How do I clean waterproof LED strip lights?

To clean waterproof LED strip lights, wipe them gently with a damp cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or solvents that could damage the waterproof coating.

Can waterproof LED strip lights be used with a smart home system?

Yes, waterproof LED strip lights can be used with a smart home system if they are compatible and the appropriate control hub is installed.

Can waterproof LED strip lights be dimmed?

Yes, most waterproof LED strip lights can be dimmed using a dimmer switch or a remote control.

A Guide to Waterproof LED Strip Lights

by Maisie Ou
Last updated March 30, 2023

Understanding IP Ratings and Choosing the Right Waterproof LED Strip

LED strips have become a popular lighting solution for both residential and commercial settings due to their energy efficiency, versatility, and ease of installation. However, not all LED strips are created equal, especially when it comes to their ability to withstand exposure to water and moisture. This is where IP ratings come into play.

What is an IP rating?

IP stands for Ingress Protection, and an IP rating is a standard measure used to indicate the level of protection provided by an electrical enclosure against foreign objects (such as dust) and water. The rating consists of two digits, with the first indicating the degree of protection against solid objects, and the second indicating the degree of protection against water.

When do we need waterproof LED strips?

Waterproof LED strips are needed in situations where the strips will be exposed to water or moisture, such as in outdoor lighting applications or in areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms or kitchens.

ct actual philips hue led strip lighting swiming pool scene

How many different waterproof grades of LED strip lights?

There are several different waterproof grades of LED strip lights, each indicated by a different IP rating

3.1 IP20 – none waterproof

3.2 IP52 – silicone coating

3.3 IP65 – silicone tube

3.4 IP65H – heat shrink tube

3.5 IP67 – full silicone encased

3.6 IP67 – nano coating

3.7 IP68 – full PU encased

Here is an Excel table with the information about the different waterproof grades and LED strip structures:

Waterproof Grade	LED Strip Structure	Waterproof Process	Application	Color Shift	Brightness Loss	Dimensional Changes
IP20	Non-waterproof	N/A	Indoor use	Yes	~10%	No changes
IP52	Silicone coating	Silicone layer	Dry or wet areas	Yes	~5%	Width unchanged, height increased by 1.5-2mm
IP65	Silicone tube	Silicone sleeve or extrusion	Wet areas	No	~5%	Width and height increased by about 2mm
IP65H	Heat shrink tube	Heat shrink tube	Wet areas	No	~4%	Width and height almost unchanged
IP67	Full silicone encased	Hollow silicone tube + filled with silicon or silicone integration extrusion	Outdoor use	Yes	~15%	Width and height increased by about 2mm
IP67	Nano coating	Nano-coating spray	Outdoor use	No	~2%	No changes
IP68	Full PU encased	Full clear PU glue encased	Outdoor and underwater use	Yes	~15%	Width and height increased by about 2mm

Confusion Between IP52 and IP65

There is often confusion between IP52 and IP65 ratings, as both provide protection against water. However, IP52 is only protected against dripping water, while IP65 is protected against low-pressure water jets.

The common material to make waterproof LED strips

The common materials used to make waterproof LED strips are silicone coating, silicone tube, heat shrink tube, full silicone encasement, nano coating, and clear PU glue encasement.

There are several common materials used to make waterproof LED strips, including:

Epoxy resin

PU glue

PVC

Silicone

Silicon: Silicon is a popular material for waterproof LED strips due to its high resistance to water and other liquids. It is flexible and can easily conform to various shapes and sizes, making it ideal for use in a wide range of applications.

PVC: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is another popular material used for waterproof LED strips. It is also flexible and easy to shape, making it ideal for use in curved or uneven surfaces. PVC is also resistant to water and other liquids, making it a popular choice for outdoor use.

Polyurethane: Polyurethane is a synthetic polymer that is commonly used as a coating material for waterproof LED strips. It provides excellent water resistance, as well as good abrasion resistance and flexibility.

Epoxy: Epoxy is a popular material used to encapsulate LED strips for waterproofing. It is a two-part system that is mixed together and then applied to the LED strip. Once cured, epoxy provides excellent water resistance and durability.

TPU: TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a flexible and durable material commonly used for waterproofing LED strips. It provides excellent resistance to water and other liquids, as well as good resistance to abrasion and wear.

Material	Cost	Temperature Resistance	Heat Conductivity	Yellowing	Toxicity	Light Transmission Rate
Silicone	High	High	Low	No	Non-toxic	High
Polyurethane	Low	High	Moderate	Moderate	Non-toxic	Moderate
PVC	Low to moderate	Moderate	Moderate	High	Potentially toxic	Low to moderate
Epoxy	Moderate to high	Moderate to high	High	Low	Potentially toxic	Low to moderate
TPU	Moderate	High	Low	Low to moderate	Non-toxic	High

What is silicone-integrated extrusion?

Silicone-integrated extrusion is a manufacturing process used to create fully waterproof LED strips. The process involves integrating the silicone casing directly onto the LED strip during the manufacturing process, resulting in a seamless and fully waterproof product.

Advantages of silicone integrated extrusion

There are several advantages to using silicone integrated extrusion for waterproof LED strips, including:

Infinite length

Silicone integrated extrusion allows for the production of products with an infinite length, which is particularly useful in industries that require long, continuous runs of products such as tubing or gaskets.

High productivity

Due to the high degree of automation and precision of the silicone extrusion process, it can produce products at a high rate of speed, increasing overall productivity and reducing production costs.

Better waterproof performance

Silicone is naturally water-resistant, and the silicone integrated extrusion process can create products with a high degree of waterproof performance. This is especially important in applications where products are exposed to moisture or other liquids.

Process of silicone integrated extrusion

The process of silicone integrated extrusion with an LED strip involves the following steps:

Step 1 Material preparation: Prepare the silicone material by mixing it with any required additives and pigments. Cut the LED strip to the desired length.

Step 2 Extruder setup: Feed the prepared silicone material into the extruder machine. The extruder is equipped with a hopper to hold the material and a screw to feed it into the extrusion chamber.

Step 3 Heating and melting: The silicone material is heated and melted inside the extrusion chamber by the screw’s friction and heat. The heat softens the silicone and makes it more fluid, allowing it to flow around the LED strip.

Step 4 LED strip insertion: Insert the LED strip into the extrusion die, ensuring that it is positioned correctly within the silicone material.

Step 5 Extrusion die: The extrusion die shapes the silicone material around the LED strip into the desired cross-sectional shape. The die is typically made of steel and has a cavity that the silicone flows through. The shape of the die determines the shape of the extruded product.

Step 6 Cooling and curing: After leaving the extrusion die, the silicone material is cooled and cured to solidify the shape. This is typically done using a water bath or air cooling system. Curing may also involve additional heat treatment or exposure to UV light, depending on the type of silicone used.

Step 7 Cutting and finishing: Once the silicone material has fully cured, it is cut to the desired length and inspected for quality. Finishing processes may also be applied, such as surface treatment or printing.

Step 8 LED testing: The LED strip is tested to ensure that it is functioning correctly.

Step 9 Packaging and storage: The final step is to package the finished product and store it in a suitable environment until it is ready for use.

FAQ

Waterproof LED strip lights are a type of LED lighting that can be used in wet environments or exposed to water without damage. They are ideal for outdoor lighting, pool lighting, or other applications where moisture is a concern.

Waterproof LED strip lights work by using a series of LEDs (light-emitting diodes) mounted on a flexible strip. The strip is coated with a waterproof material that protects the lights from water and moisture.

There are different levels of waterproofing for LED strip lights, typically measured by their IP (Ingress Protection) rating. The higher the IP rating, the more waterproof the LED strip light is. IP65, IP67, and IP68 are the most common waterproof ratings.

The benefits of using waterproof LED strip lights include long lifespan, energy efficiency, and versatility. They can be used for a wide range of applications, both indoors and outdoors, and are durable enough to withstand harsh weather conditions.

Waterproof LED strip lights are available in a range of colors, including white, warm white, red, green, blue, and RGB (red, green, blue).

Yes, waterproof LED strip lights can be cut to length using scissors or a knife, as long as the cut is made at the designated cut points on the strip.

To install waterproof LED strip lights, clean the surface where you will attach the lights, and ensure it is dry. Use the appropriate adhesive tape or clips to secure the lights in place. Connect the lights to a compatible power supply, and use a waterproof connector to connect different lengths of strip lights.

Yes, most waterproof LED strip lights can be controlled using a dimmer switch or a remote control.

Yes, RGB waterproof LED strip lights can be controlled using a remote control to choose from a wide range of colors.

Waterproof LED strip lights can last up to 50,000 hours, depending on the quality of the lights and how they are used.

Yes, waterproof LED strip lights are safe to use as long as they are installed and used properly. Avoid exposing them to water if they are not rated for immersion, and use a compatible power supply to avoid electrical hazards.

Yes, some waterproof LED strip lights are specifically designed for use in saltwater environments, but it is important to check the product specifications to ensure they are suitable for your application.

Yes, some waterproof LED strip lights are designed for immersion in water and can be used underwater. However, it is important to check the product specifications to ensure they are suitable for your specific application.

Yes, waterproof LED strip lights are relatively easy to install with the appropriate adhesive tape or clips.

Yes, waterproof LED strip lights can be used in a range of temperatures, but it is important to check the product specifications to ensure they are suitable for your specific application.

The voltage requirements for waterproof LED strip lights vary depending on the specific product. Most LED strip lights require a 12V or 24V DC power supply.

Yes, multiple waterproof LED strip lights can be connected together using a waterproof connector or splitter.

The maximum length of waterproof LED strip lights that can be connected together depends on the voltage of the power supply and the specific product. It is important to check the product specifications for the maximum run length.

Yes, waterproof LED strip lights can be cut and reconnected using a waterproof connector.

IP65 means the LED strip light is protected against water projected from a nozzle; IP67 means the LED strip light can be immersed in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes, and IP68 means the LED strip light can be immersed in water deeper than 1 meter for extended periods of time.

Tips for using waterproof LED strip lights

When using waterproof LED strip lights, it is important to follow these tips:

9.1 Cutting and joining LED strip with connector – always use a sharp pair of scissors or a cutting tool designed for LED strips to avoid damaging the strip. When joining strips, use a connector designed for waterproof strips to ensure a secure and waterproof connection.

9.2 Soldering and sealing waterproof LED strips – when soldering, be sure to use a soldering iron with a temperature-controlled tip to avoid overheating the strip. After soldering, seal the connection with heat shrink tubing or a waterproof sealant.

9.3 Installing waterproof LED strips – always ensure the surface where the strip will be installed is clean and dry before applying the strip. Use mounting clips or adhesive tape designed for waterproof strips to ensure a secure installation.

In conclusion, understanding IP ratings and choosing the right waterproof LED strip is crucial for ensuring the safety and longevity of your lighting solution. By following the tips outlined above and choosing a high-quality, waterproof LED strip with the appropriate IP rating, you can enjoy the benefits