An international standard (IEC 62262:2002) developed by IEC for the degree of protection provided by enclosures for electrical equipment against external mechanical shock (i.e. impact resistance or shock resistance).
The term IK value refers to the impact resistance of lighting, and stands for "Impact Protection" (or protection against mechanical influences). The IK value is a European standard that indicates how well a lamp, fixture, or lighting system can withstand physical contact or impact from objects, such as bumps, falls, or other mechanical influences.
The IK value is expressed as a number between IK00 and IK10 (the highest protection):
- IK00 means that there is no protection against mechanical influences.
- IK10 means the fixture can withstand an impact of 20 joules (equivalent to the force of a heavy hammer hitting a specific object). This is the highest level of protection.
The higher the IK value, the better the fixture's impact resistance. This is especially important in environments where lighting can be exposed to potential damage from vandalism or harsh conditions, such as warehouses, public spaces, factories, or sports venues.
For example:
- IK04 means that the lamp can withstand an impact of 2 joules, for example from a heavy object falling.
- IK08 provides protection against an impact of 5 joules, for example from a small tool.
A high IK value (for example IK10) is therefore important in environments where the lighting may be exposed to physical violence.
IP rating (IP value)
Electrical and electronic equipment deteriorates or malfunctions if water or dust enters the device. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in Geneva, Switzerland, developed the IP classifications for "ingress protection," which rate an enclosure's resistance to the ingress of dust or liquids. The IP code consists of two digits: The first digit refers to protection against solid objects and is rated on a scale of 0 (no protection) to 6 (no dust ingress). The second digit indicates the enclosure's protection against liquids and uses a scale of 0 (no protection) to 9 (hot water at high pressure from various angles).