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Which is the right waterproof strip light for you?

Many customers have the question: what waterproof LED strip should I use for my project? The projects can be: I want to use waterproof LED strips to decorate the edge of the pool, or to put colorful lighting for the BBQ area. What waterproof level do I need for the project? The answer lies in the waterproof rating "Ingress Protection". Let's take a look it in details.

The format of the waterproof levels of LED strips is IPXX. Among them, IP is the abbreviation of ingress protection, and XX are two digit numbers, which represent the IP waterproof protection level. The first digit number indicates the level of protection against dust and foreign objects, and the second digit indicates the degree of tightness against water intrusion.

Let's see some examples. The first digit, if it is 5, meaning it is dust protected, but not tight. The dust can enter, but not in sufficient quantity to interfere the operation of the equipment. If the first digit is 6, means dust tight, no dust shall enter at all.

IP65: Waterproof to the level that water projected by a 6.3 mm (0.25 in) nozzle against enclosure from any direction shall do no harm to the strip lights. This is often enough for outdoor lighting projects, such as yard, patio, gazebo, deck, etc. As long as the light is not put under water, it mainly needs to withstand water splashes, rain, and other weather elements.

IP67: Can be submerged into water up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.

So, Waterproof LED strip lights at the level of IP65 and IP67 can NOT be submerged into water for extended time of use, such as left in the pool.

IP68: Can be continuously immersed in water, generally up to 3 meters (9.8 ft)

Warning: A commonly seen, so called waterproof LED strip light on the market. The waterproof materials exist only on the LED side of a light strip, not on the side or at the back of the strip. So the side and back of the strip is not waterproof. Even water splash can cause damage to the FPC board of the strip. Also, due to the limitation of manufacturing process, the waterproof material on the front is typically PU glue, which is harmful.