This recommendation covers: -standard degrees of protection provided by enclosures for low-voltage switchgear and control gear@ as regards: a) protection of persons against contact with live or moving parts inside the enclosure and protection of equipment against ingress of solid foreign bodies@ b) protection of equipment against ingress of liquid@ c) protection of equipment against mechanical damage (under consideration): -markings regarding these degrees of protection; -tests to be performed to prove that the equipment meets the requirements of this recommendation. This recommendation does not apply to special degrees of protection@ such as protection of equipment in an explosive atmosphere. Such equipment must comply with the recommendations prepared by I.E.C. Technical Committee No. 31 : Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmosperes. Neither does it cover protection against other unusual service conditions such as fungus and corrosive vapours. This recommendation as intended to serve as a guide to the requirements for protective enclosures. The tests@ however@ are applicable only where practicable and where agreed between manufacturer and user. The effects of stresses occurring during short-circuit operation are not covered by this recommendation@ but are dealt with in an I.E.C publication under consideration.