Campus ATP II: IP and IK ratings: What do they mean and why are they key in outdoor lighting?

The second article in Campus ATP examines two of the most important standards for ensuring the durability, safety, and reliability of lighting: protection against impacts (IK) and against dust and water intrusion (IP)

ARRE —30/4/2025— Outdoor lighting is subject to particularly demanding conditions: impacts, vandalism, dust, rain, salt exposure, and constant humidity. To ensure long-lasting performance and safety, two technical standards are essential: IK and IP protection ratings.

 

Both are part of international regulations and are used to evaluate the mechanical resistance and sealing capacity of luminaires and columns. This second article from Campus ATP explains what these ratings mean, how they are classified, and why their importance goes far beyond a simple number.

 

IK: protection against mechanical impacts

 

The IK rating, governed by IEC 62262, indicates the ability of an enclosure (such as a luminaire or column) to withstand physical impacts. The scale ranges from IK00 (no protection) to IK10, which corresponds to an impact resistance of 20 joules.

 

To put this into perspective, 20 joules is equivalent to the impact of a 5 kg object falling from a height of 40 cm. This rating is determined in laboratories using standardized devices that apply controlled impacts to the product.

 

ATP Lighting has developed solutions that exceed 50 joules of impact resistance, more than double the requirement for IK10. This level of strength—achieved through the use of high-performance engineered polymers—is referred to as IK10+, representing true anti-vandal capabilities, validated in complex urban environments.

 

ATP is also the only manufacturer in the world to hold IK10 certification from AENOR not only for its luminaires but also for its columns and access doors.

 

IP: protection against dust and water

 

The IP rating (Ingress Protection), defined by IEC 60529, specifies the level of an enclosure’s sealing against the entry of solid particles and liquids.

 

This rating is expressed using two digits:

 

- The first digit refers to protection against solids (0 to 6).

 

- The second digit refers to protection against liquids (0 to 9).

 

For example, an IP66 rating means the product is fully dust-tight and can withstand powerful water jets from any direction. This level of protection is critical in areas with harsh weather conditions or high salt exposure.

 

Unlike what is common in the industry, where only the optical compartment is protected, ATP applies IP66 protection to the entire enclosure of its luminaires. The company refers to this comprehensive approach as IP66+, and it is also AENOR certified, including columns and access doors. 

 

In addition to IP66, ATP Lighting’s products are also certified with IP69 protection (IP66 + IP69), the highest level recognized under current regulations. This classification ensures exceptional resistance to high-pressure water jets, making it especially useful in installations that require intensive cleaning without risking water ingress.

 

Beyond the rating: real protection, real durability

 

IP and IK ratings are more than just technical figures: they reflect the real-world ability of a lighting system to withstand time, vandalism, and extreme environmental conditions. A project with excellent light distribution but poor sealing or low structural resistance is, in essence, a vulnerable one.

 

ATP’s commitment to achieving maximum physical strength and complete hermeticity stems from a clear goal: to develop maintenance-free products with guaranteed durability, even in the most demanding environments.

 

IP and IK: safety, reliability, and trust

 

Understanding IP and IK protection ratings is essential for any professional involved in designing, specifying, or managing outdoor lighting projects. Choosing luminaires with high-certified protection levels means operational reliability, reduced maintenance costs, and long-term sustainability.

 

Campus ATP will continue to explore these core concepts to promote more efficient, resilient, and environmentally responsible lighting.

 

Press contact:

Julio Aparicio

ATP Lighting

comunicacion@atpiluminacion.com

(+34) 948 33 07 12

Copyright © 2016 ATP Lighting Inc. All rights reserved. ATP Lighting, the ATP Lighting logo and all trade names listed on this website with the ® symbol are registered trademarks of ATP Lighting.

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Images

  • Ingress protection test on an ATP luminaire. A powerful water jet is directed at the sealing joint while an arc of water is sprayed from all directions to verify the complete tightness of the enclosure. Ingress protection test on an ATP luminaire. A powerful water jet is directed at the sealing joint while an arc of water is sprayed from all directions to verify the complete tightness of the enclosure. (View)
  • Result after a continuous moving dust cloud test. The inside of the luminaire remains completely clean despite exposure to a 2 kg/m³ concentration of fine particles, demonstrating full sealing performance. Result after a continuous moving dust cloud test. The inside of the luminaire remains completely clean despite exposure to a 2 kg/m³ concentration of fine particles, demonstrating full sealing performance. (View)
  • Exclusive sealing system developed by ATP. The continuous gasket is robotically applied in liquid form over a molded perimeter groove, ensuring a seamless, uninterrupted seal that blocks both liquids and particles. Exclusive sealing system developed by ATP. The continuous gasket is robotically applied in liquid form over a molded perimeter groove, ensuring a seamless, uninterrupted seal that blocks both liquids and particles. (View)
  • Mechanical resistance test with a 50-joule impact. The luminaire diffuser withstands the blow from a 5 kg hammer without damage, far exceeding the IK10 rating required by the standard. Mechanical resistance test with a 50-joule impact. The luminaire diffuser withstands the blow from a 5 kg hammer without damage, far exceeding the IK10 rating required by the standard. (View)
  • ATP luminaires installed in the province of Soria under demanding environmental conditions. The IP66+ protection ensures reliable operation even in persistent humidity, fog, and snow. ATP luminaires installed in the province of Soria under demanding environmental conditions. The IP66+ protection ensures reliable operation even in persistent humidity, fog, and snow. (View)
  • Public park lighting in Bergondo, Galicia. These areas are prone to vandalism and accidental impacts, making a high IK rating essential for long-lasting performance. Public park lighting in Bergondo, Galicia. These areas are prone to vandalism and accidental impacts, making a high IK rating essential for long-lasting performance. (View)
  • ATP lighting installation on a multipurpose sports court in Heredia, Costa Rica. In recreational environments, luminaires must withstand frequent impacts. IK10+ protection ensures superior and durable mechanical resistance. ATP lighting installation on a multipurpose sports court in Heredia, Costa Rica. In recreational environments, luminaires must withstand frequent impacts. IK10+ protection ensures superior and durable mechanical resistance. (View)
  • Campus ATP is a technical outreach platform for outdoor lighting professionals. The section features articles on lighting design, sustainability, energy efficiency, and key international standards such as IP and IK. Campus ATP is a technical outreach platform for outdoor lighting professionals. The section features articles on lighting design, sustainability, energy efficiency, and key international standards such as IP and IK. (View)
ATP polymeric materials

ATP polymeric materials

Specially designed to satisfy the highest demands of resistance to external agents and to vandalism in public lighting and urban furniture.

Immune to corrosion

Immune to corrosion

Our lighting and outside furniture products are completely rust-proof since they are made out of raw materials which are invulnerable to corrosion.

Anti-electrocution products

Anti-electrocution products

Our products are completely safe since they are made with insulating materials which do not conduct electricity and prevent any danger of electrocution when making contact with the column or the luminaire.

IK10+: Beyond vandal-proof

IK10+: Beyond vandal-proof

Vandal-proof street lighting and urban furniture capable of withstandin impact tests beyond 50 joules, which is more than double that established by the international IK standard (IEC 62262).

IP66+: Totally hermetic

IP66+: Totally hermetic

Several devices ensure the sealing of the luminaire in any situation.

This high IP rate offers whole protection to all the internal elements of the street light.

100 % recyclable

100 % recyclable

Products made with 100 % recyclable, sustainable and ecologic materials.

Get to know the most ecological street lighting of the world.

10-year warranty

10-year warranty

The longest warranty in the sector.

Since 1969.

Effectiveness tested in tropical environments.

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