I believe everyone knows about LED light strips, we can divide LED strips into non-waterproof and waterproof tape lights. In fact, waterproof LED light strips have many uses and are a great choice for adding vivid. And practical lighting to various indoor and outdoor spaces.
Next, we will analyze the waterproof LED tape lights in detail to help everyone better and more understand all about waterproof LED light strips. From understanding its advantages and applications to installation tips.
What is LED Tape Lights?
An LED strip light is a flexible circuit board with surface-mounted light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and other components mounted on it. It has a wide range of lamp bead models and lamp counts, which distinguishes many series to choose from.
These strips are versatile and easy to install and come in a variety of colors and brightness levels. They are often used for decorative lighting indoors and outdoors and are widely loved by lighting designers.
What is a Waterproof LED Tape Lights?
A waterproof LED strip features a coating or wrapping of waterproof and moisture-proof materials. Manufacturers typically achieve waterproofing by using silicone or epoxy coatings to protect electronic components.
You can use waterproof LED tape lights in environments where they may come into contact with water, such as bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor areas, and even underwater installations.
But the premise is that you need to choose a waterproof LED strip with the right waterproof level to ensure the performance and safety of the LED strip.
How is the IP Rating of Waterproof Tape Lights Defined?
The IP rating, short for Ingress Protection rating, is an official standard that determines the level of protection an enclosure offers against solids and liquids.
For waterproof LED light strips, this rating comprises two numbers: the first signifies protection against solids like dust, and the second denotes resistance to liquids. For instance, an IP65 rating implies that the light strip is resistant to dust and can endure water jets from any angle, making it ideal for a variety of outdoor uses.
What are Waterproof LED Light Strips Used For?
Waterproof LED light strips can be used for a variety of purposes, mainly in areas that are prone to moisture and humidity. For example, outdoor landscape lighting such as bathrooms, gardens, kitchens, etc. We can find waterproof LED light strips in these places, appearing in simple and creative expressions.
In addition, waterproof LED light strips provide ambient lighting, highlight architectural features, enhance safety in low-light areas, and create visually attractive environments. While improving visibility and safety, it also attracts everyone’s attention.
What Waterproof LED Tape Lights Are Used Indoors?
For indoor use, we generally recommend using IP20 LED light strips. For areas near moisture or water, we strongly recommend using IP65 or higher waterproof LED light strips. In addition, indoor dustproof ones are also acceptable.
However, there are also places with more water indoors, such as bathrooms, indoor swimming pools, etc. For areas with high humidity or steam, we still recommend that users use higher IP ratings such as IP67 or IP68, which may be more appropriate.
What Waterproof LED Tape Lights Are Used Outdoors?
The outdoor environment requires a higher waterproof rating of LED light strips. Because the outdoor conditions are more severe. There is long-term wind and sun exposure, and it also needs to be affected by various weather factors. So it needs stronger protection and stability.
Usually, we recommend an IP68 rating for outdoor waterproof LED light strips. This rating ensures that the light strip is dustproof and can withstand the impact of rain for a long time. For outdoor swimming pools and underwater lighting projects where the light strip may be immersed deeper or for longer periods, we recommend using only IP68 neon flex waterproof LED strips. Manufacturers specifically design these strips for underwater and swimming pool applications.
What Waterproof LED Strip Lights Are Used in Swimming Pools and Underwater?
For swimming pools, fountains, and other underwater applications, the IP68 rating is what we must choose. However, we generally do not recommend using standard IP68 waterproof LED light strips in swimming pools. We must ensure that the LED light strip can withstand continuous immersion in water for more than 1 meter and resist corrosion from disinfectant water in the pool.
So it can be used underwater and is suitable for use in swimming pools. We recommend IP68 neon tubes, which are LED light strips specifically designed for swimming pools and underwater lighting. Provide excellent protection in underwater environments.
At the same time, it is also crucial to ensure that the light strip is properly installed and sealed to maintain its waterproof integrity.
How to Install Waterproof Light Strips?
Installing waterproof LED light strips is very simple, but there are some steps to pay attention to. In addition, it is recommended to use mounting clips when fixing the installation, because 3M glue is afraid of falling off easily.
- Clean the surface: Clean the installation surface and make sure that the adhesive backing can be properly attached.
- Measure and cut: Measure the required length of the waterproof light strip and cut it at the specified cutting point.
- Correct connection: If there is a cut, it needs to be connected with a waterproof connector and handle the waterproof place.
- Installation: Remove the adhesive backing and press the light strip firmly on the surface. It is best to use mounting clips or aluminum profile.
- Power supply: Connect the light strip to a suitable power supply and make sure all connections are waterproof.
- Test: Test whether it can be lit and fix the position.
Pay Attention When You Use Waterproof LED Light Strips
- Power supply: Make sure the power supply is suitable for the power and voltage of the LED light strip, and it needs to be waterproof.
- Waterproof management: Make sure all connections and endpoints are properly sealed to maintain waterproofness.
- Cutting waterproof light strips: Be sure to handle waterproofing after you cut the waterproof LED light strips. It is best to directly customize the size of the waterproof LED light strips.
- Regular maintenance: Regularly check the light strips for signs of wear or damage and replace them if necessary.
Conclusion
Waterproof LED tape lights are a durable and versatile indoor and outdoor lighting solution. They are suitable for a variety of environments, both indoors and in outdoor living spaces.
Whether it is adding ambiance to an indoor bathroom or creating a unique underwater display, understanding the different aspects of waterproof LED strip lights will help you choose the right product for your needs. We produce a wide variety of waterproof LED strip lights, please let us know if you have any needs.
FAQs
Yes, you can cut most waterproof LED strips at the marked points. However, you need to carefully maintain their waterproofing by properly sealing the cuts. It’s best to order the waterproof LED strip in the correct size so that the manufacturer can ensure the waterproof properties are intact before shipping.
The required waterproof power supply depends on the voltage and wattage of the LED strip. Most strips are powered by 12V or 24V DC, and the power supply should meet these specifications.
Yes, waterproof LED strips are available in a variety of colors, just like non-waterproof LED strips. This includes single-color options such as warm white or cool white, as well as RGB and RGBW strips that offer a variety of colors and effects. In addition, custom color temperatures are also supported.
The lifespan of waterproof LED strips depends on the quality of the product and the conditions in which they are used. However, generally speaking, the lifespan of waterproof LED strips will be slightly shorter than that of non-waterproof LED strips. Typically, a high-quality LED light strip can last up to 50,000 hours or more, so be sure to maintain it regularly.