A
US industry association which standardizes specifications for electrical components and power wires and cables. NEMA
is the "voice" of the electrical industry, and through it, standards for electrical products are formulated. Generally these standards promote interchangeability between products of one manufacturer with like products made by another manufacturer.
In some cases, standards relating to product "performance" are also formulated by NEMA but these are the exception rather than the rule. NEMA standards are certainly not
compulsory, but generally they are accepted by those manufacturers that help to write them as a way of making their products more saleable and acceptable.
NEMA standards are
referenced by many consumers in writing specifications for the materials they purchase. NEMA standards generally form the basis for ANSI standards.
