Glossary A–ZLetter V
Vandal protection (IK code)
Vandal protection refers to design measures that protect screens and terminals in public spaces against deliberate damage; impact resistance is often stated using the IK code.
The IK code is defined in the EN 62262 standard. It ranges from IK00 for no protection to IK10 for the highest protection.
Each level stands for an impact energy that the housing must withstand without losing its function. IK08 corresponds to 5 joules and IK10 to 20 joules, which is roughly the impact of a 5-kilogram weight dropped from a height of 40 centimetres. Vandal protection also includes protective glass, concealed screws, locked housings, inaccessible connections and secure mounting. It is needed at railway stations, bus and tram stops, schools, stadiums and outdoor totems.
The IK code only says something about a single impact. Scratches, graffiti, fire, repeated blows or tools are not covered by it. It refers to the tested housing or glass, not automatically to the entire device. It is independent of the IP rating, which concerns dust and water. Operators should define the protection needed for each location and ask which part of the device was tested to which level.