Why Ratings and Coatings Matter in Public Lighting
In the world of public infrastructure, outdoor lighting isn’t just expected to perform—it’s expected to survive. Bollard lights installed in parks, campuses, waterfronts, and civic plazas must endure impacts, weather extremes, tampering, and UV exposure without compromising safety or functionality.
That’s why infrastructure-grade bollards are rated by international protection standards like IK10 and IP67, and increasingly enhanced with ETFE coatings—technologies designed to keep critical components safe and effective, year after year.
This article breaks down what these ratings mean, how they apply to solar lighting, and why they’re essential for evaluating products like the NOWATT architectural solar bollards from Fonroche Lighting America.
Table of Contents
IK10 – The Gold Standard for Impact Resistance
In public environments, bollard lighting must hold its ground—literally. Whether it’s a stray bike tire, a wayward delivery cart, or intentional vandalism, impacts are inevitable. That’s where the IK rating system comes in.
What Does IK10 Mean?
The IK (Impact Protection) rating measures how well a product’s enclosure can withstand mechanical impacts.
- IK10 is the highest standard, signifying resistance to a 20-joule impact—equivalent to a 5 kg object dropped from 400 mm.
In real-world terms, an IK10-rated fixture can survive significant force without cracking, breaking, or exposing internal components.
Why IK10 Matters in Bollard Lighting
Public bollards are often low to the ground and in direct contact with pedestrian traffic, equipment, and vehicles. IK10 ensures:
- Longer product lifespan in high-use environments
- Reduced maintenance from broken housings or optics
- Improved public safety, as shattered bollards pose hazards
NOWATT’s Approach
All NOWATT solar bollards are engineered with impact-resistant materials such as reinforced concrete, powder-coated aluminum, or sealed polycarbonate lens covers. The result: an infrastructure-grade light source that holds up under real-world abuse—without sacrificing design.
IP67 – Total Protection Against Dust and Water
Outdoor lighting lives in the elements—rain, sleet, snow, flooding, dust, and dirt are all part of the job. That’s why Ingress Protection (IP) ratings are critical to ensuring long-term reliability in solar bollards.
What Does IP67 Mean?
The IP rating uses two numbers:
- The first digit (6) refers to dust protection—6 means it’s completely dust-tight
- The second digit (7) indicates water protection—7 means it can withstand temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes
This is a significant leap above more common IP65 fixtures, which are only rated for jets of water, not immersion.
Why IP67 Matters in Solar Bollard Lighting
Bollards are often installed in:
- Areas with standing water or poor drainage
- Coastal or snowy climates prone to moisture intrusion
- Urban sidewalks where power washing or water pooling is common
IP67 ensures:
- No moisture enters the sealed electronics or battery housing
- Internal components remain operational year-round
- Fewer field failures and dramatically reduced service calls
NOWATT’s Approach
NOWATT solar bollards use fully sealed internal compartments—no exposed cabling, no ventilation ports, and precision-milled housing designs. Even in flood-prone or salt-air environments, IP67-rated construction provides critical peace of mind.
ETFE Coating – UV-Resistant and Self-Cleaning
While impact and water resistance protect a fixture’s structure, solar lighting also requires protection for optical clarity and energy performance. That’s where ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) comes in—a next-generation coating that safeguards solar components while maintaining transparency and light transmittance.
What Is ETFE?
ETFE is a fluoropolymer with high tensile strength, optical clarity, and chemical resistance. Originally developed for aerospace and high-performance architecture, it’s now used in solar lighting to:
- Protect optics from UV degradation and yellowing
- Resist dirt, oils, and graffiti
- Outlast conventional coatings like acrylic or polycarbonate
Why ETFE Matters in Solar Bollards
Solar optics must remain clear and exposed to daylight to charge batteries efficiently. Over time, unprotected lenses can degrade due to:
- Prolonged UV exposure
- Surface buildup from dirt, debris, or pollution
- Scratches from cleaning or vandalism
ETFE offers:
- UV stability without yellowing or hazing
- Self-cleaning properties—dirt slides off easily in rain
- Longer-lasting energy capture and brighter, more consistent output
NOWATT’s Approach
NOWATT integrates ETFE coatings on the optical surface and solar capture areas. Combined with recessed, tamper-resistant optics, this ensures that even after years of exposure, the system maintains:
- High light transmission
- Low maintenance needs
- Reliable nighttime performance
Protection Standards Table
For specifiers comparing lighting options, here’s a clear breakdown of the protection standards that define infrastructure-grade solar bollards—and how NOWATT meets them by design:
| Standard | What It Measures | Why It Matters | NOWATT Integration |
| IK10 | Impact resistance | Withstands physical abuse, vandalism, and high-traffic contact | Reinforced bodies, sealed optics, tamper-resistant lensing |
| IP67 | Dust & water ingress | Seals against weather, immersion, and contaminants | Fully enclosed housing, no exposed wiring |
| ETFE | UV and dirt protection | Maintains optical clarity and solar efficiency over time | Applied to solar optics and capture surface for long-term transmittance |
These features combine to form a solar lighting solution capable of handling the real-world conditions found in public spaces—without compromising performance, safety, or aesthetics.
Build Lighting That Withstands the Real World
Outdoor environments are tough—lighting that lasts needs more than good design. It needs verified protection against the realities of public space: impacts, weather, and time. IK10, IP67, and ETFE coatings are not optional—they’re foundational for bollards that serve communities year-round without constant repair.
NOWATT solar bollards integrate these standards as part of every model, across materials and applications. For planners, engineers, and designers who need aesthetic flexibility without sacrificing durability, NOWATT delivers the confidence to specify solar without compromise.
Start Your Next Project with Confidence —Built into Every Bollard
Reach out to a Fonroche Team Member today to get started!