View source for Protection provided for enclosed equipment: codes IP and IK

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== IP code definition   ==
(see {{FigRef|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. 

{{FigImage|DB422199_EN|svg|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 {{FigRef|E67}}).

{{FigImage|DB422200_EN|svg|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 {{FigRef|E68}}). 

{{tb-start|id=Tab1133|num=E68|title=Elements of the IK Code|cols=3}}
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! 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 {{FigRef|E69}} and {{FigRef|E70}})

=== IP recommendations === 

{{tb-start|id=Tab1134|num=E69|title=IP recommendations|cols=3}}
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan="3" | 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 ===

{{tb-start|id=Tab1135|num=E70|title=IK recommendations|cols=3}}
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan="3" | 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
|}