IEC 61892-1

®
Edition 2.0 2010-08

INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD

Mobile and fixed offshore units – Electrical installations –

Part 1: General requirements and conditions
IEC 61892-1:2010(E)
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 IEC 61892-1
®
Edition 2.0 2010-08

INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD

Mobile and fixed offshore units – Electrical installations –

Part 1: General requirements and conditions

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION PRICE CODE
S
ICS 47.020.60 ISBN 978-2-88912-152-6

® Registered trademark of the International Electrotechnical Commission

 –2– 61892-1 © IEC:2010(E)

CONTENTS
FOREWORD...........................................................................................................................3
INTRODUCTION .....................................................................................................................5
1 Scope ...............................................................................................................................6
2 Normative references........................................................................................................6
3 Terms and definitions .......................................................................................................7
4 General requirements and conditions .............................................................................. 11
4.1 General ................................................................................................................. 11
4.2 Workmanship and material .................................................................................... 11
4.3 Acceptance of substitutes or alternatives ............................................................... 11
4.4 Additions and alterations........................................................................................ 11
4.5 Environmental conditions ....................................................................................... 11
4.5.1 General ..................................................................................................... 11
4.5.2 Design parameters..................................................................................... 12
4.6 Materials ............................................................................................................... 13
4.7 Power supply system characteristics ...................................................................... 13
4.7.1 General ..................................................................................................... 13
4.7.2 AC distribution systems.............................................................................. 13
4.7.3 DC distribution systems ............................................................................. 14
4.8 Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres ............................................... 15
4.9 Precautions against galvanic corrosion .................................................................. 15
4.10 Clearance and creepage distances ........................................................................ 15
4.11 Insulation............................................................................................................... 15
4.12 Maintenance and inspection................................................................................... 15
4.13 Cable entries ......................................................................................................... 15
4.14 Precautions against vibration and mechanical shock .............................................. 15
4.15 Location of electrical equipment in units ................................................................. 16
4.16 Mechanical protection ............................................................................................ 16
4.17 Protection from heat, water, steam and oil ............................................................. 16
4.18 Protection against electrical shock ......................................................................... 16
4.19 Enclosures ............................................................................................................ 16
4.20 Environmental impact ............................................................................................ 17
Annex A (informative) Degree of protection .......................................................................... 18
Annex B (Informative) Cold climate precautions ..................................................................... 20
Bibliography .......................................................................................................................... 21

Table 1 – Operational design parameters – Ambient temperature .......................................... 12

Table 2 – Design parameters – Humidity, relative .................................................................. 12
Table A.1 – Degrees of protection against foreign objects indicated by the first
characteristic numeral ........................................................................................................... 18
Table A.2 – Degrees of protection against water indicated by the second characteristic
numeral ................................................................................................................................ 19
61892-1 © IEC:2010(E) –3–

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION

___________

MOBILE AND FIXED OFFSHORE UNITS –

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS –

Part 1: General requirements and conditions

FOREWORD
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patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

International Standard IEC 61892-1 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 18:
Electrical installations of ships and of mobile and fixed offshore units.

This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2001. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.

This second edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the
previous edition:

a) the d.c.voltages given in Clause 1, have been updated in order to ensure uniform
requirements for all parts of the standard;
b) the requirement to EMC has been rewritten to comply with the requirements of
IEC 61000-2-4;
c) a clause regarding environmental impact has been added;
d) Annex A (Guidance on environmental conditions) has been deleted;
 –4– 61892-1 © IEC:2010(E)

e) Annex B (Informative) regarding cold climate precautions has been added.

The text of this standard based on the following documents:

FDIS Report on voting

18/1166/FDIS 18/1176/RVD

Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.

This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.

A list of all parts of the IEC 61892 series can be found, under the general title Mobile and fixed
offshore units – Electrical installations, on the IEC website.

The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC web site under “http://webstore.iec.ch” in the data related to
the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be

• reconfirmed;
• withdrawn;
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
A bilingual version of this publication may be issued at a later date.
61892-1 © IEC:2010(E) –5–

INTRODUCTION

The IEC 61892 series of International Standards is intended to enable safety in the design,
selection, installation, maintenance and use of electrical equipment for the generation, storage,
distribution and utilization of electrical energy for all purposes in offshore units which are used
for the purpose of exploration or exploitation of petroleum resources.

This part of the IEC 61892 series incorporates and co-ordinates, as far as possible, existing
rules and forms a code of interpretation, where applicable, of the requirements of the
International Maritime Organization, a guide for future regulations which may be prepared and
a statement of practice for offshore unit owners, constructors and appropriate organizations.

This standard is based on equipment and practices which are in current use, but it is not
intended in any way to impede development of new or improved techniques.

The ultimate aim has been to produce a set of International Standards exclusively for the
offshore petroleum industry.
 –6– 61892-1 © IEC:2010(E)

MOBILE AND FIXED OFFSHORE UNITS –

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS –

Part 1: General requirements and conditions

1 Scope

This part of IEC 61892 series contains provisions for electrical installations in mobile and fixed
offshore units including pipeline, pumping or 'pigging' stations, compressor stations and
exposed location single buoy moorings, used in the offshore petroleum industry for drilling,
processing and storage purposes.

This International Standard applies to all installations, whether permanent, temporary,

transportable or hand-held, to a.c. installations up to and including 35 000 V and d.c.
installations up to and including 1 500 V (a.c. and d.c. voltages are nominal values).

This standard does not apply either to fixed equipment for medical purposes or to the electrical
installations of tankers.

NOTE For medical rooms, see IEC 60364-7-710.

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.

IEC 60034 (all parts), Rotating electrical machines

IEC 60034-1:2010, Rotating electrical machines – Part 1: Rating and performance

IEC 60079 (all parts), Explosive atmospheres

IEC 61000-2-4:2002, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 2-4: Environment –

Compatibility levels in industrial plants for low-frequency conducted disturbances

IEC 61140, Protection against electric shock – Common aspects for installation and equipment

IEC 61892-2:2005, Mobile and fixed offshore units – Electrical installations – Part 2: System
design

IEC 61892-7, Mobile and fixed offshore units – Electrical installations – Part 7: Hazardous
areas

IMO-110E, IMO-111F and IMO 113S, International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea
(SOLAS)

IMO MODU Code, Code for the construction and equipment of mobile offshore drilling units
61892-1 © IEC:2010(E) –7–

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.

NOTE The terms and definitions included in this part are those having general application in the IEC 61892 series.
Terms and definitions applying to particular apparatus or equipment are included in the other parts of IEC 61892.

3.1
appropriate authority
governmental body and/or classification society with whose rules a unit is required to comply

3.2
equipment
single apparatus or set of devices or apparatuses, or the set of main devices of an installation,
or all devices necessary to perform a specific task

NOTE Examples of equipment are a power transformer, measuring equipment.

[IEC 60050-151:2001, 151-11-25, modified]

3.3
apparatus
device or assembly of devices which can be used as an independent unit for specific functions

[IEC 60050-151:2001, 151-11-22, modified]

3.4
room with a controlled atmosphere
room where the temperature and humidity can be controlled within specified limits

3.5
degree of protection provided by enclosures (of electrical apparatus)
measures applied to the enclosures of electrical equipment and apparatus to provide for :

1) protection of persons against contact with or approach to live parts and against contact with
moving parts (other than smooth rotating shafts and the like) inside the enclosure and the
protection of the apparatus against ingress of solid foreign bodies
2) protection of the apparatus inside the enclosure against harmful ingress of water
[IEC 60050-426:2008, 426-04-02, modified]

NOTE 1 For further information regarding degree of protection, see IEC 60529.

NOTE 2 Explanation of the numerals used for classification of degree of protection is given in Tables A.1 and A.2.

3.6
distribution board
assembly containing different types of switchgear and controlgear associated with one or more
outgoing electric circuits fed from one or more incoming electric circuits, together with
terminals for the neutral and protective conductors, if required

[IEC 60050-826:2004, 826-16-08, modified]

3.7
earth
general mass of the metal structure or hull of the unit

NOTE In the U.S.A. and Canada "ground" is used instead of "earth".

 –8– 61892-1 © IEC:2010(E)

3.8
earthed
connected to the general mass of the structure or hull of the unit in such a manner as will
ensure at all times an immediate discharge of electrical energy without danger

3.9
essential services
services essential for the navigation, steering or manoeuvring of the mobile unit, or for the
safety of human life, or for special characteristics of the unit (for example special services)

3.10
frequency
3.10.1
cyclic frequency variation
periodic deviation in frequency during normal operation such as might be caused by regularly
repeated loading

±( f max - f min ) × 100

Cyclic frequency variation = %
2 f nominal

3.10.2
frequency tolerance
maximum departure from nominal frequency during normal operation conditions excluding
transient and cyclic frequency variations

NOTE Frequency tolerance is a steady state tolerance and includes variations caused by loads and governor
characteristics. It also includes variations due to environmental conditions.

3.10.3
frequency transient
sudden change in frequency which goes outside the frequency tolerance limits and returns to
and remains inside these limits within a specified recovery time after initiation of the
disturbance (time range: seconds)

3.11
insulation
3.11.1
basic insulation
insulation of hazardous-live-parts which provides basic protection against electric shock

NOTE Basic insulation does not necessarily include insulation used exclusively for functional purposes.

[IEC 60050-195:1998, 195-06-06, modified]

3.11.2
supplementary insulation
independent insulation applied in addition to basic insulation, for fault protection in the event of
a failure of basic insulation

[IEC 60050-195:1998, 195-06-07, modified]

3.12
live part
conductor or conductive part intended to be energized in normal operation, including a neutral
conductor, but by convention not a PEN conductor or PEM conductor or PEL conductor

NOTE This concept does not necessarily imply a risk of electric shock.
[IEC 60050-195:1998, 195-02-19]
61892-1 © IEC:2010(E) –9–

3.13
PEN conductor
conductor combining the functions of both a protective earthing conductor and a neutral
conductor

[IEC 60050-195:1998, 195-02-12]

3.14
PEM conductor
conductor combining the functions of both a protective earthing conductor and a mid-point
conductor

[IEC 60050-195:1998, 195-02-13]

3.15
PEL conductor
conductor combining the functions of both a protective earthing conductor and a line conductor

[IEC 60050-195:1998, 195-02-14]

3.16
petroleum
complex mixture of hydrocarbons that occurs in the earth in liquid or gaseous forms

3.17
point (in wiring)
any termination of the fixed wiring intended for the attachment of a luminaire or for connecting
to the supply of a current-using appliance

3.18
spaces
3.18.1
accommodation spaces
spaces used for public spaces, corridors, lavatories, cabins, offices, crew quarters, hospitals,
game and hobby rooms, pantries containing no cooking appliances and similar spaces

3.18.2
machinery spaces
spaces containing propelling machinery, boilers, oil fuel units, steam and internal combustion
engines, hydrocarbon process equipment, water treatment and handling equipment, drilling and
associated equipment, generators and major electrical machinery, oil filling stations,
refrigerating, stabilizing, ventilation and air-conditioning machinery, and similar spaces and
trunks to such spaces

3.18.3
public spaces
portions of the accommodation used for halls, dining rooms, lounges, and similar permanently
enclosed spaces

3.19
voltages
3.19.1
voltage tolerance
maximum departure from nominal user voltage during normal operating conditions, excluding
transient and cyclic voltage variations

NOTE Voltage tolerance is a steady state tolerance and includes voltage drop in cables and voltage regulator
characteristics. It also includes variations due to environmental conditions.
 – 10 – 61892-1 © IEC:2010(E)

3.19.2
voltage unbalance tolerance
difference between the highest and lowest phase to phase voltage

3.19.3
cyclic voltage variation
periodic voltage deviation (max. to min. r.m.s. values) of the nominal voltage, such as might be
caused by regularly repeated loading

±(U max − U min ) × 100

Cyclic voltage variation = %
2 U nominal

3.19.4
voltage transient
sudden change in voltage (excluding spikes) which goes outside the nominal voltage tolerance
limits and returns to and remains inside these limits within a specified recovery time after the
initiation of the disturbance (time range: seconds)

3.20
recovery time
3.20.1
voltage transient recovery time
time elapsed from exceeding the normal voltage tolerance until the voltage recovers and
remains within the normal tolerance limits

3.20.2
frequency transient recovery time
time elapsed from exceeding the normal frequency tolerance until the frequency recovers and
remains within the frequency tolerance limits

3.21
waveform
3.21.1
total harmonic distortion
THD
ratio of the r.m.s. value of the sum of all the harmonic components up to a specified order
(recommended notation “ H ”) to the r.m.s. value of the fundamental component

h= H
(Qh )2
THD = ∑
h = 2 (Q )
2
1

where

Q represents either current or voltage;

Q1 is the r.m.s. value of the fundamental component;
h is the harmonic order;
Qh is the r.m.s. value of the harmonic component of order h ;
H is 50 for the purpose of the compatibility levels in this standard
NOTE THD takes account of harmonics only. For the case where interharmonics are to be included, reference is
made to A.3.1 of IEC 61000-2-4:2002.

[IEC 61000-2-4:2002, 3.2.7]

61892-1 © IEC:2010(E) – 11 –

3.21.2
single harmonic content
ratio of the effective r.m.s. value of that harmonic to the r.m.s. value of the fundamental
expressed in per cent

4 General requirements and conditions

4.1 General

This clause contains conditions and requirements which are common to all equipment and in-
stallations in the IEC 61892 series.

Electrical installations in units shall be such that:

– essential services will be maintained under various emergency conditions;

– the safety of crew, contractors, visitors and unit will be ensured;
– the requirements with respect to safety in this standard are considered;
– the requirements of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) are
met as far as applicable;
– the requirements of the IMO MODU Code are met as far as applicable.

NOTE Emergency conditions are normally defined in the safety assessment of the installation.

4.2 Workmanship and material

Good workmanship and adequate material are essential requirements for compliance with
these standards.

4.3 Acceptance of substitutes or alternatives

Where in these standards any special type of equipment, construction, or arrangement is

specified, the use of any other equipment, construction or arrangement is admissible, provided
it is not less effective and reliable.

4.4 Additions and alterations

An addition or alteration, temporary or permanent, shall not be made to an existing installation

until it has been ascertained that the ratings and the condition of existing accessories,
conductors, switchgear, etc. affected, are adequate for the new situation.

Special attention is drawn to those factors affecting the existing system design such as current-
carrying capacity, short-circuit level, voltage drop, harmonics, stability and proper discri-
mination of the protective devices.

4.5 Environmental conditions

4.5.1 General

Electrical equipment shall operate satisfactorily under various environmental conditions.

Environmental conditions are characterised by a number of variables:

– one set including mainly climatic conditions, biological conditions, conditions dependent
upon chemically and mechanically active substances and mechanical conditions;
– another set dependent mainly upon locations in unit, operational patterns and transient
conditions.
 – 12 – 61892-1 © IEC:2010(E)

NOTE Further information regarding environmental conditions in conjunction with some selected locations,
operational patterns and transient conditions which are considered to be generally representative can be found in
IEC 60721-3-6.

4.5.2 Design parameters

4.5.2.1 General

Design parameters based on environmental conditions applicable to certain types of equipment

may be determined according to location. Where no data is available, the following tables give
recommended values.

NOTE In certain areas, e.g. arctic areas, lower temperatures than those given in the tables have to be taken into
consideration. In certain areas, also a higher temperature than given in the tables has to be taken into
consideration.

4.5.2.2 Temperature

In other parts of the IEC 61892 series, where no "high air temperature" has been specified as a
design parameter for equipment, a value of 45 ºC shall apply.

Where equipment is designed to operate with temperatures higher or lower than those stated in
Table 1, permissible temperature rises may be reduced or increased accordingly.

Table 1 – Operational design parameters – Ambient temperature

Type of equipment Value

º
C
High air temperature
Cables 45
Generators and motors 50
Switchgear 45
Transformers 45
Control and instrumentation 55
Other electrical equipment 45
Low air temperature
Control and instrumentation 5 (general)
Control and instrumentation –25 (open deck)
High water temperature
Generators and motors 35

NOTE 1 The lower design temperature will normally be specified in the product standard.

NOTE 2 For batteries see 10.1.1 and 10.7 of IEC 61892-6.

4.5.2.3 Humidity, relative

Design values for relative humidity are given in Table 2.

Table 2 – Design parameters – Humidity, relative

Value
o
% C
95 up to 45
70 above 45
61892-1 © IEC:2010(E) – 13 –

4.6 Materials

In general, all electrical equipment shall be constructed of durable, flame-retardant, moisture-

resistant materials, which are not subject to deterioration in the atmosphere and at the
temperatures to which they are likely to be exposed.

Equipment enclosures located outdoor, in naturally ventilated and wash down areas shall be
made of proven seawater resistant materials.

NOTE 1 Such material may be seawater resistant aluminium, stainless steel or UV resistant plastic material.

NOTE 2 For further information regarding environmental conditions, refer to IEC 60721-3-6.

4.7 Power supply system characteristics

4.7.1 General

Unless otherwise stated in other parts of this standard, equipment shall function when supplied
from general distribution systems with due regard to voltage and frequency variations,
harmonic distortion and conducted disturbances. The characteristics of general distribution
systems are given in the following subclauses.

NOTE 1 Where the power supply is obtained from the shore, due regard should be paid to the effect that the
quality of the supply, if different from that specified in this clause, may have on the performance of equipment.

NOTE 2 For systems where semiconductors are connected having a total rating which is a significant portion of
the total system rating, it may be feasible to suppress the harmonics. Consideration should be given to taking
appropriate measures to attenuate these effects of the distribution system so that safe operation is assured. Care
should be taken in selecting consumers supplied from an electric power supply system with a higher harmonic
content than specified in this clause.

NOTE 3 Electrical equipment which requires a higher quality power supply may need additional provisions to be
made locally. Where additional equipment is fitted to achieve this higher quality power supply, it may be required to
be duplicated and segregated to the same degree as the electrical equipment it supplies.

NOTE 4 Special attention should be paid to the installation of electrical equipment which may influence the quality
of power supply on a local basis or react with any harmonics present on the general distribution system.

NOTE 5 Variable frequency/voltage systems may be admissible provided safe operation of the system is assured
and equipment is suitably rated for the expected variations.

4.7.2 AC distribution systems

4.7.2.1 General

The voltages referred to in 4.7.2.2 and 4.7.3 are measured at the point where the equipment is
installed.

4.7.2.2 Voltage characteristics

Tolerances are expressed in a percentage of the nominal voltage.

Voltages are root mean square (r.m.s.) unless otherwise stated.

+ 6
Voltage tolerance (continuous)....................................................................... %
−10
Voltage unbalance tolerance including phase voltage unbalance
as a result of unbalance of load according to IEC 61892-2. ............................ 7%
Cyclic voltage variation (continuous). ............................................................. 2%

Voltage transients:
 – 14 – 61892-1 © IEC:2010(E)

slow transients e.g. due to load variations tolerance .......................................

+20
(deviation from nominal voltage) ............................................... .................... %
− 20
voltage transients recovery time..................................................................... maximum 1,5 s

Where three-phase a.c. motors conforming to the IEC 60034 series are connected, then the
system negative sequence component shall not exceed 1 % of the positive sequence
component over a long period, or 1,5 % for a short period not exceeding a few minutes, and a
zero sequence component not exceeding 1 % of the positive sequence component.

NOTE The sum of voltage excursions at any point on the system (tolerances and transients) from nominal voltage
+ 20
should not exceed − 20 %.

4.7.2.3 Harmonic distortion (voltage waveform)

For voltage harmonic distortion, acceptance limits shall correspond to IEC 61000-2-4, Class 2.
In addition no single harmonic shall exceed 5 %.

NOTE 1 IEC 61000-2-4, Class 2, requires that the THD shall not exceed 8 %.

NOTE 2 Other values may be considered subject to approval of the appropriate authority.

NOTE 3 Some equipment may require Class 1 (5 % and 3 %). Classification societies may have other
requirements, which may be more stringent.

4.7.2.4 Frequency characteristics

Tolerances are expressed in a percentage of the nominal frequency.

+5
Frequency tolerance (continuous) ................................................................. %
−5
Cyclic frequency variation (continuous) ......................................................... 0,5 %

Frequency transient tolerance ....................................................................... +10 %

−10
Frequency transients recovery time............................................................... maximum 5 s
NOTE The sum of frequency excursions at any point on the system (tolerances and transients) from nominal
+12,5
frequency should not exceed −12,5 %.

4.7.3 DC distribution systems

Tolerances are expressed in a percentage of the nominal voltage.

Voltage tolerance (continuous)...................................................................... +10 %

−10
Cyclic voltage variation ................................................................................. 5%
Voltage ripple (a.c. r.m.s. over steady d.c. voltage, battery in fully loaded condition) 10 %
NOTE 1 When battery chargers/(battery combinations) are used as d.c. power supply systems, adequate
measures should be taken to keep the voltage within the specified limits during charging, quick charging and
discharging of the battery.

NOTE 2 For control and instrumentation systems, see IEC 61892-2.

Fast transients e.g. spikes caused by switching, peak impulse voltage amplitude

24 V d.c. systems ......................................................................................... 500 V

110 V d.c. systems ....................................................................................... 1 500 V
220 V d.c. systems ....................................................................................... 2 500 V
600 V d.c. system ......................................................................................... 4 000 V
61892-1 © IEC:2010(E) – 15 –

1 000 V d.c. system ...................................................................................... 6 000 V

NOTE 3 The figures are in accordance with IEC 60664-1. Values for d.c. systems with rated voltage above 1 000
V are not given in that standard

4.8 Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres

When an apparatus is required to be suitable for use in explosive gas atmospheres, it shall
comply with the requirements of IEC 61892-7.

Such equipment shall be constructed and tested in accordance with the requirements of the
IEC 60079 series as required in IEC 61892-7 and be certified as fit for purpose for the actual
ambient temperature and other environmental conditions, to the satisfaction of the appropriate
authority.

NOTE In most countries, it is required that certification is done by an independent testing authority.

4.9 Precautions against galvanic corrosion

Suitable means shall be taken to prevent galvanic corrosion when securing dissimilar metals,
for example aluminium to the structure or hull of a unit.

4.10 Clearance and creepage distances

The distances between live parts of different potential and between live parts and the cases of
other earthed metal, whether across surfaces or in air, shall be adequate for the working
voltage, having regard to the nature of the insulating material and the conditions of service.

NOTE Information regarding creepage and clearage distances are given in the specific equipment standards,
referred to in IEC 61892-3.

4.11 Insulation

Insulating materials and insulated windings shall be resistant to moisture, sea air and oil
vapour, unless special precautions are taken to protect insulants against such agents.

NOTE As a consequence of this clause, insulating materials in important applications, such as busbar supports,
etc., should have sufficient resistance against tracking. It is recommended that the comparative tracking index of
such materials be not less than 175 V when determined according to lEC 60112.

4.12 Maintenance and inspection

Equipment shall be so designed and installed as to permit its being maintained and inspected
as required for all its parts.

NOTE Equipment should, to the extent possible be designed to allow for thermographic inspection. Where this is
not possible, consideration should be given to installation of equipment for temperature monitoring.

4.13 Cable entries

Cable glands or bushings, or fittings for screwed conduits, shall be suitable for the intended
cables and shall facilitate the cable entrance into the equipment. All entries shall maintain the
degree of protection provided by the enclosure of the associated equipment.

NOTE For explosion protected equipment, it should be noted that gas or vapour leakage and propagation of
flames may occur through the interstices between the strands of standard stranded conductors, or between
individual cores of a cable. Construction methods as compacted strands, sealing of the individual strands, and inner
sheath can be employed as means of reducing leakage and preventing propagation of flames.

4.14 Precautions against vibration and mechanical shock

Equipment shall be unaffected by vibration and shock likely to arise under normal service.
Connections shall be secured against becoming loose due to vibration.
 – 16 – 61892-1 © IEC:2010(E)

NOTE For guidance regarding shock testing, see IEC 60068-2-27.

4.15 Location of electrical equipment in units

Major electrical equipment, such as

• electrical switchgears and distribution boards/panels;

• motor starters and feeders including contactors and breakers;
• power transformers;
• battery chargers;
• frequency converters;

shall, wherever possible, be installed in rooms with a controlled atmosphere.

NOTE Regarding installations in hazardous areas, reference is made to IEC 61892-7.

4.16 Mechanical protection

Electrical equipment shall be placed so that, as far as practicable, it is not exposed to risk of
mechanical damage.

NOTE Special attention to protection of electrical equipment against mechanical damage should be given in
storage, loading and other exposed areas.

4.17 Protection from heat, water, steam and oil

Electrical equipment shall be so selected and located or protected from the effects of exposure
to saliferous atmosphere, water, steam, oil or oil fumes, spray, ice formation, etc., that the
effects are minimised. It should be located well clear of boilers, steam, oil or water pipes, and
engine exhaust pipes and manifolds, unless specifically designed for such locations. If pipes
must be run adjacent to electrical equipment, there shall be no joints in the immediate vicinity
of the electrical equipment.

NOTE Where sprinkler heads or water spraying devices are fitted for fire-fighting, due consideration should be
given to the siting of electrical equipment which would be seriously affected by the inadvertent operation of the
extinguishing arrangement. This is particularly applicable to switchgear and switch rooms, where a suitable
alternative method of extinguishing should be used.

4.18 Protection against electrical shock

All electrical equipment shall be provided with an enclosure complying with a degree of
protection of at least IP2X or shall be provided with at least provisions for basic protection in
accordance with IEC 61140.

NOTE 1 Where an item of equipment or enclosure contains live parts that are not capable of being isolated by a
single device, a warning notice should be placed in such a position that any person gaining access to live parts will
be warned of the need to use appropriate isolating devices, unless an interlocking arrangement is provided so that
all the circuits are isolated.

NOTE 2 For information regarding IP codes, see Annex A.

4.19 Enclosures

Enclosures shall comply with the degrees of protection as required in Table 7 of IEC 61892-2.
Enclosing cases for electrical equipment shall be of adequate mechanical strength and rigidity
and mounted so that their enclosing arrangements and the functioning of the built-in equipment
will not be affected by distortions, vibrations and movements of the unit’s construction, or by
risk of damage.

NOTE For additional requirements to mobile units, see IEC 61892-5.

61892-1 © IEC:2010(E) – 17 –

4.20 Environmental impact

The design, construction and maintenance shall, wherever possible, consider:

• the impact on the environment;

• the efficient use of generated power;
• the actual environmental values, e.g. temperature variations, over the year and operational
area;
• the use of high efficient motors and high frequency drives to optimize power consumption,
e.g. motors;
• the use of low-loss transformers, generators and other high power equipment;
• the re-use of waste energy in HVAC installations;
• the use of low energy luminaires and efficient switching arrangements.
NOTE 1 Consideration should be given to establishing an energy management system.

NOTE 2 Energy optimization by use of i.e. brake energy or waste heat recovery should be evaluated.
 – 18 – 61892-1 © IEC:2010(E)

Annex A
(informative)

Degree of protection

The following gives information regarding the IP code, as found in IEC 60529.

Table A.1 – Degrees of protection against foreign objects

indicated by the first characteristic numeral

First Degree of protection

characteristic
numeral Short description Definition

0 Non-protected –
1 Protected against solid objects The object probe, sphere of 50 mm Ø, shall not fully
of 50 mm Ø and greater penetrate a

2 Protected against solid foreign The object probe, sphere of 12,5 mm Ø, shall not fully
objects of 12,5 mm Ø and penetrate a
greater
3 Protected against solid objects The object probe, sphere of 2,5 mm Ø, shall not penetrate at
of 2,5 mm Ø and greater all a
4 Protected against solid objects The object probe, sphere of 1,0 mm Ø, shall not penetrate at
of 1 mm Ø and greater all a
5 Dust-protected Ingress of dust is not totally prevented, but dust shall not
penetrate in a quantity to interfere with satisfactory operation
of the apparatus to impair safety
6 Dust-tight No ingress of dust
a
The full diameter of the object probe shall not pass through an opening of the enclosure.
61892-1 © IEC:2010(E) – 19 –

Table A.2 – Degrees of protection against water indicated

by the second characteristic numeral

Second Degree of protection

characteristic
numeral Short description Definition

0 Non-protected –
1 Protected against vertically falling Vertically falling drops shall have no harmful effects
water drops
2 Protected against vertically falling Vertically falling drops shall have no harmful effects when the
water drops when enclosure tilted enclosure is tilted at any angle up to 15 ° on either side of
up to 15 ° the vertical
3 Protected against spraying water Water sprayed at an angle up to 60 ° on either side of the
vertical shall have no harmful effects
4 Protected against splashing water Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall
have no harmful effects
5 Protected against water jets Water projected in jets against the enclosure from any
direction shall have no harmful effects
6 Protected against powerful water Water projected in powerful jets against the enclosure from
jets any direction shall have no harmful effects
7 Protected against the effects of Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall
temporary immersion in water not be possible when the enclosure is temporarily immersed
in water under standardized conditions of pressure and time

8 Protected against the effects of Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall
continuous immersion in water not be possible when the enclosure is continuously immersed
in water under conditions which shall be agreed between
manufacturer and user but which are more severe than for
numeral 7

Notes common to Tables 1 and 2:

NOTE 1 For information about degrees of protection against access to hazardous parts indicated by an additional
letter and/or a supplementary letter, see IEC 60529.

NOTE 2 For information about degrees of protection for rotating electrical machines, see IEC 60034-5.

NOTE 3 Second characteristic numeral 6 will also include protection against heavy seas.
 – 20 – 61892-1 © IEC:2010(E)

Annex B
(Informative)

Cold climate precautions

Due to the harsh climate conditions experienced in arctic areas, the environmental conditions
given in 4.5 may not be relevant for units operating in arctic areas, where the minimum
temperature may go down to –60 ° C.

For units required to operate in arctic areas the following needs to be considered:

• the suitability of materials for cold climate. Plastic materials may not be suitable if they
become brittle at the actual temperature;
• an increased use of heat tracing;
• anti-condensation heaters to be used in enclosures located in outdoor areas;
• the motors should have bearings and lubrication systems suitable for the expected low
temperature. It should be noted that according to IEC 60034-1, the design ambient air
temperature is not less than –15 °C for any machine and not less than 0 °C for specific
machines, see 6.4 of IEC 60034-1;
• an emergency light with integral battery may not be suitable due to reduced battery capacity
at low temperature;
• fluorescent lighting may not be suitable as they may not start up in low temperature. Also
the light output may decrease at lower temperature;
• the cable insulation and jacket material shall be suitable for these low temperatures;
• Ex d equipment is normally certified for a minimum temperature of –20 °C. At lower
temperature, the internal explosion pressure may be higher, which means that the Ex d
equipment needs to be certified for the actual, lower temperature;
• when necessary, cable trays are to be designed for the expected ice and snow load;
• the capacity of emergency power sources needs to be specially evaluated.
61892-1 © IEC:2010(E) – 21 –

Bibliography

IEC 60050-151:2001, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Part 151: Electrical and

magnetic devices

IEC 60050-195:2001, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Part 195: Earthing and

protection against electric shock

IEC 60050-426:2008, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Part 426: Equipment for

explosive atmospheres

IEC 60050-826:2004, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Part 828: Electrical

installations

IEC 60068-2-27, Environmental testing – Part 2-27: Tests – Test Ea and guidance: Shock

IEC 60112, Method for the determination of the proof and the comparative tracking indices of
solid insulating materials

IEC 60364-7-710, Electrical installations of buildings – Part 7-710: Requirements for special
installations or locations – Medical locations

IEC 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)

IEC 60664-1, Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage systems – Part 1:
Principles, requirements and tests

IEC 60721-3-6, Classification of environmental conditions – Part 3: Classification of groups of

environmental parameters and their severities – Ship environment

IEC 61892-3, Mobile and fixed offshore units – Electrical installations – Part 3: Equipment

IEC 61892-5, Mobile and fixed offshore units – Electrical installations – Part 5: Mobile units

IEC 61892-6:2007, Mobile and fixed offshore units – Electrical installations – Part 6: Installation

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