IP ratings on 3 phase distribution board

[msec]

Hello all,

I've just carried out the remedial works from a EICR on a small industrial unit ( I didn't carry out the EICR). The 3 phase board had tails entering through seperate holes on the bottom, which was coded as a 2 due to possible eddy currents. I remedied this by cutting out the gap between two of the holes and feeding all the tails through the bigger hole, to which I fitted a grommet strip. I installed blind bushes and locknuts in the two remaining holes.

Based on the advice of an 'electrician relative', the manager has now questioned the suitablity of the new hole, saying it does not comply. My understanding is the top & sides of the board must be IP 4X (not be able to be penetrated by an item 1mm wide and 100mm long) and IP 2X on the underside (that you must not be able to penetrate with your finger, which you can't, not even a small amount).

Can anyone please point me to the relevant regs regarding this, as I seem to be struggling to find anything clear.

Thanks​

 

[spark 68]

As far as I was aware it is IP4X for the top horizontal surface, and IP2X everywhere else.

I will look up the reg in a mo.

Reg. 416.2 (BGB)

BTW you could have left the cables in their respective holes, and just cut a slot between the centre hole and each end hole.

 

[mark1979]

i agree with 68. what type of commercial unit is it though? what type of work happens there? storage? machine work? woodwork?

 

[msec]

It is a distribution & storage base for clothes. Originally, there were four holes, looking left to right, neutral & earth through first hole, then L1, L2, & L3 all through other seperate holes.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

You could have just slotted between the holes, as long as there were no brass bushes with steel lock rings.

 

[mark1979]

ok i was only asking because if it had of been a pemises like a sawmill for example then you would have to consider a different ip rating for the distribution board. i reckon youre pretty close with your understanding of the ip codes but youve got them back to front. ip2x cannot be penetrated a finger or similar 12.5mm in diameter. ip4x is more strict and cant be penetrated by an object (typically wire) more than 1mm in diameter

 

[msec]

spinlondon, all holes had 20mm brass bushes & steel locknuts so not an option. I'm happy now I have the relevant regs & info, thanks for the replies guys.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

spinlondon, all holes had 20mm brass bushes & steel locknuts so not an option. I'm happy now I have the relevant regs & info, thanks for the replies guys.

In that case, you would have had to change the steel lock rings for brass.