What Impact Rating (IK Rating) is Required for Sports Hall Lights?
It is important to consider impact resistance when specifying lights for sports halls because luminaires may need to withstand different levels of physical contact from sports equipment and players. Appropriate selection will minimise damage and maintenance costs, while also ensuring safety during activities.
How is Impact Rating Defined?
Impact rating is defined by a light’s “IK rating”. The higher the IK rating, the higher the impact resistance. For sports hall lighting, the minimum IK rating typically required is IK08.
This rating means the lighting fixtures are designed to withstand impacts of up to 5 joules, which is roughly equivalent to a 1.7 kg object being dropped from a height of 3 meters, or less than a volleyball or shuttlecock strike!
However, in some high-risk environments or sports halls with more aggressive activities (such as indoor football, cricket, or basketball), an IK10 rating may be recommended or required. IK10 can withstand impacts of up to 20 joules, providing higher durability against accidental impacts from sports equipment or players.
IK Rating and Specific Indoor Sports
Sports halls are often used for various sports and playing ability, and lights should therefore be selected to resist the highest risk level. Recommended IK impact rating for various sports include:
| Sport | Recommended IK Rating of Lighting | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Basketball | IK08 to IK10 | Medium to high risk of damage from ball impact. |
| Indoor Football (Futsal) | IK08 to IK10 | Frequent ball impact conceivable. |
| Volleyball | IK08 | Low to moderate risk of damage from ball impacts |
| Badminton | IK08 | Low impact risk, though racquets or shuttlecocks may occasionally hit the fixtures. |
| Table Tennis | IK08 | Low risk; light-weight equipment |
| Indoor Cricket | IK10 | Hard ball impacts can occur; higher-risk areas may require IK10 for durability although cricket nets may provide alternative protection. |
| Gymnastics | IK08 | Low impact risk |
| Indoor Hockey | IK08 to IK10 | High-speed ball impacts make IK10 more suitable for durability. |
| Handball | IK08 to IK10 | Frequent ball impacts make IK10 preferable. |
Other Technical Resources
BS EN 12193:2018 is the European standard for sports lighting, and is specifically designed to provide lighting guidance for indoor sports facilities. It covers safety considerations, impact, durability and longevity of lighting fixtures, luminaire placement, and compliance with standards. BS 8100-1: 2022 provides detailed guidance on the design and construction of sports halls. While it focuses more on the overall design, it includes recommendations for lighting durability in sports halls. A sport’s specific governing body may also publish a preference for luminaire impact resistance.
Summary
- IK08 is the minimum required for most sports halls. IK08 is typically suitable for sports with moderate risk, such as badminton, volleyball, and table tennis.
- IK10 is recommended for high-impact or multi-use sports environments where more durability is needed. IK10 is recommended for sports such as basketball, indoor football, cricket, and hockey.
For venues that host a variety of sports, an IK10 rating provides the highest level of durability and safety, while IK08 is often sufficient for lower-impact sports.
