Understanding IK Ratings: Choosing Impact‑Resistant Lighting
When selecting lighting for your home, office, or outdoor space, most people focus on IP ratings — which tell you how well a fixture resists dust and water. But there’s another important rating you may not have seen: the IK rating. This measures how well a light can withstand physical impact, helping you choose durable, long-lasting products.
Whether you’re installing lights in a busy driveway, public walkway, garage, or industrial space, understanding IK ratings ensures your fixtures can handle knocks, bumps, or even vandalism without breaking.
What is an IK Rating?
The IK rating is an international standard that indicates how resistant a lighting fixture is to mechanical impact. It is measured according to IEC 62262 and is expressed as “IK” followed by a number — for example, IK08.
Each number corresponds to a certain level of impact energy, measured in joules (J), that the fixture can withstand without damage. The higher the IK rating, the tougher the product.
IK Rating Breakdown
Here’s a simple guide to IK levels and what they mean in real-life scenarios:
