Eurolight
When purchasing LED lights in Nigeria, particularly outdoor LED lights like streetlights, LED floodlights, and high bay lights, the product specifications often include an IK value, such as IK08, IK09, and IK10. What do they mean? and how to select the IK rating correctly for different LED lights?
What is IK rating?
In simple terms, the IK rating measures the protection level of LED lighting fixtures, specifically their impact resistance. This rating is based on the international standard IEC 62262 and reflects the impact resistance in the product’s design and manufacturing.
The IK rating is defined as IKXX, where “XX” is a number from 00 to 10, indicating the degree of protection of the electrical enclosure (including luminaires) against external mechanical shocks. A higher number indicates stronger impact resistance of the LED light fixture. Below is the IK rating and its meaning:
IK00: No protection; LED lights have no impact resistance.
IK01: Suitable for very minor impacts, such as slight touches.
IK02: Suitable for relatively minor impacts, such as slight bumps.
IK03: Suitable for moderate impacts, such as impacts from small stones.
IK04: Suitable for moderate impacts, such as impacts from larger rocks.
IK05: Suitable for relatively strong impacts, such as a blow from the palm of a hand.
IK06: Suitable for stronger impacts, such as kicks or impacts from large objects.
IK07: Suitable for more severe impacts, such as the falling of large, heavy objects.
IK08: Suitable for extremely strong impacts, such as impacts with very high force.
IK09: Suitable for extreme impacts, such as very severe impacts.
IK10: Strong impacts. mostly for explosion-proof lighting.
How to select the correct IK rate for LED lights?
When buying lights, pay attention to the intended use case. For places like LED warehouses high bay lights where there’s a risk of forklift collisions, choose lights with an IP08 rating or higher. For ordinary households, IK06 is sufficient. Some sellers confuse the IP rating of LED lights with IK impact resistance rating, but these are two separate indicators—IP67 represents dust and water resistance, while IK08 represents impact resistance.
Different application scenarios require different protection levels for lighting fixtures. Here are some common examples:
1. Indoor household lighting fixtures such as LED downlights, LED panel lights etc: Generally lower protection, possibly IK06 or below (e.g., ceiling lights, table lamps).
2. Industrial/outdoor lighting fixtures like LED high bay lights, LED floodlights, and LED road lighting: Require higher protection, typically IK08 and above.
3. Explosion-proof or special environment lighting fixtures: May reach IK10 to withstand severe mechanical impacts.