3 Steps to Choose Waterproof LED Strip Lights for Outdoor Use

Published: May 11, 2024 Last Updated: September 27, 2024 Estimated Reading time: 5 mins

LED strip lights are easy to install and replace, making them a popular choice for lighting in various settings such as indoor bedside tables, ceilings, office spaces, and outdoor areas like balconies, pergolas, and pool areas. However, installing unprotected led strips for outdoor use can lead to short circuits from rainwater exposure within a minute or one week.

So, how do we choose waterproof LED strip lights for outdoor use?

1. Understanding Solids and Water IP Rating

IP (Ingress Protection) ratings indicate the level of protection provided against solids and liquids.

The IP rating consists of two digits: the first digit denotes protection against solids, while the second digit indicates protection against liquids.

Here’s a breakdown of both solids and water IP rating digits and the level of protection they indicate:

1 st Digit	Solid Object Protection	2 nd Digit	Water Protection
0	No protected	0	No protected
1	Solid objects greater than 2in/50mm (e.g. hands)	1	Dripping water
2	Solid objects greater than 0.5in/12mm (e.g. fingers)	2	Dripping water when tilted (15 degrees)
3	Solid objects greater than 0.1in/2.5mm (e.g.tools)	3	Spraying water
4	Solid objects greater than 1mm (e.g. wires, screws)	4	Splashing water
5	Dust in limited amounts	5	Water jets
6	All dust and harmful deposits	6	Powerful water jets and heavy seas
Rating example: IP67		7	Protected against the effects of temporary submersion in water (30 minutes at 3ft/1m)
Rating example: IP67		8	Protected against the effects of permanent submersion in water (up to 13ft/4m)

- 1st Digit (Solid Object Protection): Ranges from 0 to 6, with higher numbers indicating greater protection against solid objects.

- 2nd Digit (Water Protection): Ranges from 0 to 8, with higher numbers indicating greater protection against water ingress.

2. Why Outdoor LED Light Strips Need Different IP Ratings

Comparing indoor lights to outdoor lights, outdoor lighting is exposed to dust, rain, and various external substances. Different outdoor illumination applications require varying levels of protection, and you can run out of the risk of damage led light strips.

For example, walkway lights need protection against physical force and moderate water, while pond lights or led swimming pool lights require protection against full submersion.

3. Common Waterproof Ratings for Outdoor LED Strip Lights

IP65 LED Strip

Not recommended for situations with extreme weather like water submersion. An IP67 or IP68 rated enclosure however offers more protection against liquid ingress.

Outdoor kitchen edge lights, roof soffit lighting, balcony railing light and so on.

IP67 LED Strip

An IP67 rated enclosure protects against high pressure water jets and temporary submersion at depths of up to 3 feet / 1 meter.

It’s suitable as above ground pool edge light, deck edge light , walkway lights and some which might be shortly submersed.

bend lights path in garden from PaneraLux

IP68 LED Strip

An IP68 rated enclosure avoids liquid ingress to LED light. An enclosure with this rating will even submerge at depths of up to 13 feet / 4 meters.

For pool LED lights , pond lights, and waterfall illumination, no alternatives other than IP68 led strip lights .

It’s time to choose the right exterior waterproof led strip lights for outdoor lighting applications and illuminate your landscape area. If you have no design ideas about LED strips outside, turn to our last blog, 10 Ideas Outdoor Patio Lighting Design Only by LED Strips Outside – PaneraLux , you would get your thoughts.

Elevate your outdoor experience with PaneraLux pool and outdoor LED strips and make every moment outdoors unforgettable.

For expert advice and assistance in choosing the perfect LED strip lights for your outdoor space, feel free to reach out to our team. Email or click the icon in the bottom right corner, chat with us and you can get professional advice soon.

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