When selecting lighting, understanding IP and IK ratings crucial. These ratings indicate how well a luminaire is protected against external influences such as dust, water and mechanical impact. In this article, we explain what IP and IK ratings mean and how you can use this information to choose the right lighting solutions for your needs.
The IK classification measures a luminaire's resistance to mechanical impact. The scale ranges from IK00 (no protection) to IK10 (highest protection):
Example: A fixture with IK10 rating, like our Orca Floodlight can withstand an impact of more than 20 joules! That is comparable to a 5kg object being thrown against the luminaire.
The IP rating indicates the degree of protection provided by a luminaire against the ingress of solids (such as dust) and liquids (such as water). The classification consists of two digits:
Example: An IP69-rated luminaire, like all our floodlights, are completely dust-tight (6) and protected against high-pressure spraying (9).
The degree of safety of a luminaire is indicated by an IP rating. This is based on 2 digits, described as degree of protection. The degree of touch and penetration is represented by the first number. The second number indicates whether the lamp in can be used outdoors. The higher the number, the higher the quality and the more the product is suitable for harsh conditions. Especially for construction lamps, this is a important indication. The IP designation is internationally standardised in the standard IEC 60529.
For the first digit of the IP value, it is advisable to require at least a value of IP6x, or full dust-tightness, for outdoor use. Luminaires with lower dust-tightness will quickly become soiled and break down in environments where there is a lot of dust and/or wind. Note: regardless of the application, it is always advisable to aim for the highest possible value.
Large objects:
Provides protection against accidental, superficial hand contact.
Protected against penetration of solid objects larger than 50 mm.
Medium-sized objects:
Provides protection against finger touch. Touch-safe only for measuring devices.
Protected against penetration of solid objects larger than 12.5 mm.
Small objects:
Provides protection against contact with an implement.
Touch-safe only for measuring devices. Protected against penetration of solid objects larger than 2.5 mm.
Pointy objects:
Provides protection against contact with an implement. Protects against contact with a wire.
Protected against penetration of solid objects larger than 1 mm.
Dust protection:
Is touch-safe as the housing is completely sealed.
Not complete protection against dust but enough to not interfere with proper operation.
Dust-free:
The highest achievable class. This class is touch-safe because the housing is completely sealed.
It thus provides full protection against dust.
For the second digit of the IP value, it is advisable to require at least a value of IPx6, or waterproof, for outdoor use. For environments where there is a risk of submersion and/or the lamp is heavily used, it is even advisable to opt for a luminaire with minimum values of IPx7 or even IPx8.
Type I drip seal:
No damage if subject to falling drops.
Type II drip seal:
No damage if subjected to falling drops on a 15° tilted device.
Splashproof:
No damage if sprayed (10 l/min) at an angle -60° to 60°.
Pee-proof:
No damage if sprayed (10 l/min) under unchanged and any angle.
Sprayproof:
No damage if sprayed (12.5 l/min) under unchanged and any angle
Water-resistant:
No water penetration if sprayed (100 l/min) under unchanged and any angle.
Submersible:
No water penetration if submerged (30 min at 1 m).
Waterproof:
Remains usable under water under specified conditions.
Damp-proof:
Remains usable when humidity exceeds 90% or high-pressure spraying.
The IK classification classifies the level of protection provided by electrical appliances against external mechanical influences. It is defined by the standard IEC 62262. The degree of mechanical protection is identified by a code consisting of the letters IK followed by two digits.
It is recommended to always aim for the highest achievable IK value, the higher the value the higher the resistance to impact. For a permanent lighting installation such as for a terrain or sports field, IK07 is recommended as the minimum requirement. For mounting luminaires on moving installations with vibrations, impacts and/or in an environment with moving parts, an IK value of at least IK09 or even IK10 is recommended.
Impact energy: <0.15 joules
Resistant to the impact of a 200-gram object thrown at a distance of 7.5 cm.
Impact energy: <0.20 joules
Resistant to the impact of a 200-gram object thrown at a distance of 10 cm.
Impact energy: <0.35 joules
Resistant to the impact of a 200-gram object thrown at a distance of 17.5 cm.
Impact energy: <0.50 joules:
Resistant to the impact of a 200-gram object thrown at a distance of 25 cm.
Impact energy: <0.70 joules:
Resistant to the impact of a 200-gram object thrown at a distance of 35 cm.
Impact energy: <1.00 joules:
Resistant to the impact of a 500-gram object thrown at a distance of 20 cm.
Impact energy: <2.00 joules:
Resistant to the impact of a 500-gram object thrown at a distance of 40 cm.
Impact energy: <5.00 joules:
Resistant to the impact of a 1.7 kg object thrown at a distance of 29.5 cm.
Impact energy: <10.00 joules:
Resistant to the impact of a 5 kg object thrown at a distance of 20 cm.
Impact energy: <20.00 joules:
Resistant to the impact of a 5 kg object thrown at a distance of 40 cm.
Require higher IP ratings (e.g. IP67 or higher) for weather protection.
High IK ratings are important to resist impact and vibration.
Washing lines and paper mills require specific IP ratings to ensure safety.
High IK-rated luminaires prevent vandalism and damage.
An IP65 rating means the luminaire is completely dust-proof (6) and protected against water jets from all directions (5).
A higher IK rating indicates greater resistance to mechanical impact. It is better for environments where the risk of physical damage is higher, but may not be necessary in all situations.
It is not recommended to use luminaires with a low IP rating outdoors, even when covered, because of moisture and temperature changes that can cause damage.
LED components are sensitive to moisture and impact. Proper IP and IK rating ensures protection of the electronics, which extends the lifetime and performance of the lighting.
To ensure that your luminaire will not easily suffer from external influences, it is better to choose a luminaire with at least IP67 and IK07 impact rating. The risk of replacement costs due to too low protection ratings are often worth double the investment.
At JEL Products we offer a wide range of lighting with high IP and IK ratings, suitable for various applications, from industrial environments to public spaces. Our experts will be happy to help you choose the right luminaires for your project.
Discover the power of JEL Products and its industrial LED lighting solutions for greater savings, in energy, costs, and CO2 emissions while improving your work safety. Contact us today by filling in the form below, so that we can relieve you in professionally lighting your (extreme) work environments.
Disclaimer: This article is intended to provide general information and is not intended as professional advice. For specific questions or tailored advice, we recommend contacting our experts.
