The scale of toughness is measured by
IK rating
- an international code which measures the amount of impact a specific light fixture can take. Essentially it is a measure of a fixture’s robustness and durability.
The
IK
is taken from two words:
Impact:
(noun):
definition:
to come into forcible contact with another object. From the Latin word
impingere
: ‘driven in’.
Kinetic:
(adjective):
definition:
meaning "motion". From the Greek word
kinein
, ‘to move’.
If you think of
IK
as a scale of moving objects that can hit a light fixture, you’ve got the concept of IK rating.
So - why should a fixture’s IK rating be important to you?
If you are choosing a lighting fixture for commercial roadways with high traffic areas, then one must choose a fixture with an appropriate IK rating. Damaged fixtures could result in the fixture failing to work efficiently, or worse still, failing completely.
On the other hand, you don’t need to choose a super tough fixture if there is little or no risk of impact. Assessing your risk of impact is the first step in deciding if you need a fixture with a high IK rating. And remember, it’s not just high traffic roadways that need risk evaluation. You may need high IK rated fixtures if the area is prone to vandalism or severe weather (Hurricanes).
