Understanding IK Ratings: EN 62262 and EN 50102
Introduction
The IK rating is a critical classification that determines the level of protection electrical appliances offer against mechanical impacts from external sources. This rating is defined by two key standards: EN 62262 and EN 50102. Understanding these ratings helps in selecting the right equipment for environments where mechanical impact resistance is essential.
What is the IK Rating?
The IK rating is an international numeric classification that indicates the degree of protection provided by enclosures for electrical equipment against external mechanical impacts. The ratings are defined by two main standards: EN 62262 and EN 50102.
EN 62262 Standard
The EN 62262 standard, also known as IEC 62262, classifies the level of protection that electrical appliances provide against mechanical impacts from outside. Here is a detailed breakdown of the IK rating according to this standard:
Code
|
Impact Energy
|
Resistant Against an Impact from an Object of
|
IK00
|
Non-protected
|
|
IK01
|
0.150 joules
|
0.44 lbs (200 grams) thrown from a distance of 2.9" (7.5 cm)
|
IK02
|
0.200 joules
|
0.44 lbs (200 grams) thrown from a distance of 3.9" (10 cm)
|
IK03
|
0.350 joules
|
0.44 lbs (200 grams) thrown from a distance of 6.9" (17.5 cm)
|
IK04
|
0.500 joules
|
0.44 lbs (200 grams) thrown from a distance of 9.8" (25 cm)
|
IK05
|
0.700 joules
|
0.44 lbs (200 grams) thrown from a distance of 13.8" (35 cm)
|
IK06
|
1.00 joules
|
1.1 lbs (500 grams) thrown from a distance of 7.9" (20 cm)
|
IK07
|
2.00 joules
|
1.1 lbs (500 grams) thrown from a distance of 15.7" (40 cm)
|
IK08
|
5.00 joules
|
3.8 lbs (1.7 kg) thrown from a distance of 11.6" (29.5 cm)
|
IK09
|
10.00 joules
|
11 lbs (5 kg) thrown from a distance of 7.9" (20 cm)
|
IK10
|
20.00 joules
|
11 lbs (5 kg) thrown from a distance of 15.7" (40 cm)
|
IK Code
|
IK00
|
IK01 to IK09
|
IK06
|
IK07
|
IK08
|
IK09
|
IK10
|
Impact Energy (joules)
|
*
|
<1
|
1
|
2
|
5
|
10
|
10
|
R mm (radius striking element)
|
*
|
10
|
10
|
25
|
25
|
50
|
50
|
Material
|
*
|
polylamide
|
polyamide
|
steel
|
steel
|
steel
|
steel
|
Mass kg
|
*
|
0.2
|
0.5
|
0.5
|
1.7
|
5
|
5
|
Pendulum hammer
|
*
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Spring hammer
|
*
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
Free fall hammer
|
*
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
EN/IEC Classification Details
-
IK Code: Ranges from IK01 to IK10.
-
Impact Energy: Varies between <1 to="">10 Joules.
-
Material: Polyamide for lower ratings and steel for higher ratings.
-
Testing Methods: Pendulum hammer for all classes, spring hammer for lower classes, and free fall hammer for higher classes.
EN/IEC Testing Methods
The testing methods used in the EN/IEC standard include:
-
Pendulum Hammer: Used across all classes.
-
Spring Hammer: Used only in lower classes.
-
Free Fall Hammer: Used in higher classes.
What is the EN/IEC50102 Standard?
The EN/IEC50102 standard, established in June 1995, also defines the degree of mechanical protection provided by enclosures but with slight variations in testing methods and parameters compared to EN/IEC62262.
IK Rating Table (EN/IEC50102)
IK Rate
|
Energy at the Impact (Joule)
|
Mass (kg)
|
Stroke Down (mm)
|
IK01
|
0.14
|
0.25
|
56
|
IK02
|
0.20
|
0.25
|
80
|
IK03
|
0.35
|
0.25
|
140
|
IK04
|
0.50
|
0.25
|
200
|
IK05
|
0.70
|
0.25
|
280
|
IK06
|
1.00
|
0.25
|
400
|
IK07
|
2.00
|
0.50
|
400
|
IK08
|
5.00
|
1.70
|
300
|
IK09
|
10.00
|
5.00
|
200
|
IK10
|
20.00
|
5.00
|
400
|
The testing methods used in the EN/IEC standard include:
-
Pendulum Hammer: Used across all classes.
-
Spring Hammer: Used only in lower classes.
-
Free Fall Hammer: Used in higher classes.
Differences Between EN62262 and EN50102 Standards
While both standards serve similar purposes, there are some key differences:
1.EN50102 was later replaced by IEC62262 in terms of global acceptance. 2.EN50102 is more focused on European standards while IEC62262 has broader international recognition. 3.The testing procedures may vary slightly between these two standards.
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