Protection provided for enclosed equipment: codes IP and IK

IP code definition

(see Fig. E66)

The degree of protection provided by an enclosure is indicated in the IP code, recommended in IEC 60529.

Protection is afforded against the following external influences:

• Penetration by solid bodies
• Protection of persons against access to live parts
• Protection against the ingress of dust
• Protection against the ingress of liquids

Note: the IP code applies to electrical equipment for voltages up to and including 72.5 kV.

Fig. E66 – IP Code arrangement

Elements of the IP Code and their meanings

A brief description of the IP Code elements is given in the following chart (see Fig. E67).

Fig. E67 – Elements of the IP Code

IK Code definition

Standard IEC 62262 defines an IK code that characterises the aptitude of equipment to resist mechanical impacts on all sides (see Fig. E68).

Fig. E68 – Elements of the IK Code

IK code	Impact energy (In joules)	AG Code
00	0
01	≤ 0.14
02	≤ 0.20	AG1
03	≤ 0.35
04	≤ 0.50
05	≤ 0.70
06	≤ 1
07	≤ 2	AG2
08	≤ 5	AG3
09	≤ 10
10	≤ 20	AG4

IP and IK code specifications for distribution switchboards

The degrees of protection IP and IK of an enclosure must be specified as a function of the different external influences defined by standard IEC 60364-5-51, in particular:

• Presence of solid bodies (code AE)
• Presence of water (code AD)
• Mechanical stresses (no code)
• Capability of persons (code BA)
• …

Prisma switchboards are designed for indoor installation.

Unless the rules, standards and regulations of a specific country stipulate otherwise, Schneider Electric recommends the following IP and IK values (see Fig. E69 and Fig. E70)

IP recommendations

Fig. E69 – IP recommendations

IP codes according to conditions
Normal without risk of vertically falling water	Technical rooms	30
Normal with risk of vertically falling water	Hallways	31
Very severe with risk of splashing water from all directions	Workshops	54/55

IK recommendations

Fig. E70 – IK recommendations

IK codes according to conditions
No risk of major impact	Technical rooms	07
Significant risk of major impact that could damage devices	Hallways	08 (enclosure with door)
Maximum risk of impact that could damage the enclosure	Workshops	10