IK-test

IK tests ensure that the product housing is resistant to external shocks. IK tests are performed with pendulum hammer or free fall weights. We are accredited testhouse for IK tests and you will receive an official test report and certificate as a proof of quality.

IK tests and IK rating – accredited impact resistance testing for products

IK tests show how well your product withstands impacts in a real-world environment. The official IK rating indicates the impact resistance of a product in a standardized and internationally accepted manner. Impacts can arise from handling, accidental collisions, rough use of public spaces or vandalism, for example. Accredited IK testing can verify the impact resistance of a product and assign it an official IK rating in accordance with international standards.

Toptester is a FINAS 17025 accredited testing house, and the accreditation also covers IK testing. You will receive an accredited test report from the testing as proof of the impact resistance of the product or housing. The test results support product development, certification, product marketing and international acceptance.

What is an IK rating?

The IK rating is an international classification system that determines the protection of a product or housing against mechanical impacts. The classification is based on the standards IEC 60068-2-75 and SFS-EN 62262.

The IK classification starts at level IK00, which means that no specific impact resistance has been specified for the product. The classes increase gradually up to level IK10. The higher the IK class a product has, the better it can withstand impacts and mechanical stress in practical environments.

For example, a product with an IK10 rating can withstand an impact of 20 joules, which means very high impact resistance, for example in public spaces, industrial environments and outdoor use.

IK classifications: Impact energy and testing requirements

The IK classification is defined in accordance with standard IEC 62262. The table below shows how many joules each class corresponds to and the test arrangement used to achieve that energy.

IK class	Impact energy (Joules)	Equivalent impact (example)
IK00	0 J	No protection against mechanical impacts.
IK01	0,14 J	0.25 kg mass dropped from a height of 56 mm.
IK02	0,2 J	0.25 kg mass dropped from a height of 80 mm.
IK03	0, 35 J	0.25 kg mass dropped from a height of 140 mm.
IK04	0,5 J	0.25 kg mass dropped from a height of 200 mm.
IK05	0,7 J	0.25 kg mass dropped from a height of 280 mm.
IK06	1 J	0.25 kg mass dropped from a height of 400 mm.
IK07	2 J	0.5 kg mass dropped from a height of 400 mm.
IK08	5 J	1.7 kg mass dropped from a height of 300 mm.
IK09	10	5 kg mass dropped from a height of 200 mm.
IK10	20 J	5 kg mass dropped from a height of 400 mm.

Notes on testing:

In some demanding applications, impact energies exceeding the standard classifications can be used, which can correspond to impacts of up to 50 joules.

Impact hammer type: VThe type of hammer used in the test (pendulum, spring or vertical hammer) is selected in accordance with the IEC 60068-2-75 standard based on the energy to be tested and the shape of the product.

Accredited report: For the IK classification to be official, the testing must be carried out in an accredited laboratory where the impact direction, number of impacts and environmental conditions are strictly controlled.

Why are IK tests important?

In product development, it is difficult to assess the actual durability of a product without testing. Usage situations can include impacts, drops and mechanical stress, the intensity of which cannot be reliably predicted based on design alone.

IK testing can:

• verify the impact resistance of a product or enclosure
• determine the official IK classification
• identify structural weaknesses in time
• ensure the product’s suitability for demanding environments
• support product development and certification
• improve product marketing and competitiveness

A high IK classification often also serves as a concrete competitive advantage, because it tells the customer about the product’s real durability.

IK testing with Toptester

Toptester carries out IK tests in accredited laboratory conditions in accordance with international standards. The testing process can be designed to proceed in stages, for example from the IK05 classification upwards, until the desired IK class is achieved or the product’s true durability limit is identified.

The testing program comprehensively takes into account the product’s operational use, installation method and the behavior of materials with different impact energies. At the same time, the enclosure and critical components are ensured to have a sufficient level of protection and any additional customer-specific requirements are met. This thorough review allows critical weaknesses to be identified even before production starts, which helps to reduce damage and complaints in the field.

Accredited IK testing – reliable and acceptable test results

Toptester is a FINAS-accredited test house, which ensures the reliability, repeatability and international acceptability of test results. The official test report can be used, for example, in certifications, tenders, technical documentation and product marketing.

Standards – IK testing

IK testing is carried out in accordance with international standards.

Test equipment and test methods

IK testing uses standard-compliant impact hammers and test weights to apply controlled impacts to the product with a defined energy. The tests are carried out under strictly controlled laboratory conditions.

Testing can assess, for example:

• impact resistance of enclosures
• mechanical resistance of structures
• behavior of materials under impact
• suitability of products for environments prone to vandalism

Tests can be carried out with the Toptester up to IK10 classification.

IK tests as part of comprehensive reliability and environmental testing

IK tests are often part of a broader reliability and environmental testing package. In practice, impact resistance testing is often combined with, for example, IP and tightness testing, drop and vibration testing, and temperature and humidity testing. This gives a realistic overall picture of the product under real-world usage conditions.

Contact us and ensure the impact resistance of your product

Do you need an official IK rating or accredited IK testing for your product?

We will help you design a testing package that meets your product’s intended use and requirements.