In today’s world, lamps and luminaires, in addition to providing light, must also be strong and durable enough to withstand various environmental conditions, especially impacts. This is where the Impact Resistance (IK) standard comes into play. This standard ensures that your luminaires will be less damaged and last longer in harsh environments and when exposed to impacts. In this article from EDC, we will examine the IK standard and how it is rated, and we will also explain its importance.
What is the Impact Resistance (IK) Standard?
The IK standard, or impact protection standard, is a global index that indicates how much a light or electronic device can withstand impact. The IK rating allows lighting equipment and electronic devices to perform best against impact in different environments, including industrial or public spaces.
What organization determines the IK index?
The IK standard is defined and determined by global institutions such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). As the main authority for determining these standards, the IEC organization applies these ratings based on various scientific and empirical criteria. To ensure the safety and quality of electronic and lighting products, these organizations conduct specific tests to ensure that the lights have adequate protection against harsh environmental conditions and various impacts.
What does the IK rating mean?
The IK rating is made up of numbers between 00 and 10, with the higher the number, the greater the resistance of the light to impact. In other words, the IK10 standard means the highest level of impact resistance. Each numerical rating represents a specific amount of energy that the light can withstand.
| IK rating | Impact energy |
| IK00 | Without protection |
| IK01 | 0.15 Joule |
| IK02 | 0.20 Joule |
| IK03 | 0.35 Joule |
| IK04 | 0.50 Joule |
| IK05 | 0.70 Joule |
| IK06 | 1.00 Joule |
| IK07 | 2.00 Joule |
| IK08 | 5.00 Joule |
| IK09 | 10.00 Joule |
| IK10 | 20.00 Joule |
Example of a light impact resistance (IK) standard
For example, suppose that the lights in a public parking lot need to be selected to withstand possible impacts, such as collisions from cars or shopping carts. In such situations, it is recommended to use lamps with the IK10 standard, as these lamps can withstand impacts of up to 20 joules.
As a reference, 20 joules are equivalent to the impact of a 5 kg metal object falling from a height of 40 cm onto the surface of the lamp. Therefore, lamps with the IK10 standard can continue to operate without damage in high-traffic and industrial environments where the likelihood of impact is high.
How to test and evaluate the IK rating
For the IK rating test, the lamp or product in question is subjected to special tests. In these tests, special devices are used that apply impacts of different energies to the surface of the product. Then, the product’s resistance to these impacts is checked and the IK rating is determined depending on the level of protection. The more impact-resistant the lamp is, the higher the IK rating it receives. These tests are usually performed under standardized and controlled conditions.
Application of IK Rating in the Lighting Industry
IK rating is very important in industrial and public applications. Lights with IK10 standard are usually used in places such as parking lots, streets and industrial environments where there is a high probability of impact.
These lights perform better in areas exposed to harsh weather conditions such as rain and storms. Therefore, the impact protection standard is one of the most important criteria for selecting durable and resistant lights for different environments.
Summary
The IK standard is a way to evaluate the resistance of lights and lighting equipment to physical impacts. According to this standard, you can choose lights that are suitable for your work or residential environment and have high durability and quality. Especially in environments where lights are subject to constant impact, choosing an IK10 rated light can help extend the life of your lighting fixtures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Impact Resistance (IK) rating of a light fixture?
The IK rating indicates how resistant a light fixture or electrical device is to physical impact. The standard is rated using IK numbers, which indicate the amount of impact energy the product can withstand.
What environments are IK10 rated lights suitable for?
IK10 rated lights, which offer the highest level of impact protection, are suitable for environments such as parking lots, factories, public spaces, and industrial areas where there is a high risk of impact and damage.
How do I determine the appropriate IK rating for my fixture?
You should choose an IK rating depending on the installation environment and the likelihood of physical impact. For low-risk environments such as homes, lower ratings (IK01 to IK05) are sufficient, but for high-risk and industrial environments, higher standards such as IK08 or IK10 are recommended.
