When installing an LED strip outside your home, it’s crucial to ensure it’s safe, especially in terms of waterproofing. Water is a conductor of electricity, and when it enters an electrical system, it can create unintended connections. This can lead to altered circuits, power surges, and even dangerous handling conditions.

To understand how protected an electrical product is, check its IP (Ingress Protection) rating. This rating consists of two digits. The first digit indicates the level of protection against solid objects, ranging from 0 (no protection) to 6 (dust-tight). The second digit indicates protection against liquids, ranging from 0 (no protection) to 9 (resistant to powerful, high-temperature water jets).

Indoor LED strip lights usually have an IP20 rating. This means they are protected against finger-sized objects but offer no protection against dust or liquids. Therefore, they should not be used in damp environments, as exposure to water could cause damage.

Outdoor LED strip lights are typically rated IP65. This means they are dust-tight and can withstand low-pressure water jets from any direction. However, they are not suitable for submersion or exposure to high-temperature water.

If you’re looking for a good option, consider the MSHLED  Lasting Rainbow IP65 Smart Strip Lights. These lights can be controlled wirelessly via a smartphone app or remote, allowing you to customize your lighting displays. They have a built-in IC controller that allows multiple colors to change simultaneously along the strip, creating effects like chasing, skipping, dancing, and twinkling. Installation is easy with the provided buckles or pins. While you can’t extend these strips beyond their set lengths, you can shorten them. After cutting, you can use the provided glue to seal the cut end, ensuring a watertight seal to prevent malfunction due to moisture exposure.

1. What Will You Be Lighting?

The first step is to identify what you’re going to illuminate. Different outdoor spaces, such as a walkway, patio, or billboard, have varying lighting needs. For larger areas, you’ll need high-density lighting with higher lumens per foot, like 950 lumens for a sidewalk, while smaller areas like a porch may only need 500 to 1000 lumens per foot. Ensuring the right brightness is especially important for safety and visibility.

2. What Kind of Lighting Do You Need?

After identifying the space, determine the type of lighting. Practical spaces like walkways or patios often benefit from white LED strips with adjustable color temperature (2700K to 6500K) for versatile use. For pool decks or signage, single-color waterproof LED strips (like warm or cool white) are excellent choices.

3. Where Will It Be Installed?

The installation location dictates the power source and the required voltage for the LED strips. Outdoor LED strips generally come in 12V and 24V options. Ensure that the voltage of your strip lights is at least 20% less than the rated wattage of your power supply for safety.

4. What Material Will the Lights Be Attached To?

LED strips use adhesive for mounting, but surfaces with grooves or rough textures may cause them to peel off over time. Smooth surfaces are ideal. In environments where humidity or heat is a concern, consider using mounting clips with screws or applying weather-resistant hot glue to ensure stability.

5. How Many Feet of Strip Lights Do You Need?

LED strip lights come in lengths ranging from 5 feet to reels of 165 feet. The voltage affects the available length—12V strips are shorter, while 24V strips come in longer reels. For small projects, shorter lengths work fine, but for larger areas, it’s more economical to purchase long reels and cut them to size as needed.

Conclusion

Choosing the right outdoor LED strip lights involves considering the type of space, the lighting requirements, installation surface, and strip length. With these tips, you can ensure that your next outdoor lighting project is a success. Check out various outdoor LED strip options, like those offered by MSHLED, for reliable and customizable lighting solutions.