IP and IK Ratings
Choosing Weatherproof Exit Signs and Battens
When it comes to ensuring the safety and reliability of exit and emergency lighting or any lighting in general, particularly in challenging environments, understanding IP and IK ratings is crucial. At Elumen, we prioritise providing robust and dependable lighting solutions that are built to withstand the Australian outdoors as well as potential physical impacts. In this blog post, we’ll break down what IP and IK ratings are, and why they are relevant to our weatherproof and vandal-proof exit and emergency lighting range.
What Does IP Mean?
IP stands for “Ingress Protection” and is defined by the international standard IEC 60529. It’s a measure of how well a product is protected against intrusion from solid objects, dust, and water. The IP rating consists of two digits:
- First Digit (0-6): Indicates the level of protection against solid objects and dust.
- Second Digit (0-8): Indicates the level of protection against water.
For example, a rating of IP65 means:
- 6: Dust-tight. No ingress of dust; complete protection against contact.
- 5: Protected against water jets from any direction.
First Numeral (Solid Protection):
- 0: Not protected
- 1: Protected against objects ≥50 mm (e.g., a hand)
- 2: Protected against objects ≥12 mm (e.g., fingers)
- 3: Protected against objects ≥2.5 mm (e.g., tools, wires)
- 4: Protected against objects ≥1 mm (e.g., wires)
- 5: Dust-protected (limited dust ingress)
- 6: Dust-tight (no dust ingress)
Second Numeral (Moisture Protection):
- 0: Not protected
- 1: Protected against dripping water
- 2: Protected against dripping water when tilted up to 15°
- 3: Protected against spraying water (up to 60° from vertical)
- 4: Protected against splashing water from any direction
- 5: Protected against water jets from any direction
- 6: Protected against heavy seas or powerful water jets
- 7: Protected against temporary immersion in water
- 8: Protected against continuous immersion in water
Understanding these ratings helps in choosing the right fixtures for environments where exposure to dust and water is a concern. For instance, Elumen’s weatherproof exit and emergency lights are typically rated IP65 or higher, ensuring they function reliably in outdoor or industrial settings where they might be exposed to rain or dust.
What Does IK Mean?
'I' stands for impact and the 'K' stands for Kinetic. IK ratings, as defined by the international standard IEC 62262, indicate an enclosure's protection against kinetic impact. This rating is crucial for environments (such as public areas) where lights may be subject to vandalism or accidental damage.
- IK00: Not protected
- IK01: Protected against 0.14 joules impact
- IK02: Protected against 0.2 joules impact
- IK03: Protected against 0.35 joules impact
- IK04: Protected against 0.5 joules impact
- IK05: Protected against 0.7 joules impact
- IK06: Protected against 1 joule impact
- IK07: Protected against 2 joules impact
- IK08: Protected against 5 joules impact
- IK09: Protected against 10 joules impact
- IK10: Protected against 20 joules impact
IK ratings range from IK00 (no protection) to IK10 (protection against 20 joules of impact, equivalent to the impact of a 5kg mass dropped from 400mm height). IEC 62262 allocates codes only up to IK10, though some manufacturers who exceed this may create their own ratings beyond this standard. For example, a light fixture with an IK07 rating, such as the Bronte weatherproof batten or the Floreat emergency flood light, is resistant to external mechanical impacts. This is the recommended IK rating for areas prone to vandalism or external impacts such as basketball courts, indoor sports stadiums or train stations.
Elumen's Exit and Emergency Lighting
Elumen’s commitment to safety and durability is reflected in our weatherproof and vandal-proof exit and emergency lighting products. Here’s why IP and IK ratings are essential to consider when replacing failed fittings:
- Weatherproof Exit Signs:
Ensuring that exit signs are weatherproof (IP65 or higher) is critical for maintaining functionality in outdoor or semi-outdoor environments. This rating guarantees that the signs can withstand dust and water, ensuring they operate effectively during emergencies.
- Vandal-proof Exit Signs:
In public or high-traffic areas, lights are often subject to impact, whether accidental or intentional. Our minimum IK07 rating ensures that our exit signs can endure substantial mechanical stress, maintaining their integrity and functionality without needing a separate vandal-resistant cage.
- Weatherproof LED Battens:
Similar to exit lights, our weatherproof LED battens are designed to function in environments exposed to moisture and dust. An IP65 rating ensures they remain operational and safe, even in challenging conditions.
Why Matching IP and IK Ratings is Necessary
When replacing exit or emergency lighting, it’s crucial to match the IP and IK ratings to the specific environment's requirements. Failing to do so can result in compromised safety and functionality. For instance, using a non-weatherproof light in an outdoor setting can lead to water getting in, causing failures and ramping up the costs of maintenance. Similarly, installing lights with inadequate impact protection in areas prone to vandalism can result in frequent replacements and maintenance issues.
At Elumen, we understand the importance of these ratings and design our products to meet the highest standards of durability and protection. Whether you’re looking for weatherproof exits, waterproof exits, or robust LED battens, our range ensures reliability and safety, providing peace of mind in any situation.
IP65 Weatherproof LED Emergency Exit Sign
Model:
Classification:
IP Rating:
IK Rating:
WHALE-EM
C0:C8, C90:C8
IP65
IK08
