If you're buying LED strip lights for outdoor, bathroom, or wet locations, you need to understand waterproof ratings. Choose the wrong IP rating, and your expensive LED strips could fail prematurely from moisture damage.

As an experienced LED strip light factory, Arraystar LED manufactures waterproof LED strips for all environments. This guide explains what each IP rating means and which one you need.

What Does IP Rating Mean?

IP (Ingress Protection) ratings indicate how well an electrical device resists dust and water. The two-digit number means:

• First digit: Protection against solid objects (dust, fingers, etc.) — 0-6

• Second digit: Protection against water — 0-8

The higher the number, the better the protection.

Common LED Strip Waterproof Ratings

IP20 — Indoor Only

• Dust protection: Protection against fingers and large objects

• Water protection: None — not water-resistant at all

• Best for: Dry indoor environments (living rooms, bedrooms, offices)

• Typical use: Under cabinets, behind TVs, in closets

IP65 — Water Resistant (Splash Proof)

• Dust protection: Fully dust-tight

• Water protection: Protected against water jets from any direction

• Best for: Outdoor covered areas, bathrooms, kitchens

• Typical use: Porches, patios, bathroom mirrors, kitchen backsplashes

IP67 — Waterproof (Temporary Immersion)

• Dust protection: Fully dust-tight

• Water protection: Protected against temporary immersion (up to 1m for 30 minutes)

• Best for: Outdoor exposed to rain, pool areas, gardens

• Typical use: Building facades, garden lighting, outdoor signage

IP68 — Submersible (Permanent Immersion)

• Dust protection: Fully dust-tight

• Water protection: Protected against continuous immersion

• Best for: Underwater or extreme outdoor conditions

• Typical use: Pools, fountains, underwater lighting

How to Choose the Right Waterproof Rating

Indoor Dry Areas (IP20)

• Living rooms, bedrooms, home offices

• Hallways, staircases

• Closets and cabinets

• Choose IP20 — save money, it's all you need

Indoor Damp Areas (IP65)

• Bathrooms (near showers/sinks)

• Kitchens (under cabinets near sinks)

• Laundry rooms

• Choose IP65 — protect against splashes and humidity

Outdoor Covered (IP65/IP67)

• Covered patios, porches

• Under eaves and awnings

• Choose IP65 (covered) or IP67 (exposed to rain)

Outdoor Exposed (IP67)

• Building facades

• Garden and landscape lighting

• Outdoor signage

• Choose IP67 — rain, snow, and weatherproof

Underwater / Extreme (IP68)

• Swimming pools

• Fountains and water features

• Choose IP68 — fully submersible

Important Considerations

1. Waterproof coating vs sealed tube:
   - Coated strips: thinner, more flexible, but coating can be damaged
   - Silicone tube: bulkier but more durable, better protection

2. Connectors and power supplies:
   - Don't forget waterproof connectors!
   - Use IP-rated junction boxes for connections
   - Outdoor power supplies should also be IP-rated

3. Cutting and joining:
   - Cutting a waterproof strip breaks the seal
   - Need to re-waterproof cut ends
   - Use heat shrink tubing or silicone sealant

Arraystar LED: Full Range of Waterproof LED Strips

At Arraystar LED, we manufacture LED strips with all waterproof ratings:

• IP20: SMD/COB LED strips — Indoor dry areas

• IP65: Silicone coated strips — Bathrooms, covered outdoor

• IP67: Silicone tube strips — Exposed outdoor, facades

• IP68: Fully sealed strips — Pools, underwater

Why choose Arraystar?

• Professional LED strip light factory since 2010

• Consistent waterproof quality (tested before shipping)

• Full range: COB, SMD, LED neon flex

• OEM/ODM customization available

• 3-year warranty on all products

Get Your Waterproof LED Strip Quote

Not sure which waterproof rating you need? Tell us about your project, and we'll recommend the right solution.

📧 Email: info@arraystarled.com
📱 WhatsApp: +86 158 1851 4077
🌐 Website: www.arraystarled.com

Free samples available.