Degrees of protection provided by enclosures against external mechanical impacts (IK code).
The standard classifies the degrees of protection provided by enclosures for electrical equipment against external mechanical impacts when the rated voltage of the protected equipment does not exceed 72.5 kV. The IK code (IK00–IK11) assigns each degree an impact energy from 0.14 J to 50 J; IK00 means no protection according to this standard.
The standard applies only to enclosures for which the product standard specifies impact-protection requirements.
An IK code in the datasheet means that the enclosure withstood impacts at the energy assigned to that degree without damage that would impair the declared IP rating. The standard specifies the classification and test conditions, while the test itself is carried out according to IEC 60068-2-75; the type of apparatus (pendulum, spring or vertical hammer) and additional criteria are defined by the product standard.
The IK code describes only the enclosure’s resistance to external impact; IK11 still allows the sandbag test where required by the product standard.
The test is performed according to IEC 60068-2-75 using a pendulum, spring or vertical hammer; the product standard specifies the apparatus type. The striking element, its mass and drop height are selected for the IK-code energy: IK07 – 0.5 kg from 400 mm (2 J), IK08 – 1.7 kg from 300 mm (5 J), IK09 – 5 kg from 200 mm (10 J), IK10 – 5 kg from 400 mm (20 J), IK11 – 10 kg from 500 mm (50 J); for IK05 – 200 g from 35 cm (0.7 J).
Five impacts are applied to each exposed surface unless the product standard states otherwise; impacts are distributed evenly, with no more than three at one point. The basic criterion is no damage impairing the specified IP code; the product standard may add its own requirements (visual, dimensional or functional inspection).
AMD1:2021 added IK11 (50 J) for special enclosures and guards intended for very severe outdoor applications and changed the definitions.
Check the IK code and references to IEC 62262 and IEC 60068-2-75 in the datasheet; an “IK10” entry without the standard remains a manufacturer declaration. For equipment in underframe boxes and on platforms, compare the IK-code energy with the requirements of the product standard or operator specification.
