A Guide to IK Rating

Introduction

Electrical and electronic devices are themselves a significant danger. Their enclosures offer comprehensive protection to the users. However, a weak and low-quality enclosure can break down during the mechanical stress in adverse environmental conditions.

To withstand mechanical stresses, rating systems, such as IK, come into action and ensure protection of the devices. Do you want to know how IK rating can influence the mechanical impact and provide safety? If yes, this guide is for you. We will discuss the IK rating system and understand how this system works.

What is IK Rating

Definition of ik refers to the impact protection. It is an international standard to measure the strength of the electrical and electronic enclosures to withstand the external mechanical forces. 

This system ranges from 1 to 10 depending on the total force applied during the stress conditions. Understanding and implications of IK are reasonably necessary, like the other systems.

Why IK Rating is important

IK rating is critical for various tools and equipment. It gives ideas about the compatibility of the tool with the required environmental conditions.

Let’s review the IK rating significance.

Ensure Safety

With a quality enclosure, having an IK rating means you are more than safe. There are fewer chances of sparks or electrical fires. Even if the fire occurs, the enclosure doesn’t let it out and keeps you safe.

Increases Durability 

A robust enclosure is the first line of defense for the electrical devices. If it is IK rated, it means environmental conditions have less impact and tools are safe and more durable.

Better Product Compliance 

Do you want to risk your life? Not!! Thanks to the product compliance of ik rating, your electrical enclosures can better withstand industrial, municipal, or international standards.

Cost Saving

The right environmental stress, proper standard, and proper safety. You can avoid the extra expenses on useless ratings while getting sufficient safety and compliance of your electrical enclosures.

How to Test IK Rating

IEC/EN 62262 has defined the special tools required to test the IK rating of different items. 

Here is how to test the IK rating.

Step 1: Gather Tools

Many impact tools offer force application—for example, spring hammers, pendulum hammers, or drop-weight testers.

Step 2: Apply Force

Mount the products typically as you do. Grab the hammers and drop-weight testers. Apply at least five forces in multiple directions and points to confirm the equal impact resistance.

Step 3: Check Pass

A material can pass the test if there are no cracks or deformation after force application. Low-quality materials often fail and deform.

IK Rating Chart 

Material and Design Impact on IK Rating

IK ratings bestow the strength and quality to the materials. Whatever material can pass this test means it has a high quality. Here are a few more aspects to see through.

Material Strength Matters 

Polycarbonate or alloys have a higher durability and strength compared to cheaper plastic options. Reinforced polymer is also stronger, offering a good impact resistance compared to regular plastic. Therefore, such materials fall into the higher IK ratings.

Wall Thickness and Geometry

The higher the wall thickness, the better the impact resistance. Geometry can also contribute to higher IK ratings. For example, a round corner of a product distributes the stress and avoids unnecessary damage. Therefore, they have a higher IK rating.

Reinforcement and Ribs

Reinforcement structures stabilize the item under extreme stresses and provide flawless support. Internal ribs and cross-bracing can elevate the impact resistance.

Mounting Hardware Quality

Using premium quality mounting hardware can increase impact protection. Screws, latches, and gaskets are pretty helpful to pass the high impact rating tests. However, low-quality hardware can fail.

Protective Coatings 

Protective coatings can decrease the external stress. Anti-vandal coatings or elastomer layers prevent mechanical stresses. Adding scratch resistance and UV support means better resistance.

Applications of IK Rating

Applications of IK rating vary widely because of universal usage for the impact resistance. Here are a few top applications.

Public Infrastructure

Streetlights, traffic control boxes, and ticket machines are standard public tools. Their higher impact resistance can save them in extreme environmental conditions. Therefore, they have to pass the IK rating tests to sustain in these conditions.

Industrial Environments

Industrial environmental conditions are severe for the tools. The heavy-duty tools are operating under adverse environmental conditions. Factory floors, production plants, and control cabinets should have a higher IK rating to survive better.

Outdoor Electrical Enclosures

Surveillance systems and telecom cabinets are under continuous stress and need safety from sudden burnouts. To prevent mechanical stress, electrical enclosures should have a good resistance of IK-8 or higher.

Commercial Spaces 

Retail displays, parking meters, and elevator controls are under constant abuse, whether it is due to high foot traffic or environmental conditions. IK rating is also helpful in such situations.

FAQs

• How is IK rating different from IP rating?

IK rating is mainly about the impact protection and resistance against mechanical forces. At the same time, the IP rating discusses the dust and waterproofing of the devices. Both are different standards with the same goal of safety.

• Why is IK10 the highest rating?

IK10 is the highest rating because it is sufficient to test the tools against mechanical stress. Above this rating, only the military grade protection comes. Therefore, it is enough for the current tools.

• Is a higher IK rating always better?

It is not a necessity. For example, an ik04 may be fine for indoor use while an ik10 is overkill. Similarly, some high-risk areas may cost more ik10 rating compliance.

• Are IK rated products waterproof?

Not always. For waterproofing, you should check the IP rating and confirm whether your material is waterproof or not.

Conclusion 

The IK rating is a vital metric in the assessment of different strengths of the tools and provides an ideal measure of mechanical resistance. Testing depends on the applications and areas where you are using the electronic devices. So, choose the rating wisely while saving your budget.