In lighting fixtures, the IK rating is used to measure their ability to withstand mechanical impacts, which is particularly important for outdoor lighting fixtures as they may face mechanical impacts from various sources such as collisions, impacts, or vandalism.

By understanding the IK rating of lighting fixtures, users can assess their durability and safety under different conditions. A higher IK rating indicates that the lighting fixture has a stronger mechanical impact protection capability, able to withstand stronger external impacts, thereby extending its lifespan and reducing the risk of damage. When selecting outdoor lighting fixtures, understanding their IK rating is crucial, especially in environments where durability and reliability are needed.

The IK rating is defined by the IEC 62262 standard, using a numerical scale to represent the mechanical impact protection level of a device. The numerical scale ranges from 0 to 10, with higher numbers indicating a stronger protection capability against mechanical impacts.

IK00 - No protection.

IK01 - Resistant to an impact force of 0.14 joules (equivalent to a 0.25 kg mass falling from 56 mm above the surface).

IK02 - Resistant to an impact force of 0.2 joules (equivalent to a 0.25 kg mass falling from 80 mm above the surface).

IK03 - Prevents an impact force of 0.35 joules (equivalent to a 0.2 kg mass falling from 140 mm above the surface).

IK04 - Resistant to an impact force of 0.5 joules (equivalent to a 0.25 kg mass falling from 200 mm above the surface).

IK05 - Resistant to an impact force of 0.7 joules (equivalent to a 0.25 kg mass falling from 280 mm above the surface).

IK06 - Prevents an impact force of 1 joule (equivalent to a 0.25 kg mass falling from 400 mm above the surface).

IK07 - Resistant to an impact force of 2 joules (equivalent to a 0.5 kg mass falling from 400 mm above the surface).

IK08 - Resistant to an impact force of 5 joules (equivalent to a 1.7 kg mass falling from 300 mm above the surface).

IK09 - Prevents an impact force of 10 joules (equivalent to a 5 kg mass falling from 200 mm above the surface).

IK10 - Resistant to an impact force of 20 joules (equivalent to a 5 kg mass falling from 400 mm above the surface).

IK testing is conducted using a hammer impact test. The testing process is as follows:

Prepare the test sample: Prepare the LED lighting fixture or other electrical equipment to be tested, ensuring that its housing meets the testing requirements and can withstand mechanical impacts.

Select the impact energy level: According to the testing requirements and standards, select the appropriate impact energy level. The IK rating ranges from IK00 to IK10, representing different levels of impact energy. Choose the suitable level for testing based on the device's purpose and environment.

Set up the testing parameters: Based on the selected impact energy level, choose the appropriate hammer weight and height. Adjust the position and direction of the testing apparatus to ensure that the impact covers various parts of the sample.

Conduct the impact test: Use the selected hammer to conduct the impact test on the sample. The hammer should strike the sample from different angles and heights to simulate mechanical impacts from various directions.

Record the test results: Record the energy level of each impact and the response of the sample. Determine the IK rating of the sample based on the test results.

Repeat testing (optional): Depending on the need, repeat the testing to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the results. Adjust the testing parameters and conduct additional tests until satisfactory results are achieved.

IEC 62262, established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), manages the system of protection ratings for electrical equipment housings. This international standard, effective in the EU since 2002, provides standard guidance for IK ratings.

IEC 62262 defines IK10 as the maximum protection level, but some products may require better mechanical impact protection. However, IEC 62262 does not provide ratings higher than IK10, so IK10 is considered the maximum impact rating for all electrical equipment housings without specifying the impacting position.

IK rating testing for LED lighting fixtures should be conducted under the required atmospheric conditions, with impacts applied to the entire fixture. Factors such as the number of impacts, distribution, size, pattern, and hammer material need to be determined during testing. Understanding the manufacturer's testing procedures is essential.

IK rating is crucial for lighting fixtures as it determines their ability to withstand mechanical impacts, thereby influencing their reliability and durability in various environments.

In different application scenarios, lighting fixtures may encounter various mechanical impacts, such as collisions, impacts, or strikes from falling objects. If a lighting fixture does not have a sufficient IK rating to resist these impacts, it can lead to damage, rupture, or failure, affecting its normal operation and lifespan.

For example, in outdoor environments, lighting fixtures may face harsh weather conditions and unpredictable external factors such as storms, rain, or hail. Lighting fixtures with higher IK ratings can better withstand these external impacts, maintaining their stability and performance.

Additionally, in public spaces or industrial environments, lighting fixtures may be threatened by vandalism, such as malicious damage or deliberate impacts. In such cases, lighting fixtures with higher IK ratings can better resist accidental or intentional mechanical impacts, protecting them from damage or destruction.

Therefore, selecting lighting fixtures with appropriate IK ratings is essential to ensure they can operate stably in various environments and have a longer lifespan.

Kinlights passes IK10 testing by strictly controlling the toughened glass tempering process to ensure consistency and appropriately increasing the thickness of the glass. Additionally, they employ special buffering designs to enhance the glass's impact resistance. These measures enable the glass to pass IK10 testing, ensuring that the lighting fixtures meet high-level protection standards. With over 9 years of LED lighting fixture design experience, Kinlights collaborates with glass suppliers to continuously improve the quality and performance of lighting fixtures through repeated research and testing. If you are interested in their products, you can directly contact the Kinlights team for more detailed information.

The IK rating determines the mechanical impact resistance capability of LED lighting fixtures. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the IK rating and its applicable scope before installing a product. Kinlights ensures that all LED lighting fixtures undergo IK rating testing and meet at least IK08 standards. For example, the SL series LED streetlights have passed IK10 rating testing. If you would like to learn more about other series of LED lighting fixtures, please feel free to contact us at any time.