LED strip lights are a popular way to add accent or utility lighting. They provide vibrant colors and can be easily cut and installed around many areas. However, regular strip lights risk damage from liquids. Waterproof LED strips are designed to withstand moisture, making them suitable for high traffic indoor and outdoor use.
Jack wanted to decorate his ceiling with changing color lights but was nervous about spills in his room. Then he discovered waterproof LED strips that can handle splashes and survived his curiosity. Now he can enjoy lights where he wants without worrying damage.
LED strip lights have become a creative lighting solution for many spaces but regular strips risk harm from moisture. Now waterproof versions allow bright colors anywhere indoors or outdoors. In this article, we’ll explore waterproof LED strip options, factors to consider like voltages and IP ratings, easy installation tips, and project ideas to inspire your own lighting designs.
Understanding Waterproof Ratings
All electronics list an IP rating that indicates dust and moisture protection. For LED strips, you’ll want at least an IP65 rating. This means total dust protection and protection from low pressure water jets from any direction. Higher ratings like IP67 and IP68 provide better protection for demanding areas.
IP65 strips are suitable for most indoor and light outdoor use. IP67 and IP68 models are ideal for humid bathrooms and showers or around pools where splashing may occur. Consider the environment and your needs when shopping.
Power Requirements Of LED Strip Lights Waterproof
Waterproof LED strips come in 12V and 24V options. 12V strips are suitable for low-power indoor tasks. They can run on standard AC adapters plugged into walls.
Higher 24V strips provide extra durability for continual outdoor exposure to weather elements like rain, snow or sunlight. They require a transformer installed out of the elements.
Think about your project location and requirements. Indoors, 12V works great. Outdoors or through walls, choose a higher 24V rating for long-lasting performance.
Connector Types For Waterproof LED Strips
The three main connector types for waterproof LED strips are:
- Solderless – Click strips together for simple DIY installation. Good for surface mounting indoors.
- Solder – Strips connect via soldering. Takes more work but creates the strongest waterproof seal.
- Wiring – Individual addressable LEDs allow advanced animations. Best for permanent outdoor installations. Requires soldering or crimping wires.
Choose connectors based on your skill level and needs. Solderless is easiest while soldered or wired versions suit demanding outdoor elements long-term.
Installation Tips For Waterproof LED Strips
Proper installation methods help strips withstand moisture long-term:
- Use silicone or acrylic caulk to fully seal all connections and cut ends. Avoid air bubbles.
- 3M VHB tape strongly adheres strips outdoors. Ensure clean, dry surfaces for maximum bond strength.
- Consider wiring routes to avoid high-traffic areas and plan slack for flexibility.
- Only use external-rated power adapters for outdoor projects.
- Test all connections before closing up walls or submerging in water features.
With the right preparation and installation techniques, your lights will shine bright for many years.
Project Ideas For Waterproof LED Strips
Get creative indoors and out with waterproof LED strip lighting:
- Under cabinets in the kitchen for task lighting
- Along planter beds, pathways or benches in the garden
- Subtly highlight ceiling beams, crown molding or artwork
- Edge swimming pools, spas, or outdoor showers for safety and style
- Accent vehicle and boat interiors for mood lighting
- In shower stalls or around bathtubs for practical illumination
- Under or behind furniture for an ambient glow
The possibilities are endless – get lighting where you want it and bring colorful accents indoors or out with confidence.
Do LED Strips Get Hot?
LED strips use small lights that don’t get as hot as older bulbs. But if you have a lot of LEDs close together, the strip can warm up after being on for a while. This is normal and won’t cause problems usually. The plastic covering helps keep the heat inside so it’s safe to touch the outside.
If a strip ever feels really hot, then it might need to cool down or something could be wrong. Touching something very hot could hurt your fingers, so be careful. Let a grown up know if a light is much warmer than others so they can check if it needs fixing. But small warmth is fine and helps the LEDs work well to make pretty colors for you to see.
FAQ’s
Do LED strips need electricity?
LED strips use low voltage direct current, so a power supply is needed to convert the standard alternating current in homes into the proper voltage. Follow these three easy steps to select a supply matching your strip’s requirements for safe, efficient operation outdoors over time.
Can LED strip lights get wet?
Regular LED strips cannot tolerate dust or liquids as even small spills can damage them. Outdoor strips are rated IP65, making them dust-proof and able to withstand strong water jets, so they are safe to use around areas prone to moisture. Always choose IP65 or higher strips for indoor or outdoor use where liquid contact is possible.
Can LED strips be used outside?
Waterproof LED strip lights are well-suited for outdoor lighting thanks to their protection from moisture. When shopping for outdoor strips, though, there are other important factors besides an IP-67 rating. Make sure to consider additional specifications to find strips that will withstand long-term outdoor use.
Final Thoughts
Waterproof LED strip lights open up many creative possibilities for indoor and outdoor lighting designs. As seen with Jack’s project, they provide versatility to add dynamic colorful accents anywhere without worrying about damage from moisture. Choosing strips with suitable IP ratings and following proper installation guidance ensures reliable performance.
And with many innovative project ideas explored in this guide, you can put lighting exactly where you want to brighten living spaces in new ways. Whether illuminating wet areas safely or bringing festive atmosphere outdoors, waterproof LED strips enable lighting desires to shine through for years to come.
