Once you’ve determined that your systems or components need isolation from surrounding electromagnetic fields, or to block the transmission of additional signals, designing the appropriate enclosure is crucial. 

Our shielding design flow chart can help designers and engineers navigate the varied types of EMI/RFI shielding materials available to choose the right materials that meet your specific shielding and environmental requirements.   

From Table 1, first identify the intended environment: indoor, outdoor, or both.

Next, select the NEMA or IP enclosure type: commercial, military, marine, land or desert. Or for indoor applications, warehouse or office.

IP RATINGS

IP ratings classify the degrees of protection against the ingress (intrusion) of a solid or liquid object in an electrical enclosure. IP ratings are normally two numbers. The first number relates to protection against solid objects (i.e. dust, dirt, sand), and the second number denotes protection against liquids (i.e. water). The lower the IP number, the lower the requirement.

First Number Indicators

0	No special protection.
1	Protection from a large part of the body such as a hand from solid objects greater than 50 mm. in diameter (no protection from deliberate access).
2	Protection against fingers and other objects not greater than 80 mm in length and 12 mm. in diameter.
3	Protection from entry by tools, wires, etc. with a thickness of more than 2.5 mm. in diameter.
4	Protection from entry by solid objects with a thickness diameter or thickness greater than 1.0 mm.
5	Protection from dust (no harmful deposit) that would interfere with the equipment operation.
6	Totally protected against dust.

Second Number Definitions

0	No special protection.
1	Protection from vertically falling water drops or condensation.
2	Protection from water sprayed at an angle up to 15 degrees from vertical (light rain in wind).
3	Protection from sprayed water at an angle up to 60 degrees from vertical (heavy rainstorm).
4	Protection from sprayed water in all directions.
5	Low pressure water projected from a nozzle (residential hose).
6	High pressure, powerful jets of water.
7	Temporary immersion protection (15 cm. to 1 m.)
8	Protection against complete, continuous submersion in water (submarine).

For more information in IP ratings, read our IP Ratings & Conductive Rubber resource. 

At the bottom of Table 1, find the resulting letter designation that matches your environment and application—A through F.

Using that letter, continue to Table 2, where you can evaluate the available shielding product options for the your particular NEMA/IP enclosure.

For example, if you need a shielding application for an enclosure connector or cable for a life-saving medical device in a hospital, your corresponding letter will be E.  Our Wire Mesh Washers and Connector Gaskets are appropriate.

All shielding products shown in Table 2, depending on profile, configuration, compression, galvanic compatibility, required attenuation, etc., will enable an electronic product to meet MIL-STD-461 and other military or commercial specifications.

To see the full flow chart, click here.

The first step to finding reliable and durable EMI/RFI shielding is to work with expert designers. MAJR Products has 25 years of experience manufacturing mission-critical EMI/RFI shielding products. Contact MAJR to receive a quote or request a sample from our experienced EMI/RFI team of professionals.