TopTechnical DictionaryIK rating

IK rating

The IK rating is defined in European Standard EN 62262 and its international counterpart – IEC 62262:2002. It may be used to determine the degree of protection against impact (vandal-proof properties) of the cameras used for monitoring and other devices. IK rating allows to determine the degree of protection provided by enclosures against external mechanical impacts.

 

IKxy code includes IK letters and a code (‘00’ to ‘10’ scale). The higher the IK code, the higher the mechanical strength. The IK code allows to determine the degree of protection of the camera and to select the device optimal for the application. High IK code cameras can be used to avoid the need to often replace devices as a result of damage due to impact, e.g. by damage by vandalism. To make sure the camera we want to purchase provides a required degree of protection, check its IK code.

 

Table shows relevant IK codes and corresponding degree of protection against impact energy.

 

IK code Impact resistance Equivalent impact energy
00 0 J no protection
01 0,15 J fall distance 200 g from a height 7,5 cm
02 0,20 J fall distance 200 g from a height 10 cm
03 0,35 J fall distance 200 g from a height 17,5 cm
04 0,50 J fall distance 200 g from a height 25 cm
05 0,70 J fall distance 200 g from a height 35 cm
06 1 J fall distance 500 g from a height 20 cm
07 2 J fall distance 500 g from a height 40 cm
08 5 J fall distance 1700 g from a height 29,5 cm
09 10 J fall distance 5000 g from a height 20 cm
10 20 J fall distance 5000 g from a height 40 cm

Another key property of the enclosure is the type of material used. A list of pros and cons for common enclosure materials is presented below.

 

Polycarbonate (PC) and fibre reinforced polycarbonate (PC + GLASS) 

Pros Cons
  • excellent mechanical strength
  • clear version available
  • easy machining using standard tools
  • high degree of protection
  • smooth aesthetic finish
  • wide operating temperature range
  • self-extinguishing
  • good chemical resistance
  • lightweight
  • good UV resistance
  • excellent insulation properties
  • low cost material for use in extreme conditions
  • no EMC protection
  • Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) 

    Pros Cons
  • easy machining using standard tools
  • colouring with pigments
  • lightweight
  • good chemical resistance
  • excellent insulation properties
  • slightly lower mechanical resistance compared to polycarbonate
  • slightly lower operating temperature range
  • slightly lower UV resistance compared to polycarbonate; outdoor applications with covers
  • no clear version
  • no EMC protection
  • Glass reinforced polyester (GRP) 

    Pros Cons
  • excellent corrosion and chemical resistance
  • good mechanical strength
  • high rigidity
  • resistance to external conditions
  • wide operating temperature range
  • fire resistance
  • good insulation properties
  • higher cost compared to polycarbonate
  • machining using special tools
  • no EMC protection
  • higher weight compared to other materials
  • Aluminium (AL) 

    Pros Cons
  • good chemical resistance (powder coating)
  • excellent mechanical strength
  • wide operating temperature range
  • easy earthing
  • EMC shielding; note: to a certain degree as standard enclosures
  • good resistance to sudden increase in temperature
  • high rigidity
  • higher cost compared to polycarbonate
  • higher weight compared to PC and ABS
  • machining using special tools