Have you ever wondered what the IK index is? Do you know how it impacts the resistance of electrical equipment and why it’s crucial to assess when acquiring LED luminaires? Find out more below and learn everything about IK, its meaning, and how it relates to the durability of electronic products and LED luminaires.

What is the Mechanical Protection Index (IK)? The IK, or mechanical protection index, is a crucial parameter in evaluating the resistance of electrical equipment to mechanical impacts. As defined by the IEC 62262 standard, this index determines the degree of protection against physical shocks.

Precise Measurement in Joules: Unlike drop tests, the IK is measured in the laboratory through controlled impacts using an object of known mass. The higher the mass and kinetic energy (Joules), the greater the equipment’s ability to resist deformations caused by impact.

IK Degree Scale

• IK1: protection against a 0.25kg weight dropped from a height of 56mm, representing 0.14J.
• IK2: protection against a 0.25kg weight dropped from a height of 80mm, representing 0.20J.
• IK3: protection against a 0.25kg weight dropped from a height of 140mm, representing 0.35J.
• IK4: protection against a 0.25kg weight dropped from a height of 200mm, representing 0.50J.
• IK5: protection against a 0.25kg weight dropped from a height of 280mm, representing 0.70J.
• IK6: protection against a 0.25kg weight dropped from a height of 400mm, representing 1J.
• IK7: protection against a 0.50kg weight dropped from a height of 400mm, representing 2J.
• IK8: protection against a 1.7kg weight dropped from a height of 300mm, representing 5J.
• IK9: protection against a 5kg weight dropped from a height of 200mm, representing 10J.
• IK10: protection against a 5kg weight dropped from a height of 400mm, representing 20J.

Differences in IK Rating:

The IK rating ranges from IK01 to IK10, representing increasing levels of protection. For example, equipment with IK10 can withstand more severe impacts and is considered resistant to acts of vandalism.

LED Luminaires from SX Lighting and IK09:

SX Lighting’s LED luminaires are designed to withstand mechanical impacts arising from the specific needs of each application. With a rating of up to IK09, the luminaires ensure durability in environments that require not only efficient lighting but also longevity.

Applications of Luminaires with Different IK Ratings: The choice of the ideal IK index depends on the environment where you will install the luminaire. In high-risk areas such as sports courts or industrial environments, luminaires with higher ratings, such as IK08 or higher, are essential.

In public lighting, due to the exposure to acts of vandalism, an IK08 or higher is important to ensure they remain operational. However, in commercial or residential LED luminaires, lower indices are sufficient.

IK is Different from IP (Protection Rating):

While the Ingress Protection (IP) rating assesses the degree of protection against the entry of solid and liquid foreign bodies, evaluating the sealing level of the electronic device, IK focuses on resistance to mechanical impacts.

In the IP protection rating, the first number describes protection against solid bodies, while the second number is for protection against liquids. We already have a comprehensive text with this explanation on our blog. Check it out here.

IK standards (impact resistance index) are used, as mentioned above, to describe the protection of objects against mechanical impacts and how the product does not deform or lose its characteristics in relation to such an impact.

Both indices play essential roles in ensuring the durability and performance of electronic products, especially LED luminaires, which can remain functional and maintain their technical specifications even after impacts.

How are Impact Resistance Index (IK) tests conducted?

In addition to external certification, SX Lighting also tests all batches of products in its own laboratory that come off the assembly line in Manaus (AM). Tests must be conducted on all sides of the product that may undergo impact during use.

Luminaires are evaluated after the impact and must remain 100% functional after the test. In real life, signs of impacts may appear, such as small dents, but the product must perfectly meet all original technical operating characteristics. The IP protection rating and electrical functions cannot have been altered.

By understanding the IK index and its implications, you are better prepared to choose LED luminaires that meet the demands of your environment. At SX Lighting, the importance of creating innovative lighting solutions with quality and efficiency is reflected in luminaires with up to IK09, providing greater confidence and durability to your project.

Now that you are convinced of the importance of IK in LED luminaires, talk to our experts right now and request a personalized lighting project.