IK Protection
IK protection standards were developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission.
This standard specifies, in various degrees of protection, the resistance of a given object against three identical external mechanical impacts whose force is calculated in Joules.
In this way, IK protection information allows you to easily know the resistance of a luminaire's body to external forces.
The IK code has two digits, but unlike the IP code, the two numerals together indicate the guaranteed range of protection against impacts, and have no meaning on their own. The numerals (from 00 to 11) represent resistance against an increasingly greater impact energy.
This information is relevant when considering technical and outdoor lighting, where luminaires may be installed in public areas, passageways or areas with high traffic, subject to possible damage or acts of vandalism. An example of this are recessed floor luminaires, which may be installed on paths or areas with vehicle traffic, and therefore need to withstand high weight loads.
In the following table you can find the meanings for each two-digit number referring to the IK codes:
00 |
without impact protection |
01 - 05 |
protection against impacts with energy less than 1 Joule by objects weighing 200g |
06 |
protection against impacts of energy equivalent to 1 Joule by objects weighing 500g |
07 |
protection against impacts of energy equivalent to 2 Joules by objects weighing 500g |
08 |
protection against impacts with energy equivalent to 5 Joules by objects weighing 1.7 kg |
09 |
protection against impacts of energy equivalent to 10 Joules by objects weighing 5 kg |
10 |
protection against impacts of energy equivalent to 20 Joules by objects weighing 5 kg |
11 |
protection against impacts of energy equivalent to 50 Joules by objects weighing 10 kg |
Tests that determine the IK protection level of a device are usually carried out on its most vulnerable or exposed part. For this determination the body of the luminaire is assessed, as well as its lighting system or light source, is assessed. If the luminaire's body is not damaged but some anomaly or lighting defect is detected (such as shadows or marks), the device has not successfully passed the test with the impact energy used and, therefore, the test must be repeated.
In the Normo online store, you can find this information on some technical lighting items, such as the LHP or RNC ranges. You can also use the filters to easily find products with the desired IK protection in each category of the online store.
If you need help or advice, our team can help with this and other issues that may arise in your lighting project.
Click here to find all the ways you can get in touch with us.
Last update: 12/03/2025