Ultimate Guide to IP and IK Ratings for Harsh & Hazardous Lighting – Protect Your Fixtures Against Dust, Moisture and Impact

LED lighting fixtures have become a mainstay in harsh environments due to their durability, long lifespan, and energy efficiency. However, when selecting these fixtures, it’s crucial to consider their Ingress Protection (IP) and Impact Protection (IK) ratings. These ratings provide insight into the fixtures’ ability to withstand various environmental factors such as dust, moisture, and physical impacts.

Understanding IP Ratings

IP ratings provide information about how well a fixture is protected against dust, moisture, and other environmental factors. These ratings consist of two digits that indicate the degree of protection against solid objects and liquids.

Decoding IP Ratings

The first digit in an IP rating indicates the level of protection against solid objects, ranging from 0 (no protection) to 6 (complete protection against dust). The second digit specifies the level of protection against liquids, ranging from 0 (no protection) to 9K (protection against high-pressure water jets).

Here’s a simplified table introducing the IP codes:

IP Code

First Digit

Protection Against Solid Objects

Second Digit

Protection Against Liquids

IP00

0

Not protected

0

Not protected

IP20

2

Protected against solid objects > 12.5mm

0

Not protected

IP30

3

Protected against solid objects > 2.5mm

0

Not protected

IP40

4

Protected against solid objects > 1mm

0

Not protected

IP50

5

Protected against dust, limited ingress (no harmful deposit)

0

Not protected

IP54

5

Protected against dust, limited ingress (no harmful deposit)

4

Protected against water splashing from any direction

IP55

5

Protected against dust, limited ingress (no harmful deposit)

5

Protected against water jets from any direction

IP56

5

Protected against dust, limited ingress (no harmful deposit)

6

Protected against strong water jets from any direction

IP57

5

Protected against dust, limited ingress (no harmful deposit)

7

Protected against immersion up to 1 meter

IP58

5

Protected against dust, limited ingress (no harmful deposit)

8

Protected against immersion beyond 1 meter

IP65

6

Totally protected against dust

5

Protected against water jets from any direction

IP66

6

Totally protected against dust

6

Protected against strong water jets from any direction

IP67

6

Totally protected against dust

7

Protected against immersion up to 1 meter

IP68

6

Totally protected against dust

8

Protected against immersion beyond 1 meter

IP69K

6

Totally protected against dust

9K

Protected against high-pressure water jets

For example, an LED lighting fixture with an IP67 rating is entirely protected against dust and can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes.

Understanding IK Ratings​

The IK rating ranges from 0 to 10, with higher numbers indicating higher levels of impact resistance. A fixture with an IK rating of 0 has no impact resistance, while a fixture with an IK rating of 10 can withstand impacts of up to 20 joules.

Decoding IK Ratings

The IK rating ranges from 0 to 10, with higher numbers indicating higher levels of impact resistance. A fixture with an IK rating of 0 has no impact resistance, while a fixture with an IK rating of 10 can withstand impacts of up to 20 joules.

Here’s a simplified table introducing the IP codes:

IK Rating

Impact Energy Level

IK00

No protection

IK01

0.15 joules

IK02

0.2 joules

IK03

0.35 joules

IK04

0.5 joules

IK05

0.7 joules

IK06

1 joule

IK07

2 joules

IK08

5 joules

IK09

10 joules

IK10

20 joules

As the IK rating increases, the fixture becomes more resistant to impact. It’s important to select an LED light fixture with an appropriate IK rating based on the specific environmental factors that the fixture will be exposed to.

Conclusion

When selecting LED lighting fixtures for use in harsh environments, it’s essential to consider both the IP and IK ratings. These provide valuable information about the fixture’s ability to withstand various environmental conditions. By choosing LED lighting fixtures with suitable IP and IK ratings, you can ensure the safety and reliability of your lighting system even in the harshest environments.

Lastly, it’s always good to work with qualified professionals who have expertise in selecting and installing lighting fixtures for these types of environments. They can help you choose LED lights with the correct IP and IK ratings, as well as other important features for your specific application.

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