IK Ratings

Understand IK ratings and the importance of impact-resistant lighting solutions for durability and safety in challenging environments.

Why IK Ratings Matter

IK Ratings are an international standard (EN 62262 / IEC 62262/2002) used to define the level of protection an enclosure offers against mechanical impact. The rating, expressed from IK00 (no protection) to IK10 (highest protection), measures how well a product can withstand knocks, strikes or deliberate impact.

For lighting, this standard indicates the robustness of a luminaire. Defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and mirrored by BS EN 62262, with additional guidance for luminaires in IEC TR 62696:2011, it provides a consistent framework for assessing impact resistance.

Anti-vandal environments

In prisons, custodial suites, transport hubs and public spaces, lighting is often exposed to deliberate tampering or aggressive impact. A high IK rating ensures durability and reduces the need for costly replacements.

Anti-ligature safety

In environments where self-harm prevention is critical, robust fittings not only reduce risk of damage but also prevent opportunities for concealment or misuse.

Compliance and peace of mind

Many sectors require proven impact-resistant solutions to meet safety and operational standards.

Our Expertise

At Light Years Ahead, every luminaire undergoes dedicated IK testing to ensure full robustness. This prevents damage that could expose wiring, create sharp edges, or allow access to internal components. Many of our fittings also include tamper-proof screws to enhance safety and minimise risk in secure environments.

All relevant products tested in line with EN 62262 for IK ratings.
Our lights are engineered to withstand repeated impact without compromising performance or safety.
Trusted by Ministry of Justice for delivering durable, compliant solutions.

About IK Ratings

Outlined by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) regarding electrical enclosures in general in IEC 62262:2002 and mirrored by BS EN 62262, with further clarification specifically for luminaires (lighting) in IEC TR 62696:2011, this creates a standardised framework to indicate how impact resistant light fittings are. Robustness is extremely important in secure environments.

How IK Ratings Are Tested

The IK rating comes from testing with a blunt object at increasingly higher energy impacts. The test is typically conducted by using a weighted object and gravity to apply the force in an easily measurable and repeatable manner. The vertical hammer IK test technique outlined in EN/IEC 60068-2-75, uses a drop hammer to apply repeatable impacts. This is the method that Light Years Ahead uses to IK test all of the light fittings designed, manufactured and assembled in-house at our UK facilities.

The IK scale runs from:
IK00 no protection
IK10 protection up to 20 Joules
IK11 protection up to 50 Joules (the maximum specified by the standard)

The standard scale runs from IK00 (no protection) to IK11, which represents 50 Joules of energy for the impact. This is the maximum that the standards give guidelines for. Over time, we have seen that an IK11 rating can fall short when it comes to withstanding levels of physical force our luminaires can encounter in real-world environments. To address this, we’ve extended testing well beyond the standard limits of IK11, reaching up to IK22. IK10 and IK11 are important industry benchmarks but in some environments, higher levels of impact resistance may be needed.

Robust Impact Protection

IK ratings are more than just technical numbers. They indicate how well a luminaire can withstand the realities of its environment. In settings such as custodial facilities, mental healthcare and public infrastructure, lighting is exposed to much more than everyday wear and tear. Fixtures may be subject to deliberate impact, accidental damage or heavy use over time.

A robust IK rating ensures that the luminaire continues to function safely, without creating new risks such as exposed wiring, sharp edges or broken parts that could be misused. By choosing light fittings tested to higher IK levels, estates teams, consultants and contractors can be confident that lighting will remain both durable and safe, even under extreme conditions.

Discover our IK-rated luminaires

IK Rating Chart

IK Rating	Energy (J)	Product Example
IK01	0.14	–
IK02	0.2	–
IK03	0.35	–
IK04	0.5	–
IK05	0.7	–
IK06	1	–
IK07	2	–
IK08	5	–
IK09	10	–
IK10	20	Iris Standard
IK11	50	Iris VLR
IK12	62.5	–
IK13	75	Como Anti-Vandal
IK14	100	Enduralux® T Bulkhead
IK15	125	Protectalux® T Linear / Cornice
IK16	150	Enduralux® X Linear
IK17	175	–
IK18	200	Iris Anti-Ligature
IK19	225	–
IK20	250	Protectalux® Linear / Round Bulkhead
IK21	275	–
IK22	300	Protectalux® X Round Bulkhead

IK Rating IK01 Energy (J) 0.14 Product Example –

IK Rating IK02 Energy (J) 0.2 Product Example –

IK Rating IK03 Energy (J) 0.35 Product Example –

IK Rating IK04 Energy (J) 0.5 Product Example –

IK Rating IK05 Energy (J) 0.7 Product Example –

IK Rating IK06 Energy (J) 1 Product Example –

IK Rating IK07 Energy (J) 2 Product Example –

IK Rating IK08 Energy (J) 5 Product Example –

IK Rating IK09 Energy (J) 10 Product Example –

IK Rating IK10 Energy (J) 20 Product Example Iris Standard

IK Rating IK11 Energy (J) 50 Product Example Iris VLR

IK Rating IK12 Energy (J) 62.5 Product Example –

IK Rating IK13 Energy (J) 75 Product Example Como Anti-Vandal

IK Rating IK14 Energy (J) 100 Product Example Enduralux® T Bulkhead

IK Rating IK15 Energy (J) 125 Product Example Protectalux® T Linear / Cornice

IK Rating IK16 Energy (J) 150 Product Example Enduralux® X Linear

IK Rating IK17 Energy (J) 175 Product Example –

IK Rating IK18 Energy (J) 200 Product Example Iris Anti-Ligature

IK Rating IK19 Energy (J) 225 Product Example –

IK Rating IK20 Energy (J) 250 Product Example Protectalux® Linear / Round Bulkhead

IK Rating IK21 Energy (J) 275 Product Example –

IK Rating IK22 Energy (J) 300 Product Example Protectalux® X Round Bulkhead

Get in touch

We’re here to support you with specialist lighting that’s designed to perform and built to last. Get in touch with our expert team to discuss our IK tested lighting range.