Oct 16, 20223 min read

All About Security Camera Ratings, Including (VR) Vandalism Resistance, (IP)Ingress Protection & IK

When investing in a security camera for your home security solution it is important to know what all the ratings mean and which ones are best for your surveillance strategy. Whether you're looking for a wired or wireless security camera that can withstand the elements, you'll want to check the IP and IK ratings. The IP rating tells you how well the camera is protected from solids and liquids, while the IK rating measures the amount of impact the camera can take. Higher ratings mean better protection, so look for a camera with a high IP and IK rating if you need it to stand up to tough conditions. The vandal-resistant camera ratings are a way of classifying how well a camera can withstand being hit, smashed or otherwise damaged. These ratings are determined by testing the cameras in a number of different ways, including drop tests, impact tests and abrasion tests. The results of these tests are then used to create a rating system that goes from VR1 (the least resistant) to VR10 (the most resistant).There are a number of factors that go into determining a camera's vandal-resistant rating, including the type of material it is made from, the thickness of its casing and the number of reinforced points. In general, however, the more layers of protection a camera has, the higher its rating will be.

When choosing a vandal-resistant camera, it is important to consider the specific needs of your application. If you are looking for a camera to use in a high-crime area, for example, you will need a camera with a higher rating. On the other hand, if you are simply looking for a camera to use in an office or home, a lower rating may suffice.

Here is each rating from VR1 to VR10:

VR1: Minimum protection, not suitable for public areas, meaning the product is not resistant to vandalism.

VR2: Protected against vandal's hand tools, meaning the product is minimally resistant to vandalism.

VR3: Protected against vandal's tools and light pickaxes, meaning the product is moderately resistant to vandalism.

VR4: Protected against vandal's tools and heavy pickaxes, meaning the product is highly resistant to vandalism.

VR5: Protected against vandal's tools and crowbars, meaning the product is very highly resistant to vandalism.

VR6: Protected against vandal's tools and sledgehammers, meaning the product is extremely resistant to vandalism.

VR7: Protected against vandalism using common chemicals, meaning the product is nearly impossible to vandalize.

VR8: Protected against vandalism using common acids or alkalis, meaning the product is practically impossible to vandalize.

VR9: Protected against intentional misuse by persons with physical abilities, meaning the product is virtually impossible to vandalize.

VR10: Tamper proof, meaning the product is completely impervious to vandalism.

The IP rating is another popular vandal-resistant camera rating. These are determined by the International Electrotechnical Commission. These ratings range from IP0X (no protection) to IP68 (fully protected against dust and water). IP stands for Ingress Protection and ratings are a system of classifying the degree of protection an electrical enclosure provides against contact with and entry of solid objects, water, and dust. The first number after IP indicates the degree of protection against solid objects, while the second number indicates the degree of protection against liquids.

IP Ingress Protection Ratings Chart for Security Cameras — Security Camera IP Ingress Protection Ratings Chart

The IK ratings for cameras signify the amount of force that they can take before being damaged. IK00 is the least amount of protection, while IK10 offers the most. Work is measured in terms of joules, and each IK rating represents a different level of protection in relation to the amount of force exerted.

As an example, IK10 means that the camera can withstand an impact of 10 joules without being damaged. This is equivalent to a 0.01-kilogram object dropped from a height of one meter. By comparison, IK00 would be unable to withstand even this minimal amount of force.

In general, vandal-resistant cameras will have a higher IK rating than other types of cameras. This is because they need to be able to withstand being hit or tampered with, without sustaining any damage.

When choosing a camera, it is important to consider what IK rating is appropriate for your needs. If you are looking for a camera that will be installed in a vulnerable location, such as a parking lot or an ATM, then you will need to choose a camera with a high IK rating. On the other hand, if you are simply looking for a camera to monitor your home or business, then a lower IK rating may suffice. No matter what your needs are, knowing the difference between IP and IK ratings can help you choose the right camera for your application.