In the world of electrical and mechanical engineering, ensuring that products can withstand various environmental challenges is crucial. Two key rating systems used to quantify a product’s resilience are the Ingress Protection (IP) rating and the Impact Protection (IK) rating. These standardized measures are essential for engineers and product designers when selecting components, particularly electric motors, for use in harsh or demanding environments.
The IP rating system, defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard 60529, provides a standardized method for classifying the degree of protection provided by enclosures of electrical equipment against solid objects, dust, accidental contact, and water.
IPX0: No protectionAdditional letters can provide extra information:
When selecting electric motors, the IP rating is crucial for ensuring proper operation in the intended environment. For instance:
The IK rating system, defined by the IEC 62262 standard, quantifies the degree of protection provided by enclosures for electrical equipment against external mechanical impacts.
The IK rating consists of the letters “IK” followed by two digits (00-10) that represent a specific impact energy:
The IK rating is particularly important for products that may be exposed to physical impacts during operation or transportation. For electric motors, a higher IK rating indicates better protection against mechanical damage, which is crucial in industrial or outdoor environments.
While IP and IK ratings measure different aspects of protection, they are often used in conjunction to provide a comprehensive understanding of a product’s durability. For example, a motor might be described as having an IP66 and IK08 rating, indicating that it is dust-tight, protected against powerful water jets, and can withstand an impact of up to 5 joules.
When selecting components for harsh environments, consider the following:
Understanding IP and IK ratings is crucial for engineers and product designers, particularly when sourcing electric motors for use in challenging environments. These standardized ratings provide clear, comparable measures of a product’s ability to withstand environmental and mechanical stresses. By carefully considering these ratings alongside other product specifications, designers can ensure that their chosen components will perform reliably under the expected operating conditions.
As technology advances and applications become more demanding, the importance of IP and IK ratings in product selection and design will only continue to grow. Staying informed about these standards and their implications is essential for creating robust, reliable products that can withstand the rigors of real-world use.
Why settle for less? Put Telco’s motion control and supply chain experts to work on your next project.
Whether you need more efficient solutions or engineering innovation, our engineers are up to any challenge.
Office: (281) 855-2218
Copyright © 2025 Telco Intercontinental Corp. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Legal Disclaimer
Telco®, TelcoMotion®, and TelcoGreen® are registered trademarks of Telco Intercontinental Corp.
