventories, and Orders. Retrieved November 13, 2017.
  13. "International Activities". NEMA.org. NEMA. Retrieved November 13, 2017.
  14. Industry Standards Archived 2009-05-12 at the Wayback Machine
  15. "White Papers". 10 July 2012. Retrieved October 20, 2016.
  16. "Standards and Publications". NEMA.org. Retrieved November 13, 2017.