Ik level test

Types of ik level test

The IK level test verifies the resistance of electrical devices to mechanical impacts, which is crucial for safe and durable performance in various conditions. There are multiple types of IK level tests, each designed to assess different aspects of operational resilience.

The most common classification of the IK test for impact protection involves testing the item with a solid strike. Here is a list of these tests:

• IK degree with a steel ball

  This is the basic test for all containers. The degree of the test is from IK0 to IK10. At IK0, there is no requirement for impact resistance. While the IK10, the case can withstand 20 joules of energy without damage to internal components. The test is carried out by dropping a steel ball weighing 1.5 kg from a height of 1 meter at an individual point on the housing capped by a non-impact part. The upper part of the IK is divided into classes. They are IK0, IK1, IK2, IK3, IK4, IK5, and IK6 from 1 to 6. In each series, the larger number indicates more robustness to the impacts of IP1.

• IK degree with a wooden pendulum

  The test was conducted by dropping a wooden pendulum weighing 5 kg from a height of 2 meters at a particular point on the housing capped by a non-influential part of the impact. The IK service classes from IK7 to IK10 are the same as for the impact test with a steel ball. Degree of the IK with a wooden pendulum is designed for enclosures working up to IP44.

• The IK degree with a steel hammer

  This test involves the use of a steel hammer. It is also divided into classes from IK1 to IK10. The degree of protection intended for the test with a steel hammer is from IK1 to IK8 inclusive. The impacts strengthen the ranges: according to earlier regulations, which are transitional to the new ones. According to them, an enclosure updated to IK4 was tested last year with a 0.25 kg hammer. In the previous version, the IK3 protection was determined by clamping the hammer 0.5 kg. So for the transitional standards, the class penalty may be counted in the previous version.

Materials Used To Make ik level test

IK tests, being durable and impact resistant, are made from various materials such as steel, copper, aluminum alloy, plastic, and rubber.

• Steel

  Steel is the toughest and cost-effective material used in making IK tests. Also, the compactness of the surface ensures good insulation of electrical current, withstanding serious impacts and shocks. It, therefore, makes a good choice for the body and the foundation of the impact hammer.

• Copper

  Copper is mostly used for making electromagnetic coils because it has very low electrical resistance. This material is vital for making bodies due to their high conductivity, enabling the instrument to work properly. It is then housed in non-conductive materials to prevent risks to the user.

• Aluminum alloy

  Aluminum alloy is lighter than steel; thus, it can be easily carried out. It is also relatively strong. It can be used to manufacture some internal parts of the IK level tests where stability and low weight are essential. However, it is not as impact-resistant as steel.

• Plastic

  Plastics are used in the IK level test configuration process to enable electrical insulation. Plastics are employed in the design for non-structural ergonomics areas, ease of grip, and protecting the user during an electrical malfunction. Polycarbonate or ABS is sometimes used because of their high toughness and moderate impact resistance.

• Rubber

  Rubber is used for padding seals. These help absorb minor shocks, making them useful in protecting delicate items in the kit. Rubber provides weather stripping seals against moisture, thus affecting the hermeticity of intellectual instruments.

Commercial Uses Of ik level test

The IK level test has various commercial uses, including confirming the strength of electrical enclosures, the electromagnetic impact on electrical devices, determining the housing of instruments in machinery, assessing control panels, and measuring weatherproof electrical cabinets.

• Confirming strength in electrical enclosures

  The IK level test measures and verifies impact protection in electrical enclosures used in various industries, ensuring stable and reliable working under fluctuating conditions, hence validating the strength of enclosures which are crucial for the durability of electrical components.

• Assessing electro-mechanical impacts

  The test evaluates how well the electrical devices can withstand mechanical shocks, such as sudden starts and stops, vibrations, or even bumps during transportation or installation. It is crucial for assessing overall device performance.

• Determining housing in machinery

  Manufacturing uses the IK level test to ensure that parts of the machine housing can withstand impacts, this protecting crucial internal components and thus enhancing durability within industries in constant use-machine.

• Assessing control panels

  The test helps withstand expected mechanical effects on control panels during usage, giving confidence to industries that these systems will work properties even when they face physical shocks or impacts.

• Measuring weatherproof cabinets

  IK testing checks the impact protection of cabinet housings designed for outdoor applications, ensuring these cabinets can withstand environmental conditions like rain, wind, and significant temperatures while protecting internal equipment from any possible damage.

How To Choose ik level test

Some factors should be considered when choosing the IK Level Test, such as the testing method, degree of protection, industry standards, test equipment, and environmental conditions.

• Testing method

  Identify the methods for the IK test available for the kit; they can test it using a steel ball, a wooden pendulum, or a steel hammer. Choosing the right method will greatly depend on the impact test required by the instrument.

• Degree of protection

  What degree of protection is to be tested? The testing standard allows degrees from IK0 to IK10. While IK0 has no impact protection requirements, IK10 means that the equipment can withstand the maximum impact energy without damage.

• Industry standards

  When selecting the IK level test, the industry's standards should be respected, especially the electrical and manufacturing industries, as they have specific requirements on the impact tests.

• Test equipment

  Make sure the test equipment is certified and calibrated properly to conduct the IK level test. The steel ball, wooden pendulum, or hammers should be of proper weight and dimensions to contribute optimal results.

• Environmental conditions

  Consider the environment where devices are to be used, elements like temperature, humidity, and physical shocks. These elements also affect the impact protection that needs to be measured by the IK level test.

• Certification and accreditation

  Ensure that the IK level test facility is certified and accredited by international organizations for their integrity. This gives confidence that the test results will be accurate and are going to meet industry standards.

Q & A

Q1. What is the importance of the IK level test?

A1. The IK level test is important in the construction, electrical, and mechanical industries, which ascertain the impact resistance degree of equipment. It ensures the durability of enclosures in adverse conditions, increasing reliability in various products and safety.

Q2. What do the IK levels entail?

A2. IK levels range from IK0 to IK10, where: IK0 means there are no protections against mechanical impacts, while IK1 to IK2 show the little protection that there is probably no electrical protection device justification.

Q3. How is the IK level test conducted?

A3. The IK test for impact protection was conducted by applying appropriate mechanical forces using either a steel ball, wooden pendulum, or a hammer, depending on the level of test required.

Q4. How is the degree of the IK level defined?

A4. Each IK level has a specific impact energy value expressed in joules. For instance, at IK1, the energy value is 0.15 joules. At IK2, it is 0.2 joules, while at IK10, the highest level of protection; the energy value is 20 joules.