IK protection class

What is the IK protection class?

The IK protection class or impact resistance is a classification that evaluates the degree of protection of an electrical device against external mechanical impacts, such as shocks and bumps. The IK protection class is indicated by a digit from IK00 to IK11, the latter represents the highest degree of protection. The higher the number, the more resistant the device is to such impacts.

The most common degrees of protection for Auer Signal products are IK08 and IK09. The protection class of our signaling devices can be found on our website under the technical data of each product. In addition, they are marked with the sign shown below and the appropriate IK code on the product page.

Standard EN/IEC 62262 - IK impact resistance

The European standard EN 62262, or the international standard IEC 62262, is an international standard for the evaluation of the protection class provided by enclosures for electrical equipment against external mechanical impacts. This standard defines the test methods and classifications used to evaluate impact resistance. The objective of EN 62262 is to provide a uniform basis for the assessment of impact resistance, regardless of the type of electrical equipment.

Test method according to standard EN 62262

EN 62262 defines detailed test procedures in which a device or enclosure is subjected to various impact scenarios. These scenarios include impacts or blows with the same impact energy at at least 5 points on the device. The results of these tests determine the corresponding IK classification.

Test devices and set-up: The test method requires special test devices and set-ups to simulate the external mechanical effects on the equipment under test. The structure and parameters of the test devices are determined according to the specifications of the standard.

Impact energy: The standard defines different impact energies that should act on the device. This impact energy is measured in joules and is specified in the standard e.g. IK08 is tested with 5 joules impact energy.

Various impact points: The tests include impacts or blows from a certain direction on various impact points (at least 5) on the device. This tests whether the device is protected from all sides and also on edges.

Repeatability: The standard also specifies requirements for the repeatability of the tests to ensure that the results are consistent. This means that the tests must be performed under controlled conditions to achieve comparable results.

The following requirements are prescribed:

• temperature between 15°C and 35°C
• air pressure between 86kPA and 106kPA
• Altitude above sea level between 0 and 2000 m
• Test items present in a new and clean condition

Recording of the results:During the tests, data is collected on the energy applied, the direction of impact, and the response of the device. This data is used to evaluate the impact resistance of the device and determine the appropriate IK classification.

Based on the results of the tests, the IK protection class of the device is determined. This classification indicates how resistant the device is to external mechanical influences and provides information on the environments in which it can be used safely.

What are the IK classifications?

The IK protection class is expressed by a combination of letters (IK) and numbers. The numbers from 00 to 11 represent the degree of impact resistance, with higher numbers indicating better impact resistance.

IK00: No protection against mechanical impact. The device is extremely sensitive to shocks and impacts and offers no resistance.

IK01 to IK04: Low protection against light impacts. These classes provide limited protection against light mechanical loads, such as those that may occur indoors.

IK05 to IK06: Medium protection against moderate impacts. Devices in these classes can withstand heavier mechanical loads in normal environments.

IK07 to IK08: High protection against strong impacts. These classes provide protection against severe mechanical loads and are ideal for use in more demanding environments.

IK09 to IK11: Very high protection against extremely strong impacts. Devices with these classes offer an exceptionally high level of shock resistance and are suitable for use in environments with a high risk of vandalism or heavy mechanical loads, e.g. on construction sites, in the metal industry or in warehouses.

Joule and impact energy

Joule is the unit of measurement of energy in the International System of Units (SI). In the context of IK protection class, impact energy refers to the amount of energy that acts on a device when it is subjected to an impact. Impact energy is calculated using the formula: E = 0.5 * m * v^2, where E is the energy, m is the mass of the falling object, and v is its velocity.

The difference between IP rating and IK protection class

The IP protection class (International Protection or Ingress Protection) refers to the protection against the ingress of solids and liquids into an enclosure. It consists of a combination of letters and numbers that indicate the degree of protection against foreign bodies and water. The IK protection class, on the other hand, evaluates the impact resistance against mechanical effects. These two degrees of protection are independent of each other and cover different aspects of device safety.

The IK protection class is a crucial marking to ensure that electrical equipment and enclosures provide the required protection against external mechanical impacts. This helps to ensure the safety of personnel and the service life of the equipment, especially in environments where mechanical loads may occur. The selection of the correct IK classification depends on the intended application and environment.

IP ratings