What Is the IK Rating on Vehicle Mount Terminal?In the realm of rugged computing, particularly when it comes to vehicle mount terminals, the standards and considerations are vastly different from those of the traditional computer industry. These rugged devices are designed to meet specific needs and withstand harsh environments, taking into account factors such as waterproofing, extreme temperatures, resistance to drops, and operation in dirty or unstable work environments. While our previous article delved into the ruggedness criteria and the significance of IP ratings, this article will focus on another crucial aspect: the impact resistance standard, commonly known as IK ratings.
Distinguishing IP and IK Standards
IP (Ingress Protection) ratings describe how effectively a device is protected against the ingress of solid objects and liquids. The first numeral in an IP rating indicates the level of protection against solids, while the second numeral represents protection against liquids.
On the other hand, IK ratings are specifically used to denote how well a product is protected against mechanical impacts. These ratings are particularly relevant for vehicle mount terminals, which are often subjected to bumps, vibrations, and other forms of mechanical stress.
Understanding IK Protection Rating
IK ratings, denoted as IK followed by a number ranging from 00 to 10, indicate the level of protection provided by electrical enclosures against external mechanical impacts. These ratings have become the internationally recognized standard for assessing the durability of electrical equipment enclosures.
The IK rating system takes into account various factors, including the size, shape, material, and type of impact hammer used to test the enclosure's resilience. It also considers the number of impacts to be administered (based on the enclosure's size) and the conditions under which the enclosure is mounted during testing.
Applications of IK Rated Vehicle Mount Terminals
Vehicle mount terminals with high IK ratings are commonly used in environments where devices are exposed to high levels of impact or potential damage. These include industrial settings, manufacturing factories, warehouses, and public access areas. In these environments, rugged computers and vehicle mount terminals must be able to withstand constant vibration, bumps, and other forms of mechanical stress without failing.
The Importance of IK Rated Vehicle Mount Terminals
The significance of IK rated vehicle mount terminals lies in their ability to maintain functionality and data access in harsh, demanding environments. When mounted on vehicles such as forklifts or heavy-duty trucks, these terminals are subjected to uneven roads, speed bumps, and strong vibrations from machinery. If a device is not adequately protected, it may suffer damage that could lead to operational failure or even complete device failure.
Such failures can result in costly repairs or replacements and potential work interruptions due to lost data access in the field. Therefore, investing in a vehicle mount terminal with a high IK rating is crucial to ensure reliable performance and minimize downtime in demanding industrial applications.
At sincoole information, we understand the importance of ruggedness and reliability in vehicle mount terminals. Our range of products, including the FM12E Windows forklift computer and the FM10Q Android-based vehicle computer, are designed to withstand harsh conditions and offer improved protection against dust, water, shock, vibration, and impact. With IP certifications, compliance with MIL-STD-810H standards, and IK07 ratings, our vehicle mount terminals are built to perform in the most challenging environments.
