GB/T 4208-2017/XG1-2024 Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosure (IP Code)
1 Scope
This standard applies to the classification of degrees of protection provided by enclosures for electrical equipment with a rated voltage not exceeding 72.5 kV.
The object of this standard is to give:
a) Definitions for degrees of protection provided by enclosures of electrical equipment as regards:
1) protection of persons against access to hazardous parts inside the enclosure;
2) protection of the equipment inside the enclosure against ingress of solid foreign objects;
3) protection of the equipment inside the enclosure against harmful effects due to the ingress of water.
b) Designations for these degrees of protection.
c) Requirements for each designation.
d) Tests to be performed to verify that the enclosure meets the requirements of this standard.
It will be specified in the product standards to decide on the extent and manner in which, the classification is used in their standards and to define “enclosure” as it applies to their equipment. However, it is recommended that for a given classification the tests do not differ from those specified in this standard. If necessary, complementary requirements may be included in the relevant product standard. A guide for the details to be specified in relevant product standards is given in Annex B.
For a particular type of equipment, different requirements may be specified in product standards provided that at least the same level of safety is ensured.
This standard deals only with enclosures that are in all other respects suitable for their intended use as specified in the relevant product standard and which from the point of view of materials and workmanship ensure that the claimed degrees of protection are maintained under the normal conditions of use.
This standard is also applicable to empty enclosures provided that the general test requirements are met and that the selected degree of protection is suitable for the type of equipment to be protected.
Measures to protect both the enclosure and the equipment inside the enclosure against external influences or conditions such as mechanical impacts, corrosion, corrosive solvents (for example, cutting liquids), fungus, vermin, solar radiation, icing, moisture (for example, produced by condensation) and explosive atmospheres, and the protection against contact with hazardous moving parts external to the enclosure (such as fans), are matters for the relevant product standard to be protected.
Barriers external to the enclosure and not attached to it and obstacles which have been provided solely for the safety of personnel are not considered as a part of the enclosure and are not dealt with in this standard.
2 Normative References
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
GB/T 2421.1-2008 Environmental Testing - General and Guidance (IEC 60068-1: 1988, IDT)
GB/T 2423.37-2006 Environmental Testing for Electric and Electronic Products - Part 2: Test Methods - Test L: Dust and Sand (IEC 60068-2-68: 1994, IDT)
IEC 60050-195: 1998 International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) – Part 195: Earthing and Protection against Electric Shock
IEC 60050(826): 1982 International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) – Chapter 826: Electrical Installations of Buildings
IEC 60071-2: 1996 Insulation Co-ordination – Part 2: Application Guide
3 Terms and Definitions
For the purpose of this standard, the following definitions apply:
3.1
enclosure
a part providing protection of equipment against certain external influences and, in any direction, protection against direct contact
Note: This definition taken from the existing International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) needs the following explanations under the scope of this standard:
1) Enclosures provide protection of persons or livestock against access to hazardous parts.
2) Barriers, shapes of openings or any other means – whether attached to the enclosure or formed by the enclosed equipment – suitable to prevent or limit the penetration of the specified test probes are considered as a part of the enclosure, except when they can be removed without the use of a key or tool.
[IEC 826-03-12]
3.2
direct contact
contact of persons or livestock with live parts
Foreword i Introduction iii 1 Scope 2 Normative References 3 Terms and Definitions 4 Designations 5 Degrees of Protection against Access to Hazardous Parts and against Solid Foreign Objects Indicated by the First Characteristic Numeral 6 Degrees of Protection against Ingress of Water Indicated by the Second Characteristic Numeral 7 Degrees of Protection against Access to Hazardous Parts Indicated by the Additional Letter 8 Supplementary Letters 9 Examples of Designations with the IP Code 10 Marking 11 General Requirements for Tests 12 Tests for Protection against Access to Hazardous Parts Indicated by the First Characteristic Numeral 13 Tests for Protection against Solid Foreign Objects Indicated by the First Characteristic Numeral 14 Tests for Protection against Water Indicated by the Second Characteristic Numeral 15 Tests for Protection Against Access to Hazardous Parts Indicated by the Additional Letter Annex A (Informative) Examples of IP Coding for the Verification of Protection of Low-voltage Equipment Against Access to Hazardous Parts Annex B (Informative) Summary of Specified Requirements in Relevant Product Standard Bibliography
