T-Word Explains: What are IK ratings?
For some applications, luminaries must be designed to withstand mechanical impact. Lighting for sports centres, outdoor areas and hazardous environments all require luminaires that will continue to work, even after a strong impact from a falling or thrown object.
IK codes (EN 62262) denote how protected a luminaire is from mechanical impact. The higher ratings describe a higher tolerance for impact; luminaires are tested in accordance with Standard PD IEC/TR 62696. Luminaires in urban environments will need an IK08 rating or higher, to ensure that they are sufficiently vandal resistant.
IK ratings will heavily vary in which sector and space the specific lighting fixture is found. Areas that see a lot of high traffic areas, commercial environments and areas prone to vandalism are amongst the highest when it comes to their required IP rating.
The impact for IK Ratings is measured in joules (J). See below for the criteria for IK Codes for luminaires:
- IK00 – No protection
- IK01 – Protected from a 0.2kg object falling from 7.5cm 0.15J
- IK02 – Protected from a 0.2kg object falling from 10cm 0.2J
- IK03 – Protected from a 0.2kg object falling from 17.5cm 0.35J
- IK04 – Protected from a 0.2kg object falling from 25cm 0.5J
- IK05 – Protected from a 0.2kg object falling from 35cm 0.7J
- IK06 – Protected from a 0.5kg object falling from 20cm 1J
- IK07 – Protected from a 0.5kg object falling from 40cm 2J
- IK08 – Protected from a 1.7kg object falling from 29.5cm 5J
- IK09 – Protected from a 5kg object falling from 20cm 10J
- IK10 – Protected from a 5kg object falling from 40cm 20J
Providing vandal resistant luminaires is vital for communal and outdoor spaces, so Tamlite ensure that all urban lighting solutions come as standard with a high IK rating. Contact us for more information.
