NEMA

National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) is a trade association in the United States representing manufacturers of electrical equipment and related products. Founded in 1926, NEMA develops and publishes technical standards, guidelines, and best practices used by manufacturers, installers, and inspectors. Its standards cover a broad range of electrical components, including electrical enclosures, wiring devices, motors, transformers, and other electrical equipment, and are frequently referenced in construction and manufacturing settings. Many NEMA standards are published as ANSI/NEMA standards, reflecting collaboration with the American National Standards Institute.

NEMA conducts standards development through technical committees and working groups, offers education and certification resources, and advocates on policy issues affecting the electrical equipment industry. Member companies design, manufacture, and market products for power distribution, building infrastructure, and consumer electronics.

Notable areas of NEMA standardization include enclosure types (such as Type 1, 3R, 4, 4X, 12, 13), which specify environmental protection and mounting characteristics; NEMA plug and receptacle configurations (for example, NEMA 5-15, 6-20) used in North American outlets; and motor and drive standards, including motor frame sizes for mounting compatibility and performance guidelines for electrical motors. NEMA standards influence product testing, labeling, and safety requirements.

Overall, NEMA serves as a key industry body that coordinates technical standards, fosters interoperability, and represents electrical equipment manufacturers in regulatory and policy matters, both in the United States and internationally.