Is there a document available that provides clear guidance on appropriate IP ratings for electrical enclosures within the varying environments they may be installed. I’m aware Beama and varying manufacturers give a good guide to IP ratings, but was looking for something more comprehensive.

With regards to switchgear or control panel specifications, it’s common to see IP ratings requested that I believe are greater than required, for the environment that the kit is being installed within. My feeling is that the wording in the standard e.g. IPX1 ‘drops’, IPX4’ splashed’, leads the specifier to over cautiously select a rating for an environment above what the standards intended application is. When you look at the detail within the tests for these particular ratings the volume of water is significant, against what the words would suggest, approximately 1 ltr per square foot for IPX1 and 100 ltrs used over duration of IPX4 test.

Appreciate that there are plenty of harsh environments, and equipment should be specified appropriately, however, typically switchboard or control panels are installed in sealed building, with controlled access, some form of heating and reasonably well controlled environment, yet IP ratings are chosen that if anything are more likely to cause failure over time from heat, due to ventilation issues.

Ideally an annex to the standard, providing a list of examples of appropriate IP rating for particular installation would be beneficial. An owner can still specify a higher rating at their preference, but with clearer guidance.