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Built to Last: Understanding IK Ratings

When it comes to choosing durable lighting solutions, especially for outdoor or industrial use, you might come across the term "IK rating." This rating is a key indicator of how well a lighting fixture can withstand physical impact, making it crucial for environments where lights might be exposed to accidental knocks, weather elements, or even vandalism. In this article, we’ll dive into what IK ratings are, how they work, and why they matter for LED lighting applications.

What is an IK Rating?

An IK rating is a standardised measure of a fixture's ability to resist physical impact, specifically the impact on its outer casing. Established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) under the IEC 62262 standard, IK ratings offer an easy-to-understand scale that informs users of the degree of impact protection an enclosure provides. The IK rating helps electricians, lighting designers, business owners, and facility managers quickly assess if a lighting fixture is durable enough for the intended environment. For example, in outdoor, public, or industrial spaces, where lighting fixtures are more likely to experience physical contact, a high IK rating can mean the difference between long-lasting, low-maintenance lighting and costly, frequent replacements.

 
Floodlight on the side of a building

How IK Ratings Work

The IK rating system uses a scale ranging from IK00 to IK10, with each level indicating a specific amount of impact resistance. A higher rating means greater protection.

IK00: No protection.
Fixtures rated IK00 have no impact resistance and are not recommended for environments where they might be subjected to any force.

IK01: 0.15 joules of impact resistance.
This level protects against very minor impacts, such as an accidental light brush or small, lightweight objects hitting the fixture. Equivalent to the impact of a 200g weight dropped from 7.5 cm.

IK02: 0.2 joules of impact resistance.
Offers slightly more protection than IK01, handling minor knocks or bumps. Equivalent to a 200g weight dropped from 10 cm.

IK03: 0.35 joules of impact resistance.
Suitable for environments with light incidental contact, such as offices or residential spaces. Equivalent to a 200g weight dropped from 17.5 cm.

IK04: 0.5 joules of impact resistance.
Withstands low-impact forces, such as a small tool or object lightly bumping into it. Equivalent to a 200g weight dropped from 25 cm.

IK05: 0.7 joules of impact resistance.
Offers moderate protection, ideal for low-risk commercial spaces where light impacts are expected. Equivalent to a 200g weight dropped from 35 cm.

IK Rating Icon for Impact Protection level 8 (IK08)
IK06: 1 joule of impact resistance.
Protects against minor accidental impacts, such as gentle collisions in low-traffic areas. Equivalent to a 500g weight dropped from 20 cm.

IK07: 2 joules of impact resistance.
This level is suitable for industrial or semi-outdoor settings, withstanding impacts from objects or equipment brushes. Equivalent to a 500g weight dropped from 40 cm.

IK08: 5 joules of impact resistance.
With increased durability, IK08 fixtures are built for environments where they may experience stronger impacts, such as garages or public facilities. Equivalent to a 1.7kg weight dropped from 29.5 cm.

IK09: 10 joules of impact resistance.
Fixtures with this rating handle substantial impacts, making them suitable for high-traffic areas or outdoor environments where they may encounter significant force. Equivalent to a 5kg weight dropped from 20 cm.

IK10: 20 joules of impact resistance.
This is the highest standard rating, ideal for environments with a high risk of impact, such as urban areas, transportation hubs, and heavy industrial sites. Equivalent to a 5kg weight dropped from 40 cm.



Extra Protection Beyond Standard IK Ratings

For extreme environments, some manufacturers provide products labelled as IK10+, IK10++ or IK11, IK12 and so on, indicating that the fixture surpasses the standard IK10 rating, often up to 50 joules or more. These fixtures are specially designed for areas with extreme risk of impact, like correctional facilities or military sites, ensuring maximum durability and longevity even under substantial force.

 

Importance of IK Ratings in LED Lighting

IK ratings are especially important in LED lighting for environments where durability is a top priority. Here’s why an IK rating should factor into your choice of LED lighting:

- Outdoor Durability: In outdoor settings, lighting fixtures are exposed to a variety of potential hazards, from falling branches to hail. High IK ratings ensure that these fixtures remain functional even when subjected to such physical impacts. For instance, an IK10-rated LED is well-suited for parking lots, stadiums, and street lighting, where it may be at risk of damage from external forces.

- Industrial Applications: In industrial environments such as factories, warehouses, and construction sites, equipment can easily be bumped or knocked, sometimes by heavy machinery. IK-rated LED lights with robust impact resistance can reduce maintenance needs and withstand these challenging conditions without frequent replacements.

- Security and Public Areas: Public spaces such as parks, train stations, and urban centres often experience high foot traffic, along with the potential for vandalism. Using LED lights with high IK ratings helps ensure that these lights remain operational and continue providing safety and visibility, even if they experience intentional or unintentional impacts.

Ultimately, choosing the right IK-rated LED lights can add significant value in the form of increased longevity, reduced maintenance, and enhanced safety for both people and property.

LED lighting on an oil rig gangway.

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