Definition
IK rating (IEC 62262) measures a luminaire's resistance to mechanical impact, rated from IK00 (no protection) to IK10 (20 joules — maximum standard protection). The test involves dropping a steel hammer of specified mass from a specified height onto the luminaire housing: IK08 = 1.7kg from 300mm (5 joules, 'vandal-resistant'), IK10 = 5kg from 400mm (20 joules, 'maximum protection'). Unlike IP rating (weather), IK rating addresses physical abuse — critical for public spaces (parks, transit, schools), industrial environments (forklift zones, heavy machinery areas), and outdoor luminaires exposed to hail, falling branches, or vandalism. IK rating is separate from, and complementary to, IP rating — a fixture can be IP68 (submersible) but IK02 (fragile).
Key Data
| Parameter | Value / Explanation |
|---|---|
| IK02 | 0.2 joules — 200g from 100mm. Very fragile. Indoor decorative only. |
| IK05 | 0.7 joules — 200g from 350mm. Standard indoor commercial. |
| IK07 | 2 joules — 500g from 400mm. Enhanced indoor, light outdoor. |
| IK08 | 5 joules — 1.7kg from 300mm. Vandal-resistant. Public spaces. |
| IK09 | 10 joules — 5kg from 200mm. High-abuse environments. |
| IK10 | 20 joules — 5kg from 400mm. Maximum protection. Prisons, heavy industrial, transit. |
Application Guide
School corridor
IK08 minimum — luminaires will be hit by bags, balls, thrown objects
5 joules covers intentional and accidental impacts in educational settings
Warehouse (forklift zone)
IK09-10 + wire guard, mounted above 3m
Forklift collisions can exceed 20 joules; wire guard is additional defense
Underground parking
IK08 minimum, IP65, tamper-proof fasteners
Vehicle splash + potential vandalism; mounted at accessible height
Conclusion & Procurement Recommendation
For B2B procurement, IK rating selection depends on mounting height and environment: below 2.5m (accessible to the public): IK08 minimum; below 2.5m in high-risk areas (transit, sports facilities, correctional): IK10 required; above 3m: IK05-IK07 typically sufficient unless subject to forklift impact. Request IK test reports per IEC 62262 — a 'tough' or 'reinforced' marketing claim without an IK rating is not substitutable for certified testing.