Skip to main content
Contact Us
RUGGED · IMPACT

What Is an IK Rating?

An IK rating grades how well an enclosure resists mechanical impact, from IK00 (no protection) to IK10, which withstands a 20 joule impact. It is defined by IEC 62262 (EN 62262) and is used alongside the IP rating to specify displays, panel PCs and enclosures for public and industrial sites.

01

The Short Answer

The test strikes the enclosure with a defined hammer at a set energy and checks that it still protects the equipment inside. Each step up the scale raises the impact energy, from 0.14 joules at IK01 to 20 joules at IK10. Where an IP rating covers dust and water, the IK rating covers knocks, dropped tools and vandalism.

  • //
    IK06 (1 J) About a 0.25 kg mass dropped from 400 mm. Light knocks in indoor equipment.
  • //
    IK08 (5 J) A 1.7 kg mass dropped from 300 mm. Typical for industrial enclosures and kiosks.
  • //
    IK09 (10 J) A 5 kg mass dropped from 200 mm. Heavy-duty industrial and transport equipment.
  • //
    IK10 (20 J) A 5 kg mass dropped from 400 mm. Vandal-resistant displays and outdoor equipment.
02

Why It Matters

On a panel PC or display, the cover glass usually decides the IK rating, so check whether the figure applies to the glass or only to the housing. Public-facing and outdoor screens are often specified at IK08 to IK10. Our rugged panel PCs list their impact and ingress ratings, and our guide to what makes a computer rugged covers the other standards to check.