What does mean IP or IK on your electrical equipment ?

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Are you a professional looking for reliable, safe lighting for yourself or your staff? So you're looking for the best possible IP or IK... But first of all, what are IP and IK? What's the difference between IP and Ik? 

In this article, find out what these two indixes mean.

What is the IP index? What's it for ?

The IP or International Protection rating is an international classification system used to indicate the resistance of a product according to two main criteria. In our case, of course, we're talking about lighting accessories. 

The IP consists in two digits : IPXX 

The first of these two numbers corresponds to light protection against solid objects (e.g. dust). 

The second number refers to the product's water resistance to liquids (e.g. water). 

Depending on your activities or the use of you lamps, you can therefore determine the right IP.

IK, a very different index from IP

Now, you're wonderinf what the IK index is and how it might influence your choice of lamp? 

The IK index is known for determining your light's resistance to mechanical shock. In physics, a mechanical shock is one that occurs when two bodies collide.

Once again, depending on your activity, your lamp needs to have a greater or lesser IK for the safety of the person using it, but also of those around him or her.

Which IP to choose ?

Let's take a look at all the possible classifications of your IP rating to help you select your lamp or lighting accessory.

Here is a summary: 

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For the first part of the index : 

  • IPOX No protection
  • IP1X Protection against solid objects (>50mm Ø) - surface contact (e.g. back of hand) 
  • IP2X Protection against solid objects (>12mm Ø) or small body parts (e.g. fingers)
  • IP3X Protection against solid objects (>2.5mm Ø), small objects (e.g. tools, screwdrivers) 
  • IP4X Protection against solid objects (>1mm Ø), very small objects (parper clip)
  • IP5X Protection against harmful dust inside products (small quantities) 
  • IP6X Total protection against dus inside products.

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For the second part of the index : 

  • IPX0 No protection 
  • IPX1 Protection against vertical water drops
  • IPX2 Droplet protection (15° inclination) 
  • IPX3 Rain protection (60° inclination)
  • IPX4 Splash protection
  • IPX5 Protection agaisnt water jets
  • IPX6 Wave protection
  • IPX7 Protection against immersion
  • IPX8 Protection against flooding
  • IPX9 Protection against high-pressur cleaning

IK summary :

  • 01 Equipment protected against an impact energy of 0.15 Joules (shock equivalent to the fall of a 150 g mass from a height of 10 cm)
  • 02 Equipment protected against an impact energy of 0.2 Joules (shock equivalent to the fall of a 200 g mass from a height of 10 cm)
  • 03 Equipment protected against an impact energy of 0.35 Joules (shock equivalent to the fall of a 250 g mass from a height of 15 cm)
  • 04 Equipment protected against an impact energy of 0.5 Joules (shock equivalent to the fall of a 350 g mass from a height of 20 cm)
  • 05 Equipment protected against an impact energy of 0.7 Joules (shock equivalent to the fall of a 350 g mass from a height of 20 cm)
  • 06 Equipment protected against an impact energy of 1 Joule (shock equivalent to the fall of a 250 g mass from a height of 40 cm)
  • 07 Equipment protected against an impact energy of 2 Joules (shock equivalent to the fall of a 0.5 kg mass from a height of 40 cm)
  • 08 Equipment protected against an impact energy of 5 Joules (shock equivalent to the fall of a 1.25 kg mass from a height of 40 cm)
  • 09 Equipment protected against an impact energy of 10 Joules (shock equivalent to the fall of a 2.5 kg mass from a height of 40 cm)
  • 10 Equipment protected against an impact energy of 20 Joules (shock equivalent to the fall of a 5 kg mass from a height of 40 cm)

Example: An IK08 flashlight is fairly shock-resistant, so it won't be damaged.

Where can I find products with an IP or IK rating that meets my needs ?

    To conclude, you'll find various lighting products on our website with very different IP and IK ratings, so it's up to you to see what suits you and select the light or lamp best suited to your working environment. 

    Prolutech products are professional LED lighting products, rechargeable or not, so it's up to you to find the best one for you.

    If you're interested in any of them, please write to us at info@prolutech.eu.

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