IK Impact Protection Testing

Product Description

CDG is an Iso 17020 accredited inspection and Iso 17025 accredited Laboratory testing service provider in India.

Description of the IEC 62 262 standard

The IEC 62 262 standard describes how impact protection tests on enclosures are conducted. It is used to determine the protection provided against external stresses (damage to or effect of impact/energy on the enclosure) for safeguarding equipment. The protected equipment must not exceed a rated voltage of 72.5 kV. IK codes are expressed from low to high on a scale of 00 to 10 and prefixed with IK. Example: IK05. If a higher level of protection than IK10 is reached, the code is IK10+, regardless of the additional energy effect, with the standard recommending a value of 50 J (joules).The international IEC 62 262 standard is based on the European EN 50 102 standard, which has the same content. EN 50102 is also the German standard VDE 0470, Part 100. 

The IK code refers to the entire enclosure. If individual sections such as the side panels of modular enclosures have a different IK code, this must be shown separately. IP protection categories for foreign bodies and water protection in line with IEC 60 529 are identified using the first two digits. The first digit indicates protection against contact and foreign bodies, while the second indicates water protection.

Digit Protection against water

0 No protection

1 Protection against vertically dripping water

2 Protection against diagonally (up to 15 degree) dripping water

3 Protection against falling spray water up to 60 degree from the vertical

4 Protection against spray water on all sides

5 Protection against water jets (nozzle) from any angle

6 Protection against powerful water jets (flooding)

7 Protection against temporary immersion

8 Protection against continuous immersion

9 Protection against high-pressure water 

Basic principles

Enclosures and control cabinets are used throughout the world in all kinds of conditions and need to meet the strictest possible safety requirements. Protection category tests that focus on the extent to which external influences such as foreign bodies and water can penetrate enclosures play a key role in this regard. The IP protection category (International Protection) to IEC 60 529 and testing to NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association), 250-2003, Enclosures for Electrical Equipment (1000 Volts Maximum), which is significant for North America, are used in this area. The requirements for empty enclosures for low-voltage switchgear combinations are set out in the IEC 62 208 product standard. 

Performing impact protection laboratory tests

Impact protection tests (classification for protection category against external mechanical stress) for empty enclosures to IEC 62 208 are performed in line with the IEC 62 262 test standard. The following testing conditions must be observed:

1) Installation

During the test, the enclosure must be secured appropriately, as in everyday use. This means the enclosure must not be tested freely suspended, for example, as it is not secured appropriately and this is also not in line with normal usage. Mounting on the floor or wall is in line with the conventional place of use and the specification of the standard.

2) Performing the impact protection test

An impact test is performed for every surface exposed in normal usage. Three stresses (damage to or effect of impact/energy on the enclosure) are applied to an enclosure with an area to be tested of less than 1 m in length, and a total of five for a length over 1 m. Stress must not be applied more than three times near the same point. However, all impacts must be distributed evenly over the object. In other words, the area must not be tested arbitrarily and must instead follow a certain symmetry. 

3) Testing area on the enclosure:

Parts on the enclosure such as hinges, locks etc. are excluded from testing. Not only must the IP protection category be maintained after testing, but the insulation, opening and closing of the door and the installation and dismantling of the cover must also be ensured. The reliability of equipment (e.g. maintaining clearance and creepage distances) must continue to be ensured when testing (partially) configured enclosures as low-voltage switchgear and control gear assemblies in line with IEC 61 439-1. The test results vary depending on which points on the enclosure are subjected to impact testing. The most sensitive points on the enclosure can be tested most intensively by applying stress at up to a maximum of three neighboring points. However, no regulation exists on this and the less critical impact- and shock-proof points can be tested equally effectively. A lower or higher IK code may result, as the case may be. In this variable framework, the result of impact protection testing may be influenced by the manufacturer. In principle, the relevant points can be selected and are subject only to the criteria under 2), i.e. no regulation exists stating that the enclosure needs to be subjected to impact protection testing at points that are particularly sensitive to impact. 

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