IEC 62262.

Overview

IEC 62262 defines the IK code, an international classification for the degree of protection that enclosures of electrical equipment provide against harmful external mechanical impacts. The scale runs from IK00 (no protection) to IK10 (the highest standard level). The IK code complements the IP rating (IEC 60529): IP describes protection against ingress of solids and liquids, while IK describes resistance to mechanical impact. Published in Europe as EN 62262; it superseded the earlier EN 50102.

The IK Classification (IK00–IK10)

Each IK level corresponds to a defined impact energy in joules:

• IK00 — no protection
• IK01 — 0.14 J
• IK02 — 0.20 J
• IK03 — 0.35 J
• IK04 — 0.50 J
• IK05 — 0.70 J
• IK06 — 1 J
• IK07 — 2 J
• IK08 — 5 J
• IK09 — 10 J
• IK10 — 20 J

Each impact energy follows E = m·g·h (mass, gravitational acceleration, drop height); IEC 62262 specifies the mass/height combination per level. Levels above IK10 (e.g. an informal IK11 at 50 J) fall outside the standard scale and serve only exceptional heavy-duty cases.

Test Method and Apparatus

IEC 62262 sets the classification and test conditions — specimen mounting, atmospheric conditions, the number and distribution of impacts, and the hammer for each IK level — while the impact test procedure itself is defined in IEC 60068-2-75 (test Eh, hammer test). Three hammer types are used by energy and geometry: pendulum (Charpy-type), spring-loaded, and free-fall (vertical). A specimen passes a level when, after the specified impacts, no damage impairs safety or function (no access to live parts, no cracks exposing hazardous parts, continued operation where required).

Related Standards

IEC 60068-2-75 provides the impact test procedure that IEC 62262 references. IK classification is usually quoted alongside the IP rating (IEC 60529); together they describe an enclosure's resistance to mechanical impact and to ingress of solids and liquids. EN 62262 is the European equivalent.

ULMEKA Equipment for IEC 62262

ULMEKA supplies a pendulum impact hammer test device for IK classification to IEC 62262 (impact procedure per IEC 60068-2-75). For configuration and a quotation, request a proposal below.