The impact resistance performance of the enclosure of rural lighting ready boards in Africa should be evaluated according to IEC 62262/SANS 62262-2024 (Protection level of electrical equipment enclosures against external mechanical impacts, i.e. IK code), which is applicable to electrical equipment enclosures with a rated voltage not exceeding 72.5kV.

Core requirements: The impact resistance level of the outer shell of the lighting Ready Board Box should not be lower than IK08 (5J), and it is recommended to reach IK10 (20J) in public areas and high-risk sites.

IK08 can withstand common external forces such as hammering, kicking, and throwing stones when a 1.7kg weight falls freely from a height of 300mm; IK10 corresponds to a 5kg weight falling from 400mm, with an equivalent impact energy of 20 joules, and can withstand more severe human damage and attempted theft impacts. Considering the complex outdoor installation environment, high risk of human damage (throwing stones, prying and stealing copper parts), and long operation and maintenance inspection cycle in rural areas of Africa, the door panels, top cover, and side walls of the box should all reach IK10 uniformly, and the door lock and hinge areas should not be weak points.

The testing method follows the standard regulations: the box body of the lighting ready board is fixed on a rigid support, and a hemispherical impact hammer is used to uniformly apply 3 impacts to each exposed surface; After the test, the casing must not show any deformation that may come into contact with live parts, and the IP protection level and dielectric strength must remain unchanged from the original declared values. It is recommended that the wall thickness of the steel plate box should not be less than 1.5mm and adopt a fully welded reinforced structure. The PC box should be confirmed through IK08 or above type tests.