Outline
- Introduction
- How Is Impact Resistance Measured Using the IK Rating System?
- What Does the IP Rating Reveal About Dust and Water Protection?
- How Is Long-Join Electronics Advancing Photocontrol Technology?
- How Is Long-Join Enhancing Impact Resistance in Its Light Sensor Switches?
- What Steps Is Long-Join Taking to Improve Dust and Water Resistance?
- Why Is Long-Join Investing in High-Performance Materials Like Nylon?
- How Is Structural Design Being Optimized for Better Performance?
- What Are the Key Takeaways from Long-Join’s Protective Technology Upgrades?
- Final Words
Long-Join Electronics: Pioneering Photocontrol Technology with Enhanced IK and IP Protection Levels
In outdoor lighting systems, durability is everything. Photocontrol devices must endure harsh weather, impacts, and constant exposure. Long-Join Electronics understands this challenge. As a leader in photocell innovation, the company is raising the bar on protection standards.
From stronger materials to smarter structural designs, Long-Join is advancing IK and IP ratings in its products. These efforts ensure better performance, longer life, and reliable operation, no matter the environment.
How Is Impact Resistance Measured Using the IK Rating System?
IK stands for “Impact Protection.” It’s a code that tells you how much mechanical force an enclosure can resist. It follows the IEC 62262, aka EN 62262 standard.
This rating is crucial for products installed in exposed or public areas. Lighting controllers, security cams, and street gear—these all need it. Simply, if a photocell is hit by a tool, a rock, or a falling object, will it survive? The IK code answers that. Here is a table showing real-world impact events vs required IK ratings.
| Real-World Impact Scenario | Approx. Impact Energy (Joules) | Recommended IK Rating |
| Accidentally hit by a hand tool | 2–4 J | IK07 |
| Vandalism with a small rock or stick | 5–10 J | IK08–IK09 |
| Hit by a thrown metal object (urban area) | 15–20 J | IK10 |
| A fall of a lighting fixture from 1 meter | 10–15 J | IK09–IK10 |
How Tests Are Performed
Products endure five controlled blows. Standard hammers (spring, pendulum, free‑fall) drop a fixed mass from a set height. Testing ensures real‑world impact resilience.
Why It’s Critical for Photocontrol Receptacles
Outdoor LED light photocells are vulnerable devices. They sit on poles, exposed to everything—wind, hail, careless hands, or vandalism. A cracked cover means moisture entry and electrical failure. That’s why IK rating matters in every design decision.
At Long-Join, even small components like the base and dome are tested for impact. IK08 is already in place, but higher levels are now under development.
What Does the IP Rating Reveal About Dust and Water Protection?
These are the standards to classify how well electrical enclosures keep out dust and water. The IP code is set by IEC 60529. These ratings are critical for outdoor or harsh environments.
The format is always IPXY, where X = solid protection and Y = liquid protection. Higher numbers mean better protection.
First Digit – Solid Particle Protection
Ranges from 0 to 6. Higher = better.
| 0 | no protection |
| 1 | protection against objects > 50 mm (e.g., hands). |
| 2 | > 12.5 mm (fingers). |
| 3 | > 2.5 mm (tools, wires). |
| 4 | > 1 mm (small wires). |
| 5 | dust‑protected (no harmful deposit). |
| 6 | dust‑tight (complete protection). |
Second Digit – Liquid Ingress Protection
Ranges from 0 to 9. Higher = stronger water defence.
| 0 | no protection. |
| 1 | dripping water. |
| 2 | dripping water when tilted (15°). |
| 3 | spraying water (≤ 60° vertical). |
| 4 | splashing water from any direction. |
| 5 | low‑power water jets (6.3 mm nozzle). |
| 6 | high‑power jets (12.5 mm nozzle). |
| 7 | temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 min. |
| 8 | continuous immersion under specified conditions. |
| 9K | high-pressure, high-temperature jets (steam‑jet cleaning). |
Key IP Levels in Context
- IP65 is fully dust-tight and has low-pressure jets.
- IP66 is dust-tight and withstands strong water jets.
- IP67 is dust-tight and reliable in temporary immersion (≤ 1 m, 30 min).
- IP68 is a step up for permanent wet conditions
- IP69K suits industrial wash-down and steam cleaning setups.
Why IP Ratings Matter for Light Control Photocell Devices
Street light sensors face harsh environmental conditions. IP ratings are a protection against these. It’s not a guess. It’s tested under standardized conditions. If a product says “IP66,” it has passed real spray, dust, and jet tests—not just assumptions.
How Is Long-Join Electronics Advancing Photocontrol Technology?
How Is Long-Join Enhancing Impact Resistance in Its Light Sensor Switches?
What’s the Current Performance?
The JL‑701J3 base and cover assembly hold an IK08 rating. This means it can handle 5 joules of impact energy. That’s like a 1.7 kg object falling from 30 cm.
Long-Join’s next goal is IK09, which resists 10 joules. This is equal to a 5 kg mass falling from 20 cm. IK10 is tougher, tolerating 20 joules of impact.
These higher IK levels matter for street lighting and public installations. Outdoor photocontrols face impacts from vandalism, vehicles, and bad weather. A better IK rating means longer life and fewer replacements.
How Is That Achieved?
Reaching a higher IK rating takes more than thick materials. It demands smart design and careful stress analysis. Engineers adjust product geometry to reduce weak points.
- Impact tests follow EN 62262 standards using pendulum hammers.
- Every change gets validated through repeat trials.
- Long-Join’s team focuses on redesigning stress zones to absorb impact better.
What’s Next for JL‑701J3?
Long-Join is working on new JL‑701J3 models, aiming for IK09 and IK10. They are testing glass-fiber reinforced nylon for greater toughness. This material boosts strength without adding much weight.
The team is also strengthening internal supports and mounts. These updates will stop cracks under pressure. The result is a photocontrol ready for harsh environments. This ensures safety and long service life in the field.
What Steps Is Long-Join Taking to Improve Dust and Water Resistance?
Long-Join’s Zhaga photocontrol devices now meet the IP66 standard. This means they are dust-tight and can resist strong water jets from any direction. This protection works well for outdoor lights facing rain, dirt, and hose-cleaning. But it does not guard against full submersion in water.
Why Aim for IP67?
Some uses—like underground lights or flood zones—need more than spray protection. An IP67 rating allows devices to withstand such challenges. It stops water ingress for 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter. This is key for spots where water might pool after storms or during washing. IP67 devices help prevent internal rust and short circuits in such cases.
How Is Long-Join Advancing IP Protection?
To reach IP67, Long-Join is redesigning seals and testing better gasket materials. The R&D team is tightening joint tolerances to block water entry. They are also improving the outer design to remove weak points.
Another focus is keeping air flow with waterproof vents. These vents balance pressure without letting in water. All these steps will make the devices tougher for extreme outdoor conditions.
Why Is Long-Join Investing in High-Performance Materials Like PBT?
Long-Join uses polybutylene terephthalate to make photocell bases. PBT is a thermoplastic polyester with high strength and stiffness. It offers excellent shape retention and is stable under stress. It resists environmental degrading factors, making it perfect for outdoor use.
| Material Type | Impact Resistance | UV Stability | Water Absorption | Typical IK Rating |
| Polycarbonate (PC) | Moderate | Excellent | Low | IK07–IK08 |
| ABS Plastic | Low | Poor | Moderate | IK06–IK07 |
| Nylon (PA66) | High | Good | Moderate | IK09–IK10 |
| Glass-Fiber Nylon | Very High | Excellent | Low | IK10+ |
How Does PBT Contribute to Impact Resistance?
- PBT provides strong mechanical durability.
- It resists cracks and deformation under pressure.
- With smart structural design, enclosures can meet IK08 or IK09 ratings.
- This gives a good balance between performance and cost.
- PBT performs exceptionally under UV exposure and won’t turn brittle over time.
- The lower water absorption rates keep the seal intact for years.
These qualities are key to keeping IP ratings consistent in wet or humid environments.
How Is Structural Design Being Optimized for Better Performance?
Conventional NEMA controllers often use straight-insert copper pins. These work well under normal conditions but perform poorly under lateral force. In IK testing, sideways impacts can cause pin bending or even detachment.
This weak point compromises both mechanical stability and electrical connectivity in demanding outdoor environments.
Bent-insert pin structures distribute mechanical stress more evenly across the housing and internal supports. This makes the connection more durable under both vertical and horizontal impacts.
It also reduces the risk of internal cracking around the pin seats—a common failure point in high-impact environments. This design shift directly supports Long-Join’s push toward IK09 and IK10 certifications.
What Are the Key Takeaways from Long-Join’s Protective Technology Upgrades?
| Protection Level | Avg. Maintenance Interval | Downtime Risk | Long-Term Cost Impact |
| IK06 / IP65 | 12–18 months | Moderate | High |
| IK08 / IP66 | 24–36 months | Low | Medium |
| IK10 / IP67 | 48+ months | Very Low | Low |
Final Words
Long-Join continues to raise the bar in photocontrol durability and protection standards. Their focus on IK and IP advancements ensures better reliability in harsh outdoor conditions. For dependable access to Long-Join photocells, Chi-Swear remains a trusted and consistent supplier you can count on.
English 
Spanish 
Russian 
Arabic 
Italian