The Outlet and Switch Box Section develops technical standards and guidelines, influences government affairs and trade issues, and collects market data on its products.
Scope (Excerpt)
Metallic, nonmetallic, and composite electrical boxes of the type described in NEMA Outlet and Switch Box Standards (e.g. NEMA OS 1 and NEMA OS 2), for use in applications of 1000 volts AC and 1200 volts DC or less.
Click here for detailed product scope information.
Technical Activities
Standards play a vital part in the design, production, and distribution of products destined for both national and international commerce. Sound technical standards benefit the user, as well as the manufacturer, by improving safety, bringing about economies in product, eliminating misunderstandings between manufacturer and purchaser, and assisting the purchaser in selecting and obtaining the proper product for his particular need.
NEMA devotes much of its time, effort, and resources to voluntary standardization activities. NEMA standards are offered and recommended to become American National Standards under the procedures of the American National Standards Institute, usually under the canvass method. This decision rests with the particular subdivision or subdivisions concerned.
NEMA standards are also often submitted for consideration as IEC standards components or references. It is the intent of the association to continue its support of these, and many more, activities as the best method to continue providing sound and safe electrical products for the use of all.
In 2007, key technical activities include:
- Publishing a new edition of NEMA OS 3, Selection and Installation Guidelines for Electrical Boxes
- Maintaining active involvement in the ® process
- Completing amendments to the trinational standard for metallic outlet boxes through
- Developing comments to amend IEC 60670-1, the standard of general requirements for outlet boxes, in order to integrate North American requirements and practices into the IEC.
- Funding the Technical Expert function for USNC involvement in IEC SC23B Maintenance Team 5
Government Relations
Through NEMA, the section develops industry positions on legislative and regulatory initiatives that may affect member products, markets, and customers. NEMA's work has resulted in contributions to public policy development and in promoting competitiveness, technological progress, and public safety. On the Government Affairs homepage members can search for and e-mail federal representatives to convey opinions regarding energy policy or other issues related to the electroindustry.
NEMA Government Affairs provides specific services to its members and information in the areas of Environment, Health & Safety; Energy; and International Trade & Commerce.
Market Economics
NEMA Business Information Services (NEMA/BIS) provides market data to the public as well as to members.
For the public:
Statistics on domestic product shipments of outlet and switch boxes are available. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau has been re-packaged to reflect the products within NEMA divisions.
For members:
Through NEMA, member companies are able to develop and implement tailored, industry-specific market and statistical programs that benefit participating companies. Reports may include:
- Product orders and sales
- Market forecasting
- Shipments by trading areas
- Channels of distribution
- Financial and operating ratios
- Wages and benefits
- Foreign trade
The association also conducts economic analyses on the impact of legislation and regulations on member products, and monitors and reports on key industry market indicators. All programs comply with NEMA statistical confidentiality policies. For more information, please see Business & Economy.
Membership
Membership in NEMA is open to any firm actively engaged in the manufacture in North America of a product within the NEMA scope and for sale in the open market. Membership of foreign firms is subject to product section policies and NEMA Board of Governors approval.
NEMA operates on a fee-for-service basis. Each product section establishes its projects and activities and approves an annual operating budget. Visit Joining NEMA for more information on membership.
