The IK impact test is a widely used standard for testing the mechanical resistance of enclosures and electrical equipment. This guidance note provides an overview of the IK impact test procedure, the equipment required, and the interpretation of results.
Background
The IK impact test is one of the European Norms (EN) that specifies the degree of protection provided by electrical equipment enclosures against mechanical impacts. It is widely used in the industry to determine the protective capability of the equipment against external impact forces.
The IK impact test is based on the pendulum impact test method, which simulates the impact of an object on the surface of an electrical enclosure. The test is designed to evaluate the ability of the enclosure to resist impact forces, and to determine the degree of protection offered by the enclosure to internal components.
Procedure
The IK impact test procedure involves the use of a pendulum impact testing apparatus, which is commonly known as an IK tester. The tester consists of a pendulum arm that is mounted on a support structure, and a striker that is attached to the end of the arm.
The striker is made up of a hemispherical head made of steel, and it weighs between 0.2 and 5.0 kg. The striker is released from a predetermined height above the enclosure's surface, and the height and velocity of the striker are carefully controlled.
During the test, the enclosure is placed on a flat and horizontal surface, and its position is secured with clamps or other means. The striker is released from a specific height above the enclosure, and its impact is measured by the amount of energy transferred to the enclosure's surface.
The test is repeated several times at different heights, and the energy absorbed by the enclosure at each height is measured. The minimum height at which the enclosure can withstand a certain level of impact energy is recorded as the IK code.
Equipment Required
To perform the IK impact test, a variety of equipment is required, including:
- IK tester
- Enclosure to be tested
- Flat and horizontal surface to support the enclosure
- Clamps or other means to secure the enclosure in place
Interpretation of Results
After the test, the impact resistance of the enclosure is rated according to the following IK code:
- IK00: No protection against impact
- IK01: Protection against impact of 0.14 J
- IK02: Protection against impact of 0.20 J
- IK03: Protection against impact of 0.35 J
- IK04: Protection against impact of 0.50 J
- IK05: Protection against impact of 0.70 J
- IK06: Protection against impact of 1.0 J
- IK07: Protection against impact of 2.0 J
- IK08: Protection against impact of 5.0 J
- IK09: Protection against impact of 10.0 J
The higher the IK code, the greater the degree of impact protection provided by the enclosure.
Conclusion
The IK impact test is an important standard for evaluating the mechanical resistance of electrical equipment enclosures. It provides a reliable method for determining the degree of protection offered by enclosures against external impact forces, and helps ensure the safety and reliability of equipment under various environmental conditions. By following the IK impact test procedure, equipment manufacturers can demonstrate compliance with industry standards and ensure their products are safe and reliable for their intended use.
Nina She