Free Click & Collect In 1 Hour From New Southgate Store | Free Delivery Over £500 inc VAT
Free Click & Collect In 1 Hour From New Southgate Store
Ex VAT
Inc VAT
  • Stores
Search
Trolley

Electrical & Lighting Guides

IK Ratings Explained

An IK rating can be found on many electrical appliances. This rating provides an indication of the impact resistance of a device and can be used as a guide of where the appliance can be used. This article covers what the different ratings are and can be particularly helpful when working out the IK rating for lighting.

IP Rating Outdoor Lighting

What are IK ratings?

bulkhead light

IK ratings are an international standard way of showing how resistant an object is to mechanical impact. These ratings can be found on many electrical appliances, such as bulkhead lights. This rating is particularly useful to consider when placing appliances in public areas prone to vandalism, or in spaces where objects may become damaged.

When an appliance comes into contact with more force than it can withstand, it may break and stop working. This could cause hazards and may lead to costly repairs. For example, if a light in a public space has a low IK rating and is damaged, the area may no longer be sufficiently lit. This could lead to people not being able to spot trip hazards and other dangers.

What does IK rating stand for?

IK rating is short for impact protection rating, with the K coming from the word kinetic to differentiate IK from IP ratings. To learn about IP ratings, check out our guide page.

What are the different IK ratings?

An IK rating starts with IK and is followed by a number usually between 00 and 11. The number indicates the way the enclosure was tested and how many joules of impact it can withstand. Below is an IK rating table explaining the ratings.

IK Rating Joules Of Impact The Appliance Can Withstand Joules Equivalent In Weight Dropped at Different Heights
00 Unprotected N/A
01 0.15 200g / 7.5cm
02 0.2 200g / 10cm
03 0.35 200g / 17.5cm
04 0.5 200g / 25cm
05 0.7 200g / 35cm
06 1 500g / 20cm
07 2 500g / 40cm
08 5 1.7kg / 30cm
09 10 5kg / 20cm
10 20 5kg / 40cm
11 50 10kg / 50cm

Therefore, if you were to hit an appliance with an IK05 rating with a 200g hammer, using a 35cm swing, the appliance could withstand the hit. However, if you were to hit it with a heavier hammer from the same distance it would break

Examples of where different IK ratings would be appropriate

  • IK01-03: appliances are suitable for use where they are not in contact with any strong impacts, an example would be light bulbs and devices that are handled with care.
  • IK04-05: everyday appliances in environments that are not likely to receive heavy impact.
  • IK06-IK08: appliances that may come into contact with impact. This could include devices and lighting in the workplace. IK08 is generally considered the minimum IK rating suitable for appliances used in busy public areas.
  • IK08-IK11: appliances fitted in areas likely come into contact with impact. Examples could be devices at risk of vandalism or in hazardous environments.