IP codes consist of the letters “IP” followed by two numbers. For example, the IP code (or rating) for Versa’s P2000-AI camera housing pictured above is IP68. The first number (in this case, “6”) indicates the level of protection the camera housing gives to an industrial camera against the intrusion (ingress) of solid foreign objects—anything from tools or fingers to dirt or dust—that could damage the circuitry of the industrial camera.

The intrusion protection is rated from “0,” which indicates no protection, to “6,” which means total protection against dust. Simply put: the higher the number, the higher the protection.

The second digit in the IP code (in our example, “8”) indicates the amount of protection against moisture—everything from drips to sprays to complete submersion. The moisture protection is rated from “0,” which means zero protection, to “8,” delineating protection against continuous submersion in water. As with the first solid foreign object IP number, the higher the moisture protection indicator, the higher the protection.

So, to return to Versa’s P2000-AI camera housing example, it has a rating of IP68, indicating the highest degree of ingress protection possible.

To see a complete IP Rating Chart, click here.

IK ratings rank the impact protection of a tool or piece of equipment. The “K” stands for “kinetic” to differentiate it from ingress ratings (IP). Unlike IP ratings, IK ratings are numbered 00 through 10, and just like IP ratings, the higher the number, the higher the protection.

IK ratings are broken down into “joules of impact force.” TechTarget defines “joule” as follows:

“The Joule (pronounced JOOL) is the standard unit of energy in electronics and general scientific applications. One joule is defined as the amount of energy exerted when a force of one newton is applied over a displacement of one meter. One joule is the equivalent of one watt of power radiated or dissipated for one second.”

What do the different IK ratings mean?

IK00: No protection

IK0I: Protected against 0.14 joules of impact (equal to the impact of  a 0.25 kilogram (kg) mass dropped from 56 millimeters (mm) above)

IK02: Protected against 0.2 joules of impact (equal to the impact of 0.25kg mass dropped from 80mm)

IK03: Protected against 0.35 joules of impact (equal to the impact of 0.2kg mass dropped from 140mm)

IK04: Protected against 0.5 joules of impact (equal to the impact of  0.25kg mass dropped from 200mm)

IK05: Protected against 0.7 joules of impact (equal to the impact of  0.25kg mass dropped from 280mm)

IK06: Protected against 1 joule of impact (equal to the impact of  0.25kg mass dropped from 400mm)

IK07: Protected against 2 joules of impact (equal to the impact of  0.5kg mass dropped from 400mm)

IK08: Protected against 5 joules of impact (equal to the impact of  1.7kg mass dropped from 200mm)

IK09: Protected against 10 joules of impact (equal to the impact of  5kg mass dropped from 200mm)

IK10: Protected against 20 joules of impact (equal to the impact of  5kg mass dropped from 400mm)

Versa Technology’s P2000-AI Camera Housing has a rating of IK10. For most industrial products, this maximum IK rating gives more than adequate impact protection. However, some products require more, and while the IK rating system does not go above IK10, some claim an IK rating of 30. This type of rating is achieved by undergoing what is called the Charpy Impact Test.

Industrial security cameras are everywhere nowadays—in parking lots, factories, utility plants, docks, oil refineries, mines, etc. The industrial camera housing is crucial in preventing rapid deterioration in these inhospitable environments. When choosing housing for an industrial security camera, there are several features to look for.

Rugged Construction

The first feature to consider is the housing’s construction.  The only camera housing to consider for industrial applications are those made of industrial stainless steel or thick aluminum.  Always look for a high level of quality and design that allows for easy installation and maintenance of the security camera.

Protection Ratings

Getting the best weatherproof and vandal-proof rating for industrial camera housing is paramount. Ask yourself:

• Will the industrial security camera be subjected to weather conditions like rain, snow, ice, wind, etc.?

• Will the camera be exposed to elements such as dirt, dust, acid, salt spray, humidity, industrial chemicals, and the like?

• Is the camera to be located where it is vulnerable to criminal attacks?

If the answer is yes, housing with IP68 and IK10 ratings should be used.

Heating and Blowing Features

Two important features to have in housing for security cameras operating in extreme temperature conditions are internal heating and blowing (cooling). This housing comes equipped with:

• A cooling tube that blows cold air within the camera housing

• Multiple exhaust valves

• An air nozzle that cools and cleans the housing glass from dust and dirt

• Some models come with a wiper to defog the window

Flexible Mounting Options

Industrial security camera housing will not be effective if they do not have easy and flexible mounting options. Look for strong brackets that swivel and are made of heavy-duty stainless steel. When using a PTZ camera, always opt for movable mounting brackets.