Protection provided for enclosed equipment: codes IP and IK
Protection provided for enclosed equipment: codes IP and IK
IP code definition
(see Fig. E47)
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. E47: 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. E48).
Fig. E48: 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. E49).
| 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 |
Fig. E49: Elements of the IK Code
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 Plus 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. E50 and Fig. E51 )
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 |
Fig. E50: IP recommendations
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 |
Fig. E51: IK recommendations
