When specifying lighting for demanding environments, whether it’s a correctional facility, transport hubs, or public spaces, understanding IK rating and IP rating is essential. These ratings determine how well a luminaire withstands physical impact and environmental exposure, directly affecting safety, durability, and maintenance costs.
What is an IK Rating
IK (Impact Protection) ratings measure a fixture’s resistance to mechanical impact, as defined by BS EN 62262. The scale ranges from IK00 (no protection) to IK10 (20 joules of impact resistance). While BS EN 62262 defines IK ratings up to IK11, Designplan Lighting has tested and extrapolated higher impact resistance levels for extreme environments. The testing method is crucial for ensuring consistent and repeatable impact results. The relevant standard, BS EN 60068-2-75, specifies three mechanisms: sprung hammer, pendulum, or drop test. As expected, luminaires with higher IK ratings are tested using heavier weights with the pendulum or drop test from greater heights.
| Weight | Height | Test Type | Impact Energy | Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.75 | 300 mm | Pendulum/drop | 5 Joules | IK08 |
| 5.00 | 200 mm | Pendulum/drop | 10 Joules | IK09 |
| 5.00 | 400 mm | Pendulum/drop | 20 Joules | IK10 |
| 10.00 | 500 mm | Drop | 50 Joules | IK11 |
| 10.00 | 625 mm | Drop | 62.5 Joules | IK12 |
| 10.00 | 750 mm | Drop | 75 Joules | IK13 |
| 10.00 | 1000 mm | Drop | 100 Joules | IK14 |
| 10.00 | 1250 mm | Drop | 125 Joules | IK15 |
| 10.00 | 1500 mm | Drop | 150 Joules | IK16 |
| 10.00 | 1750 mm | Drop | 175 Joules | IK17 |
| 10.00 | 2000 mm | Drop | 200 Joules | IK18 |
| 10.00 | 2250 mm | Drop | 225 Joules | IK19 |
| 10.00 | 2500 mm | Drop | 250 Joules | IK20 |
Note: IK12–IK20 are extrapolated and assigned by Designplan Lighting for environments requiring extreme impact resistance.
What Is an IP Rating?
IP (Ingress Protection) ratings measure how well a fixture is sealed against dust and water. Defined by the BS EN 60529 standard, the rating consists of two digits:
• First digit (0–6): Protection against solid objects (e.g., dust, tools).
• Second digit (0–9K): Protection against liquids (e.g., rain, jets, immersion).
Example:
• IP65 = Dust-tight + Protected against water jets
• IP69K = Dust-tight + Protected against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets
IK and IP: Why You Need Both
| Feature | IP Rating | IK Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Dust & water protection | Physical impact resistance |
| Common Use | Outdoor, wet environments | Industrial, public spaces |
| Scale | IP00 to IP69K | The standard IK ratings range from IK00 to IK11; however, Designplan has extrapolated the data to demonstrate performance levels exceeding this range – up to IK20. |
| Standards | BS EN 60529 | BS EN 62262 |
A fixture with a high IP rating may be resistant to moisture ingress, but without a high IK rating this may still break on impact. Conversely, a high IK rating ensures durability but doesn’t guarantee resistance to particulate or moisture contamination. For robust lighting, both ratings must be considered.
Why It Matters for Specifiers
• Safety: Prevents electrical hazards and fixture failure
• Durability: Reduces maintenance and replacement costs
• Compliance: Meets industry standards for secure environments
• Performance: Ensures reliable operation in harsh conditions
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