What is the external influences IEC 60364-5-51 ?

Each condition of external influence is designated by a code comprising a group of two capital letters and a number as follows:

First letter (A, B or C)

The first letter relates to the general category of external influence:

    A = environment
    B = utilisation
    C = construction of buildings

Second letter

The second letter relates to the nature of the external influence.
Number

The number relates to the class within each external influence.
Additional letter (optional)

Used only if the effective protection of persons is greater than that indicated by the first IP digit.

When only the protection of persons is to be specified, the two digits of the IP code are replaced by the X's.

Example: IP XXB.

Example

For example the code AC2 signifies:

A = environment
AC = environment-altitude
AC2 = environment-altitude > 2,000 m













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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).

1. Environment (Category A)

Ambient Temperature (AA):

• AA1: -60°C to +5°C → Requires specially designed equipment or arrangements.
• AA2: -40°C to +5°C → Requires specially designed equipment or arrangements.
• AA3: -25°C to +5°C → Requires special precautions in certain cases.
• AA4: -5°C to +40°C → Normal conditions.
• AA5: +5°C to +40°C → Normal conditions.
• AA6: +5°C to +60°C → Requires specially designed equipment or arrangements.
• AA7: -25°C to +55°C → Requires specially designed equipment.
• AA8: -50°C to +40°C → Requires specially designed equipment.

Atmospheric Humidity (AB):

• AB1: Low temperature (-60°C to +5°C), relative humidity 3-100%, absolute humidity 0.003-7 g/m³.
• AB2: Low temperature (-40°C to +5°C), relative humidity 10-100%, absolute humidity 0.1-7 g/m³.
• AB3: Moderate humidity (-25°C to +5°C), relative humidity 10-100%, absolute humidity 0.1-7 g/m³.
• AB4: High humidity (+5°C to +40°C), relative humidity 50-100%, absolute humidity 29 g/m³.
• AB5: Very high humidity (+5°C to +40°C), relative humidity 50-100%, absolute humidity 25 g/m³.
• AB6: Condensation likely (+5°C to +35°C), relative humidity 75-100%, absolute humidity 35 g/m³.

Presence of Water (AD):

• AD1: Negligible water exposure (IPX0).
• AD2: Free-falling drops (IPX1 or IPX2).
• AD3: Sprays at up to 60° (IPX3).
• AD4: Splashes from any direction (IPX4).
• AD5: Jets of water (IPX5).
• AD6: Waves (seashore locations, IPX6).
• AD7: Intermittent immersion (IPX7).
• AD8: Permanent submersion (IPX8).

Presence of Foreign Solids or Dust (AE):

• AE1: Negligible solids (IP0X).
• AE2: Small objects (2.5 mm, IP3X).
• AE3: Very small objects (1 mm, IP4X).
• AE4: Light dust (IP5X).
• AE5: Moderate dust (IP5X or IP6X).
• AE6: Heavy dust (IP6X).

Other Environmental Conditions:

• Presence of Corrosive Substances (AF): Negligible, atmospheric, intermittent, or continuous exposure (requires corrosion protection).
• Mechanical Shock (AG): Low, medium, or high severity, requiring reinforced protection for severe conditions.
• Vibrations (AH): Low severity (e.g., households), medium severity (industrial), or high severity (heavy machinery).
• Presence of Flora (AK): Requires protection against mold or hazardous growth.
• Presence of Fauna (AL): Protection against rodents or insects in hazardous environments.

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2. Utilization (Category B)

Capability of Persons (BA):

• BA1: Ordinary persons (Normal).
• BA2: Children (Special precautions).
• BA3: Handicapped individuals.
• BA4: Instructed persons (Trained in equipment use).
• BA5: Skilled individuals (Professionals).

Contact with Earth Potential (BC):

• BC1: No contact.
• BC2: Low contact frequency.
• BC3: Frequent contact.
• BC4: Continuous contact.

Condition of Emergency Evacuation (BD):

• BD1: Low density, easy exit (Normal).
• BD2: Low density, difficult exit.
• BD3: High density, easy exit.
• BD4: High density, difficult exit.

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3. Construction (Category C)

Construction Materials (CA):

• CA1: Non-combustible materials (Normal).
• CA2: Combustible materials.

Building Design (CB):

• CB1: Negligible risks.
• CB2: Risk of fire propagation.
• CB3: Movement risks.
• CB4: Flexible or unstable structures.

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4. Practical Applications and Design Considerations

Mitigation Strategies:

• Use **IP-rated enclosures** for dust, water, and weather protection.
• Employ UV-resistant materials for outdoor installations.
• Install surge protection for voltage fluctuations.
• Use vibration-resistant equipment in industrial zones.

Applications:

• Industrial Facilities: Manage vibration, heat, and corrosive agents.
• Residential Areas: Focus on user safety and environmental risks (e.g., kitchens, bathrooms).
• Outdoor Installations: Ensure weatherproofing and high IP ratings.
• Hazardous Locations: Consider explosion and contamination risks.
• Data Centers: Mitigate electromagnetic disturbances.

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5. Conclusion
The **IEC 60364-5-51** standard ensures that electrical installations are designed to withstand specific external influences. By accounting for environmental, utilization, and construction conditions, this standard ensures the safety, reliability, and longevity of installations.

Key Takeaways:

• Covers environmental (water, dust, temperature), mechanical (vibration, impact), and operational influences.
• Uses a three-letter classification code for precise identification.
• Supports industrial, residential, and hazardous installations.