How to Choose Waterproof LED Strip Lights

In general, when purchasing an LED strip lamp, you can see its level of waterproofing on the section that displays the product specifications. It is primarily classified as non-waterproof, waterproof against drops and splashes, and entirely waterproof.

IP20 simply means that it is not waterproof, implying that you should not use it indoors where it might get wet with water.

IP65 and IP66 imply that it is semi-waterproof, which means that you can submerge it in water and wash it, but not continuously soak it in water.

It is waterproof, as indicated by the IP67 rating; you can immerse it in water for a brief length of time outside.

IP68 implies that the level of waterproofing is higher and that it may be immersed in water for an extended period of time.

If you just use it indoors, there will be water drips and splashes, thus an IP65 protection rating is adequate. If you intend to install it in a location where it will be submerged in water for an extended period of time, we recommend that you use an IP68 waterproof LED strip light.

• Part 1. When Do Waterproof LED Strip Lights Come in Handy?
• Part 2. Installing Waterproof LED Strip Lights
• Part 3. Why Should You Choose Waterproof LED Strip Lights?
• Part 4. Understanding the Degree of Intellectual Property Protection

Part 1. When Do Waterproof LED Strip Lights Come in Handy?

How can we know whether we need to buy weatherproof LED strip lights? It is primarily determined by the location in which they are installed.

In terms of indoor use, if you want to use the LED strip lights as backdrop lights in your bedroom, living room, or all around some furniture, you don’t need the waterproofing feature. You can simply get non-waterproof LED strip lights; this way, you won’t require as much of a budget. If you intend to install them in your kitchen, bathroom, or other areas where water is frequently splashed, we recommend that you use IP65-rated strip lights. If you’re wondering whether you need to buy strip lights with IP67 or even IP68 protection, my recommendation is that you don’t; unless you’re working in a harsh environment.

If you intend to install the strip lights in a swimming pool, fish tank, or other places directly immersed in water, or if you intend to install them outdoors directly exposed to the elements, it may be able to withstand getting soaked in heavy rain for an extended period of time, and we recommend that you purchase strip lights with the highest protection level, IP68. If they are outdoors but have some coverings and will not be submerged for an extended period of time in water, you may simply get LED strip lights with a lesser protection level.

Part 2. Installing Waterproof LED Strip Lights

LED strip lights are classified into several types, including 12V LED strip lights and 120V LED strip lights, and their installation procedures differ. Take, for example, the Lepro LED 12V strip light, and learn how to install weatherproof 12V LED strip lights indoors. In fact, whether you buy non-waterproof LED strip lights, the installation procedure is the same.

Step 1. Clean walls/object surfaces

Whether you choose to place the LED strip lights on your bathroom ceiling, the bottom of your bathtub, or behind your mirror, the first step is to make sure the surface is dry and clean. Otherwise, the 3M super glue on the back of the LED strip light will be unable to stick to the desired location.

Step 2. Tear off the 3M super glue, and stick on the strip light

After cleaning up, you can peel off the 3M super glue off the back of the LED strip light and apply it to the area you’ve picked. If there is an excess after gluing it on, use scissors to cut the strip light where the cutting marks are. You can also take measurements before gluing it on, and then prepare a strip light of the appropriate length before sticking it on.

Step 3. Connect the strip light and the controller

If you bought a strip light set, the connector will contain images inside to help you connect your strip light and controller. The controller’s other end is connected to power.

Step 4. Hook up to power, illuminate the strip light

The final step is to connect the controller to power, after which you can use the remote control to turn on the strip light.

If you are concerned that the strip light will not adhere to the wall due to water soakage, use the strip light securing clip to secure it.

Part 3. Why Should You Choose Waterproof LED Strip Lights?

There are numerous waterproof LED strip lights on the market.

First and foremost, choose a brand that has been working tirelessly as an LED illumination business for over ten years, and the control over product quality is especially stringent, devoting the energies to allow people to enjoy the coolest illumination experiences, and also, choose a brand that is extremely popular with consumers due to the outstanding quality and reasonable pricing of the products under the brand.

Aside from that, select a brand that places a high importance on user experience. Aside from delivering competent customer service, if you are dissatisfied with a product, you have 30 days to return it for a refund.

Part 4. Understanding the Degree of Intellectual Property Protection

IP protection levels are represented by two numbers. The first number represents the light’s level of dustproofing and resistance to foreign object penetration. The second number reflects the degree of moisture proofing and airtightness in avoiding water entry. The higher the number, the greater the amount of protection.

Dustproofing Level	Waterproofing Level
0	No Production	No Production
1	Prevents large solids from entering	Unaffected by water droplets dripping onto the outer covering
2	Prevents medium-sized solids from entering	Unaffected by water droplets dripping onto the outer covering when the outer covering tilts at 15 degrees
3	Prevents small solids from entering	Prevents splashing water from seeping in
4	Prevents solids larger than 1mm from entering	Prevents sprayed water from seeping in
5	Prevents harmful dust from accumulating	No damage whatsoever if you wash it with water
6	Completely prevents dust from entering	Prevents big waves from seeping in
7		Can be used to resist penetration by water for short periods of time
8		Soaks for a long time under a certain amount of pressure

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