What are the IK Ratings in LED Lighting?
The rapid advancement of LED lighting technology has not only enhanced energy efficiency but also significantly improved the durability and adaptability of light fixtures. When it comes to selecting LED lighting equipment, understanding its durability and protection capabilities is crucial. One important parameter in this regard is the IK rating. So, what are the IK ratings, and how does it impact LED lighting? This article will share the knowledge and help you better understand the IK rating and its importance when choosing LED lighting equipment.
What are the IK Ratings?
The IK ratings are an international standard used to measure the resistance of electrical enclosures to mechanical impacts. This standard is set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), specifically referenced in the standard IEC 62262. The IK rating ranges from IK00 to IK10, with higher numbers indicating greater resistance to mechanical impact.
How is the IK Rating Measured?
The IK ratings are primarily measured by applying specific levels of impact energy to evaluate the durability of the enclosure. In practice, this involves using different weights of mass hammers dropped from specified heights to produce the required impact energy. For example, an IK00 rating means no protection is provided, while an IK10 rating indicates the equipment can withstand an impact of 20 joules, equivalent to a 5 kg mass dropped from a height of 40 cm.
| IK Code | Protection | Description |
| IK00 | There is no Protection. | – |
| IK01 | Protected against 0.14 joules of impact | equivalent to the impact of a 0.25kg mass dropped from 56mm above |
| IK02 | Protected against 0.2 joules of impact | equivalent to the impact of a 0.25kg mass dropped from 80mm above |
| IK03 | Protected against 0.35 joules of impact | equivalent to the impact of a 0.2kg mass dropped from 140mm above |
| IK04 | Protected against 0.5 joules of impact | equivalent to the impact of a 0.25kg mass dropped from 200mm above the impacted surface |
| IK05 | Protected against 0.7 joules of impact | equivalent to the impact of a 0.25kg mass dropped from 280mm above the impacted surface |
| IK06 | Protected against 1 joules of impact | equivalent to the impact of a 0.25kg mass dropped from 400mm above the impacted surface |
| IK07 | Protected against 2 joules of impact | equivalent to the impact of a 0.5kg mass dropped from 400mm above the impacted surface |
| IK08 | Protected against 5 joules of impact | equivalent to the impact of a 1.7kg mass dropped from 300mm above the impacted surface |
| IK09 | Protected against 10 joules of impact | equivalent to the impact of a 5kg mass dropped from 200mm above the impacted surface |
| IK10 | Protected against 20 joules of impact | equivalent to the impact of a 5kg mass dropped from 400mm above the impacted surface |
Applications of the IK Rating in LED Lighting
When selecting LED lighting equipment, the IK ratings are an important consideration, especially for light fixtures that need to work in harsh environments. Here are some specific application scenarios:
Outdoor Lighting
For street lighting, outdoor plazas, private yards and sports fields, LED fixtures must withstand various impacts from the natural environment, such as wind, rain, flying objects, and even vandalism. In such cases, choosing LED light fixtures with a high IK rating (such as IK08 or IK10) is crucial.
Industrial Environments
Industrial sites often involve heavy machinery and frequent handling operations, which can subject lighting equipment to mechanical impacts. LED light fixtures with a high IK rating can provide better protection, ensuring the reliability of the equipment over prolonged use.
Public Facilities
Public places like stations, airports, and shopping malls experience high foot traffic and are prone to accidental collisions. Lighting equipment in these areas needs to have a higher IK rating to ensure durability and safety.
How to Choose the Appropriate IK Rating?
Choosing the appropriate IK ratings mainly depends on the application environment and the potential risk of mechanical impact. Here are some suggestions:
- Low-Risk Environments: For indoor lighting in residential areas, an IK rating between IK02 and IK05 is usually sufficient.
- Medium-Risk Environments: For commercial areas, offices, shops and schools, consider light fixtures with an IK rating between IK06 and IK08.
- High-Risk Environments: For industrial areas, outdoor lighting, and public facilities, opt for fixtures with an IK rating of IK09 or IK10.
Difference Between IK Rating and IP Rating
In addition to the IK ratings, another common protection rating is the IP rating (Ingress Protection). The IP rating measures the electronic equipment’s resistance to solid foreign objects and water, while the IK rating focuses on preventing mechanical impacts. Both are important when selecting LED light fixtures, especially for light fixtures that need to operate in harsh environments.
IP Ratings 1st Numeral: Protection Against Solid Foreign Objects
| Level sized | Effective against | Description |
| 0 | No protection | No protection against contact and ingress of objects |
| 1 | Protected against solid foreign objects >50mm | Avoid large area surface contact with foreign objects |
| 2 | Protected against solid foreign objects >12.5mm | Block objects of finger size or similar objects |
| 3 | Protected against solid foreign objects>2.5mm | Block Tools, thick wires or other related objects. |
| 4 | Protected against solid foreign objects>1mm | Isolate most wires, slender screws, large ants, small sharp tools, etc. |
| 5 | Dust-protected | Completely prevent contact and ingress of dust is not entirely prevented, but only a sufficient amount of dust will affect the equipment. |
| 6 | Dust-tight | No ingress of dust; complete protection against contact (dust-tight). |
IP Ratings 2nd Numeral: Water Protection
| Level | Protection against | Effective against. | Details |
| 0 | No protection | No protective effect | – |
| 1 | Protected against vertical falling water drops | Protection against dripping water (vertically falling drops) shall have no harmful and unsafe effect. | Test duration: 10 minutes. Water equivalent to 1 mm (0.039 in) rainfall per minute. |
| 2 | Water projected by a nozzle (6.3 mm (0.25 in) against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects. | Protection against dripping water (vertically falling drops) shall have no harmful or unsafe effect. | Test duration: 2.5 minutes for every direction of tilt (10 minutes total). Water equivalent to 3 mm (0.12 in) rainfall per minute. |
| 3 | Protected against spraying water | Protection against water falling as a spray at any angle up to 60° from the vertical shall have no harmful effect. | Test duration: 1 minute per square meter for at least 10 minutes. Water volume: 10 liters per minute. (0.037 impgal/s) Pressure: 50–150 kPa (7.3–21.8 psi) |
| 4 | Protected against splashing of water | Protection against splashing water from any direction shall have no harmful effect. | Test duration: 10 minutes, or spray nozzle (same as IPX3 spray nozzle with the shield removed). Water volume: 10 liters per minute. Pressure: 50–150 kPa |
| 5 | Protected against water jets | Water projected by a nozzle (6.3 mm (0.25 in)) against enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects. | Test duration: 1 minute per square meter for at least 3 minutes Water volume: 12.5 litres per minute Pressure: 30 kPa (4.4 psi) at distance of 3 meters (9.8 ft) |
| 6 | Protected against powerful water jets | Water projected in powerful jets (12.5 mm (0.49 in)) against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects. | Test duration: 1 minute per square meter for at least 3 minutes Water volume: 100 liters per minute (0.37 impgal/s) Pressure: 100 kPa (15 psi) at distance of 3 meters (9.8 ft) |
| 7 | Protected against the effect of immersion in water, up to 1 meter (3 ft 3 in) depth | Ingress of water in harmful quantity shall not be possible when the enclosure is immersed in water under defined conditions of pressure and time (up to 1 meter (3 ft 3 in) of submersion). | Test duration: at least 30 minutes. When the height of the equipment is lower than 850mm, the lowest point of the equipment should be 1000mm below the water surface. When the height of the equipment is greater than 850mm, the highest point of the equipment should be 150mm below the water surface. |
| 8 | Protected against high pressure in water, 1 meter (3 ft 3 in) or more depth | Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible when the enclosure is continuously immersed in water under higher pressure( more than 1 meter (3 ft 3 in). | Test duration: agreement with the manufacturer. Water depth: Water depth is specified by the manufacturer, generally up to 3 meters (9.8 ft). |
Conclusion
Understanding the IK ratings are crucial for selecting the appropriate LED lighting equipment. It helps evaluate the durability and reliability of light fixtures in different application scenarios, leading to more informed decisions. Whether it’s for outdoor lighting, industrial environments, or public facilities, high IK-rated LED light fixtures offer better protection and longer lifespan.
When choosing LED lighting equipment, in addition to considering basic parameters like luminous efficacy and color temperature, the IK ratings are an essential indicator that should not be overlooked. By comprehensively understanding and considering all factors, you can select the most suitable LED lighting equipment for your needs.
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