For the purposes of § 27-1-23 — § 27-1-25, the following principles shall be applied in determining classes of creditors and stockholders; provided, that as to any situation not covered by the principles, the court may make any further determination of classes, not inconsistent with the principles, that may be fair and equitable:

(1) Creditors.  No creditor whose claim is wholly secured shall be included in any class provided for under this chapter, nor have any right to vote at any meeting of creditors as long as the plan does not impair that security. Any creditor whose claim is partially secured shall, unless the creditor releases his or her right to the security, be included in the class of general creditors, but shall be entitled to vote only as to the portion of his or her claim in excess of the value of the security; and

(2) Stockholders.  Common or capital stock and preferred stock shall be classified as separate classes of stock. Common or capital stock of the same par value, regardless of series or number of issues, and preferred stock of the same par value, regardless of series or number of issues, shall constitute only one class of common or capital or preferred stock, unless the charter of the company specifically otherwise provides, in which event the provisions of the charter shall be controlling.