IK rating, which is the international standard for determining how well electrical enclosures protect against external mechanical impact. The higher the IK rating is, the better impact resistance it has. Typically, industrial grade enclosures require IK rating from IK06 up to IK10.

Often, IK ratings are considered alongside IP ratings when it comes to outdoor switchboards or switchboards in high traffic areas. While IP (ingress protection) measures the environmental protection that a product has from particles and liquids, IK ratings, as described above, measures the protection the item has from an object hitting it (let’s say, a hammer), at increasing weights and heights. You need both high IP AND IK ratings to be sure that your switchboard will stand the test of time. Industries such as construction, manufacturing, and public infrastructure greatly benefit from high IK-rated products. These sectors often encounter harsh environments where equipment is exposed to potential impacts from tools or machinery. Additionally, outdoor installations in transportation hubs and sports facilities also require robust enclosures to withstand frequent physical contact and ensure long-term durability.

For industrial enclosures, third-party impact test conditions should be conducted at -25C and +35 Celsius temperatures. This implies that the product is suitable for both hot and cold climates. For non-metallic enclosures, cold temperatures are more challenging as the material becomes more brittle. To simulate environmental conditions, the enclosure is subjected to aging tests, after which it is targeted with impacts based on its expected IK rating. Following the targeted hits, the enclosure should continue to function as designed. Read the full technical specifications for Legrand – Ensto enclosures here. 

IP & IK metrics and measurements are the same across all industries. Click here to see the IK and IP rating table