Last updated: October 26, 2026 · Reviewed against IEC 62262 impact test levels
Quick answer: IK07 is the mechanical impact rating in IEC 62262 worth 2 joules — the energy of a 0.5 kg striker dropped from 400 mm. It protects an enclosure against accidental knocks and light tool contact. It is not a vandalism rating: exposed public equipment normally needs IK09 or IK10.
When browsing specifications for industrial PCs, outdoor enclosures, CCTV cameras, kiosks, or public electronic terminals, you may notice labels like IK07.
This rating describes a product’s impact resistance—how well its enclosure withstands mechanical shock.
Let’s break down what IK ratings mean and what IK07 specifically represents.
What Are IK Ratings?
IK ratings come from the IEC 62262 / EN 62262 standard.
They indicate how well an enclosure resists mechanical impact such as:
- knocks
- strikes
- accidental collisions
- vandalism (for higher IK levels)
Unlike IP ratings (which measure water and dust protection):
👉 IK ratings only measure resistance to physical impact.
What Does IK07 Mean?
IK07 corresponds to an impact energy of 2 joules (2 J).
Specifically:
2 J impact = a 0.5 kg striker dropped from 400 mm
In practical terms:
IK07 protects against light accidental knocks, such as
✔ minor collisions
✔ tools lightly hitting the surface
✔ gentle bumps from hands or objects
✔ routine handling impacts
It is a moderate level of impact protection—stronger than IK06 but weaker than IK08–IK10.
IK Rating Chart: IK01 to IK10 Impact Energy
Each IK level is defined by a test striker mass and drop height, and the energy those two produce. The chart below gives the full scale, not just IK07, so a requirement can be placed in context before it is specified.
| IK level | Impact energy | Test mass × drop height | Typical environment |
|---|---|---|---|
| IK00 | No protection | — | No impact rating claimed |
| IK01 | 0.14 J | 0.25 kg × 56 mm | Very light contact |
| IK02 | 0.20 J | 0.25 kg × 80 mm | Light contact |
| IK03 | 0.35 J | 0.25 kg × 140 mm | Light knocks, handheld devices |
| IK04 | 0.50 J | 0.25 kg × 200 mm | Indoor terminals |
| IK05 | 0.70 J | 0.25 kg × 280 mm | Very light contact |
| IK06 | 1 J | 0.25 kg × 400 mm | Light knocks |
| IK07 | 2 J | 0.5 kg × 400 mm | Minor accidental impacts — indoor panel PCs, HMI, kiosks |
| IK08 | 5 J | 1.7 kg × 300 mm | Strong accidental hits, dropped tools |
| IK09 | 10 J | 5 kg × 200 mm | Heavy impacts, deliberate strikes |
| IK10 | 20 J | 5 kg × 400 mm | Severe strikes, hammer blows |
Reading the chart: IK07 sits in the lower-middle of the scale — four times the energy of IK06, but only 40% of IK08 and one tenth of IK10. The jump from IK07 to IK08 is the one that matters most in factory specifications, because it is the step that covers a dropped wrench or a pallet-truck strike.
IK07 vs IP65 / IP67: Two Different Protection Ratings
Most specification mistakes come from treating IK and IP as one number. They are not comparable and they are tested under different standards.
| Rating family | Standard | What it measures | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| IP (Ingress Protection) | IEC 60529 | Solid and water ingress | IP65 = dust-tight + protected against water jets |
| IK (Impact) | IEC 62262 | Mechanical impact energy | IK07 = 2 joules of impact resistance |
A common real requirement is therefore written as IP65 / IK07: water and dust protection on the front panel, plus 2 joules of impact resistance. Neither rating implies the other — an IP65 housing can still crack under a hammer blow, and an IK10 housing can still leak. Note also that IK applies to the surfaces tested; on a panel PC that is normally the front face, so ask which faces were rated.
Where Is IK07 Commonly Used?
IK07 is suitable for environments where equipment may experience everyday, non-destructive impacts:
Indoor industrial devices
Panel PCs, HMI terminals, touch screens, and machinery interfaces.
Indoor kiosks and self-service machines
Office or controlled public environments with low vandalism risk.
Indoor CCTV cameras
Protection from cleaning tools or installation bumps.
Smart home / commercial devices
Touch panels, lighting fixtures, and small enclosures requiring basic durability.
Where IK07 Is NOT Suitable
Do not rely on IK07 in environments with:
- vandalism or intentional damage
- hammering or strong impacts
- heavy tools / equipment collision
- outdoor public vandal-resistant installations
- high-risk public environments (stations, bus stops, parking machines)
Such applications typically require:
- IK08 (5 J)
- IK09 (10 J)
- IK10 (20 J) — highest impact resistance
IK07-Rated Industrial Panel PCs: What CESIPC Publishes
CESIPC’s EPC series industrial Panel PCs are designed to meet IK07 impact resistance as a baseline standard, withstanding 2 joules of mechanical impact to protect against everyday knocks, tool contact, and handling impacts common in factory automation and HMI environments.
The published specification points that matter when IK07 is a line item in your requirement are below. Anything marked as not published has not been released for this page and should be confirmed in writing rather than assumed.
| Item | Published value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Impact rating | IK07 (2 J) | Meets the IEC 62262 baseline for indoor HMI positions |
| Front panel ingress | IP65 | Dust-tight and resistant to water jets |
| Operating temperature | -10 °C to 60 °C | -40 °C to 70 °C optional |
| Cooling | Fanless | No intake filter to clog; fewer moving parts |
| Power-loss protection | SafeCore™ | For unattended 24/7 operation |
| Certifications | CE, RoHS, CCC, BIS | Confirm the certificate set required for your market |
| Screen size, CPU, I/O, MOQ, lead time | Not published on this page | Confirm with CESIPC sales for your configuration |
If your project needs more than IK07 — for example an exposed kiosk at a station entrance, or a machine where heavy tooling is handled above the display — specify the impact target before the enclosure is chosen. A higher IK level changes cover-glass thickness and mounting, so it is not a late-stage option. CESIPC reviews the tested IK level per model and the available enclosure options with you.
Related reading: the industrial panel PC buyer’s guide, the fanless industrial panel PC range, the EPC-202B fanless industrial PC, IP69K stainless steel panel PCs for washdown areas, and the full industrial panel PC product line.
IK07 FAQ
What does IK07 mean?
IK07 is an enclosure impact rating defined in IEC 62262. It equals 2 joules of impact energy, tested by dropping a 0.5 kg striker from 400 mm. It covers everyday knocks, installation tool contact, and handling bumps, but it is not a vandalism rating.
What is the difference between IK07 and IP65?
IP65 and IK07 measure different things. IP65 (IEC 60529) covers dust and water ingress: dust-tight plus protection against water jets. IK07 (IEC 62262) covers mechanical impact: 2 joules. A panel PC usually needs both ratings, because neither can substitute for the other.
How is IK07 tested?
The test drops a 0.5 kg striker onto defined impact points on the enclosure from 400 mm, releasing 2 joules. After impact the enclosure must still meet its IP rating and must not expose live parts. Cracks or deformation that break protection fail the rating.
Is IK07 enough for outdoor use?
IK07 is usually too low for exposed outdoor equipment. Public locations such as bus stops, station forecourts, or parking terminals carry a real vandalism risk and normally specify IK09 or IK10. IK07 suits controlled indoor plant, cabinets, and kiosks where damage is accidental rather than deliberate.
Should I choose IK07 or IK08?
Choose IK07 for indoor equipment where knocks are light and accidental. Move to IK08 at 5 joules when hand tools, forklifts, or heavy components work nearby, and to IK09 or IK10 where people may strike the unit deliberately. Each step up needs a heavier striker in testing.
Is a higher IK rating always better?
No. Higher IK ratings usually mean thicker enclosures, heavier cover glass, or added shields, which raise weight and cost and can dull touch response. CESIPC specifies IK07 as the practical baseline for indoor HMI and panel PCs, and reserves IK09 or IK10 for exposed or public installations.
Is an old “IK 07 to EN 50102” datasheet the same as IK07?
Yes. EN 50102 was the earlier European impact standard; IEC 62262 replaced it. The energy levels did not change, so an older datasheet that states IK 07 to EN 50102 still means 2 joules, and can be compared directly with current IEC 62262 ratings.
Do CESIPC panel PCs meet IK07?
Yes. CESIPC EPC series panel PCs are built to meet IK07 at 2 joules as a baseline, with an IP65 front panel, fanless operation, a -10 °C to 60 °C range, and CE, RoHS, CCC, and BIS certification. Confirm the rating for your exact model with the CESIPC team.
Which CESIPC panel PC suits a vandal-prone site?
Do not assume a rating. Tell the CESIPC team the location and the expected threat level, because tested IK data is published per model and not for every configuration. CESIPC confirms the tested IK level and reviews enclosure options in writing before you release the specification.
Does IK07 cover the touchscreen?
IK ratings apply to the enclosure surface that was tested, which on a panel PC is normally the front face. Cover glass strength and the bonding method both matter, so ask which faces were rated. An IK07 front panel can still be damaged by a sharp direct strike.
If you are specifying an industrial PC where IK07 is a requirement, contact the CESIPC team to confirm the rating for your specific model or to discuss higher IK-rated enclosure options.
Contact CESIPC Team
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