IK Protection Ratings – What Do IK00, IK01, IK02, IK05, IK08, IK09 and IK10 Mean?
The IK protection rating indicates the resistance of an electrical equipment enclosure or housing to external mechanical impacts. The IK code specifies the amount of impact energy that an enclosure can withstand while maintaining its intended level of protection. IK protection ratings are defined by the IEC 62262 standard.
The IK code consists of the letters IK followed by two digits, for example IK05 or IK10. The higher the IK number, the greater the enclosure's resistance to mechanical impact.
IK Protection Rating Table
| IK Rating | Impact Energy | Protection Level | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| IK00 | Not specified | No protection against mechanical impacts | Locations with minimal risk of mechanical impact |
| IK01 | 0.15 J | Very low impact resistance | Protected indoor areas |
| IK02 | 0.20 J | Low impact resistance | Indoor electrical equipment |
| IK03 | 0.35 J | Basic protection against mechanical impacts | Equipment exposed to low impact risk |
| IK04 | 0.50 J | Increased impact protection | Indoor and technical areas |
| IK05 | 0.70 J | Medium impact resistance | Public and technical areas |
| IK06 | 1 J | Good protection against mechanical impacts | Public and industrial areas |
| IK07 | 2 J | Increased impact resistance | Outdoor and technical areas |
| IK08 | 5 J | High impact resistance | Industrial and public areas |
| IK09 | 10 J | Very high impact resistance | Industrial environments and public areas |
| IK10 | 20 J | Maximum standard IK impact resistance | Harsh industrial environments, public areas and protected equipment |
What Do IK08, IK09 and IK10 Mean?
IK08, IK09 and IK10 are high impact protection ratings commonly found on industrial equipment, electrical enclosures, distribution boards and equipment installed in public areas.
For example, IK10 means that the enclosure is classified to withstand a mechanical impact with an energy of 20 joules according to IEC 62262. IK10 is commonly used for electrical equipment enclosures and distribution boards where a high level of protection against mechanical damage is required. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
IK and IP Protection Ratings Are Not the Same
The IP protection rating describes protection against the ingress of solid foreign objects, dust and water, while the IK protection rating describes the enclosure's resistance to external mechanical impacts. Therefore, electrical equipment can have both ratings specified, for example IP65 IK10.
When selecting electrical equipment or a light fitting, both environmental protection and the risk of mechanical impact should be considered. Always check the manufacturer's specified protection rating and the intended operating conditions for the particular product.