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IP & IK Ratings in Lighting | Waterproof & Impact-Resistant Fixtures

Learn how IP and IK ratings define dust, water, and impact resistance in lighting fixtures for architectural, hospitality, and aviation projects.

Resistance again mechanical impact
Resistance again mechanical impact
Resistance again mechanical impact

Posted at

Apr 16, 2025

Posted on

IP/IK

IP & IK Ratings in Lighting: Protection Standards You Need to Know

1. What are IP & IK Ratings?

When choosing lighting fixtures, durability and safety are just as important as design. That’s where IP and IK ratings come in:

  • IP (Ingress Protection): Defines how well a fixture resists dust and water.

  • IK (Impact Protection): Measures how resistant a fixture is to mechanical impact or vandalism.

Together, these ratings ensure your lighting solutions perform reliably in demanding environments.

2. Understanding IP Ratings

An IP rating is expressed as IPXX, where:

  • The first digit (0–6) indicates protection against solids (dust, particles).

  • The second digit (0–9) indicates protection against liquids (water, moisture).

Examples:

  • IP20: Basic indoor protection, no water resistance.

  • IP65: Dust-tight and protected against water jets — ideal for outdoor architectural lighting.

  • IP68: Fully dustproof and resistant to continuous immersion in water — perfect for underwater or helipad lighting.

3. Understanding IK Ratings

IK ratings measure a fixture’s ability to withstand mechanical impact, expressed as IKXX (00–10).

  • IK00: No protection against impact.

  • IK05: Resistant to 0.7 joules (small accidental knocks).

  • IK10: Resistant to 20 joules (heavy impacts, vandal resistance).

Applications:

  • IK07–IK08: Suitable for public spaces like hotel lobbies and corridors.

  • IK09–IK10: Required for outdoor, industrial, or helipad systems exposed to harsh conditions.

4. Applications of IP & IK Ratings in Lighting

  • Helipad Systems: High IP and IK ratings ensure safety under extreme weather and mechanical stress.

  • Outdoor Architectural Lighting: Fixtures must resist dust, rain, and accidental impacts.

  • Hospitality & Guest Room Management: IP-rated fixtures protect against moisture in bathrooms and spas.

  • Smart Homes: IP/IK-rated LEDs guarantee reliability in kitchens, gardens, and outdoor living areas.

Whether in studio or on location, shoot day is a mix of preparation and adaptability.

We manage:

  • Lighting and setup

  • Shot pacing

  • Art direction and styling

  • Creative improvisation for unexpected moments

Because we’ve laid the groundwork ahead of time, the day can be flexible and focused — with room to capture magic.

5. Post-Production That Polishes, Not Overprocesses

Editing isn’t just technical — it’s an extension of the brand voice. After the shoot, we carefully select and retouch images for consistency and mood. Our editing process includes:

  • Color grading aligned with brand tone

  • Light retouching (skin, background clean-up)

  • Cropping for multiple uses (web, mobile, print)

Recommended IP & IK Ratings

Environment

Recommended IP Rating

Recommended IK Rating

Indoor Guest Rooms

IP20–IP44

IK05–IK07

Hotel Lobbies

IP44–IP54

IK07–IK08

Outdoor Facades

IP65–IP67

IK08–IK09

Helipad Lighting

IP67–IP68

IK09–IK10

Industrial Applications

IP65–IP68

IK10

Conclusion

P and IK ratings are essential for selecting lighting fixtures that are safe, durable, and compliant with industry standards. Whether you’re illuminating a luxury hotel, a helipad, or an outdoor architectural project, these ratings ensure your lighting solutions stand the test of time.

👉 Explore our IP/IK-rated lighting solutions designed for hospitality, aviation, smart homes, and architectural projects.