All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier
(106070 products available)
Waterproof LED strips come in diverse types, each designed to endure varying levels of moisture, from simple humidity to complete submersion.
IP65 Rated LED Strips
IP65 rated LED strips are slightly more advanced. They are designed for areas where a little moisture might be expected, such as covered patios or outdoor areas with some exposure to rain. These strips offer good protection against dust and water but are not suitable for direct water contact or prolonged outdoor exposure.
IP66 Rated LED Strips
IP66 rated LED strips are ideal for outdoor applications in areas that may experience heavy rain or occasional water jets, such as gardens or balconies. They provide excellent protection against water and dust, making them suitable for a wider range of outdoor environments.
IP67 Rated LED Strips
IP67 rated LED strips are designed for outdoor use where there is a risk of immersion in water, such as near swimming pools, fountains, or in areas prone to flooding. They offer the highest level of water protection and are also suited for indoor environments in areas with high humidity.
IP68 Rated LED Strips
IP68 rated LED strips are built for industrial or marine conditions where the strips might be submerged in water for extended periods. These are the most durable LED strips and are typically used in professional settings such as aquariums, boats, or as underwater lights.
Silicone Coated LED Strips
Silicone-coated LED strips are versatile for both outdoor and indoor use, specifically in areas with high humidity or extreme temperatures. The silicone coating protects against water and dust while providing additional durability against weather elements. These are often used in outdoor areas, gardens, balconies, or architectural lighting around buildings.
The design of waterproof LED strips involves several key elements that ensure they can effectively operate in wet or challenging environments while maintaining flexibility, brightness, and durability.
Flexible PCB Material
The base of most waterproof LED strips is made from flexible printed circuit board (PCB) material, allowing the strips to bend and conform to various shapes. For waterproofing, certain types of LED strips use a more robust, flexible material like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polycarbonate copolymer (PC) to ensure durability.
LED Type and Density
Waterproof LED strips utilize various LED types, such as SMD (Surface Mounted Device) LEDs, which provide strong brightness and are small in size. Commonly employed SMD LED sizes include 3528 and 5050, with 5050 being the brighter option owing to its larger size. The density, or quantity of LEDs per meter, can differ depending on the desired luminosity.
Waterproof Housing
The most important part of the design of waterproof LED strips is their housing. These strips house LEDs and are normally encased in flexible waterproof material, such as epoxy resin, silicone, or PVC tubing. Epoxy resin is commonly used for lower IP ratings like IP65 because it hardens and engraves it around the LED, meaning it is tough. Silicone is better for higher IP ratings because it stays flexible, even in extreme conditions.
Power Supply and Connectivity
Many of these strips are powered by DC (direct current) power supplies. They typically come in standard voltages like 12V or 24V. The connectivity of waterproof LED strips is also crucial. These strips generally have DC barrel connectors, and certain strips with higher hooks have ions and can be connected in series.
Mounting and Installation
Besides, waterproof LED strips are designed for easy mounting in wet areas. The strips typically have adhesive-backings that allow them to be easily stuck to different surfaces. Additional fixtures may include silicone or metal mounting brackets for more secure and durable placements.
Outdoor Landscaping and Garden Lighting
Waterproof LED strips are widely employed in outdoor landscaping and garden lighting, enabling the creation of stunning visual effects. These strips make it easy to highlight trees, pathways, and architectural features after dark, thanks to their waterproof casing. They generate flexible light that can be arranged along edges, around sculptures, or inside plants to give beautiful shadow play and colors.
Underwater Lighting for Pools, Ponds, and Fountains
Waterproof LED strips, especially those with IP68 ratings, provide brilliant and energy-efficient options for underwater lighting in pools, ponds, and fountains. They create dramatic effects by lighting water features or providing ambient lighting for swimming pools.
Marina and Boating Applications
Marinas and boats use waterproof LED strips for reliable lighting solutions in marine environments. These strips offer safety lighting along boat decks, ladders, or piers, making it easier to navigate in dim conditions. Their toughness ensures that they withstand saltwater, which is not corrosive and ideal for use on boats or in coastal marinas.
Commercial Display and Retail Signage
Waterproof LED strips are suitable for creating eye-catching displays and signage in locations exposed to the elements, like display windows or outdoor storefronts. These strips enable retailers to design dynamic lighting that attracts customers by outlining signs, enhancing window displays, or adding vibrant colors to outdoor signage.
Interior Applications in High-Humidity Areas
Waterproof LED strips do more than outdoor applications; they do well in high-humidity indoor conditions, such as spas, saunas, and swimming pool interiors, where condensation and high steam levels could damage ordinary LED strips. They are perfect for luxurious ambient lighting in spas and saunas or illuminating swimming pools, adding safety and style to interior lighting designs.
Waterproof LED strips come in different ratings based on how much water and dust they can handle. This is called the IP rating. The more the number of the IP rating, the better the LED strip will handle the elements. For example, an IP65 rating is fine for indoors or covered outdoor use where some moisture is possible.
Waterproof Rating (IP68)
The most important factor for these varieties is the water resistance grade, which measures the dewiness and dustiness levels. The IP65 variations are appropriate for situations with low humidity or brief wet events, such as indoors near a water feature or on a sheltered balcony.
The strips with IP66 or IP67 can handle more rigorous outdoor situations, such as those that experience heavy rain or splashes, such as gardens or decks.
The IP68 strips can endure severe environments, such as those exposed to continuous submersion in water, such as fish ponds or swimming pools.
LED Density and Type
These strips have different LED counts per meter, affecting how bright they are. The size of the LED strips varies, with the 3528 style being petite and the 5050 variety larger and luminously high.
Power Requirements
These strips typically come with DC power needs like 12V or 24V. The voltage needed must be compatible with the strip and the power source to work well.
Regular Cleaning
Cleaning the LED strips regularly extends their life and keeps them looking nice. Gentle cloths should be used to remove dust and grime from the strip. In wet LED strips, the cloth can be wet, but the strip should not be directly touched.
Check for Damage
It is also advisable to always check the strip for possible damages. Regardless of the kind of waterproof LED strips, ensure to examine them and observe if there are broken parts, particularly in the silicone-coated one. Do this by conducting a visual inspection from time to time. For the IP rated strips, ensure that the end caps are properly fitted and that all connections are well sealed.
Proper Power Supply
As these strips normally work on various voltage levels, ensure that the right voltage is provided to these strips from time to time. This will reduce or eliminate power surges or drops that can affect their functioning. It is advisable not to overload the strip with too much power, as this can cause a fire hazard and damage the LEDs.
Humidity and Heat Monitoring
Keep monitoring the humidity and the heat around the LED strips. It is important to observe that humidity and extreme heat are dangerous to waterproof LED strips and can damage them if not taken care of. Ensure that there is no humidity around the LED strips.
A1. These LED strips have casings that protect them from water and dust, so they are good for outside use, while the regular ones do not have this feature and can be used only for indoor use.
A2. Select strips with the right IP rating for the job. Use IP65 to IP67 strips for light outdoor jobs. Use IP68 for underwater or very wet jobs.
A3. Yes. So long as the right kind of LEDs and controllers are used, LED strips can be configured to show hundreds of colors and color changing effects.
A4. Most have adhesive backs, but also use clips or brackets to securely attach them in tough conditions.
A5. Little is required. Just wipe any dust or water deposits off occasionally to keep the bright light coming.
