IK Rating Chart: Impact Rating IK01 to IK10 for LED Light Fixtures

LED lights are commonly used in commercial lighting, industrial lighting, and sports lighting applications. They are frequently found in warehouses, parking lots, manufacturing facilities, gymnasiums, and in demanding industrial applications.

LED fixtures are chosen for their cost-effectiveness and significant energy savings. However, in certain applications, cost savings alone aren’t enough. Some environments require fixtures that are rugged, robust, and impact-resistant. These fixtures must withstand bumps, hits, and strikes while continuing to operate, ensuring the safety of the people below.

For activities like tennis, basketball, hockey, and other sports, unintentional ball strikes should not affect the light’s operation. The IK code of a fixture indicates its level of protection against impacts, bumps, and hits from external objects.

What Is an IK Code?

The IK code measures the level of protection a lighting fixture’s enclosure provides against external impacts. The IK code originated from a European impact standard (BS EN 50102), which became an international standard in 2002, renumbered as EN 62262.

Previously, an additional digit was added to a fixture’s IP rating, such as IP67(9), where the (9) designated its IK code. This system was non-standard, so a new system was developed using two digits to designate a fixture’s impact resistance.

What Is the IK Rating?

The IK rating consists of two digits, ranging from IK01 to IK10. Higher numbers indicate stronger protection. The rating is measured in joules, a unit of energy used to test impact resistance.

Testing involves three types of hammers:

• Pendulum hammer – Tests impacts from IK01 to IK06
• Spring hammer – Tests impacts from IK07 to IK10
• Free-fall hammer – Applicable across the entire range

If a fixture exceeds IK10 protection levels, it is rated as IK10+.

• IK00: Not protected.
• IK01: Protected against an impact of 0.14 joules (equivalent to a 0.25-kg object dropped from 56 mm).
• IK02: Protected against an impact of 0.2 joules (equivalent to a 0.25-kg object dropped from 80 mm).
• IK03: Protected against an impact of 0.35 joules (equivalent to a 0.25-kg object dropped from 140 mm).
• IK04: Protected against an impact of 0.5 joules (equivalent to a 0.25-kg object dropped from 200 mm).
• IK05: Protected against an impact of 0.7 joules (equivalent to a 0.25-kg object dropped from 280 mm).
• IK06: Protected against an impact of 1 joule (equivalent to a 0.25-kg object dropped from 400 mm).
• IK07: Protected against an impact of 2 joules (equivalent to a 0.5-kg object dropped from 400 mm).
• IK08: Protected against an impact of 5 joules (equivalent to a 1.7-kg object dropped from 300 mm).
• IK09: Protected against an impact of 10 joules (equivalent to a 5-kg object dropped from 200 mm).
• IK10: Protected against an impact of 20 joules (equivalent to a 5-kg object dropped from 400 mm).

Application of IK Codes

How do you select fixtures with the appropriate IK code for your needs?

Understanding the potential impact threats to your fixtures will determine the IK rating required. Many of our IK-rated fixtures offer IK08 or higher protection. For example:

• All our UFO high bays are IK08 rated.
• Our explosion-proof lights are IK10 rated.
• We offer IK08-rated shoebox/parking lot lights.
• We also offer IK08-rated flood lights/stadium lights.

Each fixture’s IK rating is clearly listed alongside its specifications, ensuring you choose the right product for your application.