5 Different Ways to Waterproof LED Strip Lights - Myledy (2024)

LED strip lights are widely used, in households and offices. But on many occasions, we need to use waterproof strips. Such as in the bathroom, kitchen, outdoor, swimming pool, sauna, and so on.

There are different waterproofing levels for the strip. Do you know how to choose the proper one? This article will tell you the answer. We will also show you how to cut, weld, and install waterproof LED strip lights.

The following diagram will help you to understand the protection levels better corresponding to different values in IP rating.

We have to confirm the installation location of the strip lights.

A non-waterproof strip is ideal for your bedroom or living room. There is very low chance of exposure to water or fog. Of course, we can also use IP62 or IP65 strips for those areas, as they can effectively prevent dust and help cleaning in the future.

If you want to install the led strip in the kitchen or bathroom, you must use IP62 or IP65 waterproof level strips. It is not necessary to install IP67 or IP68 strips here, unless the location is often sprayed with water.

If you’ll install an outdoor LED strip which will be wet by heavy rain for a long time, but it won’t be soaked in water. We recommend using an IP67 or IP68 strip.

If you install the strip directly in the water, such as a swimming pool, fish tank. Then we recommend using the IP68 strip with the highest level of protection.

When it comes to waterproofing, there are three most popular types of materials:

• Epoxy resin
• PU glue
• Silicone glue

What’s their difference? Here is a quick summary:

4.1 Epoxy Resin

Epoxy resin has the advantages of low cost, good maneuverability and low toxicity. So, it’s a popular waterproof material for most cheap LED strips in the market. But there’s a fatal flaw in its molecular structure.

First of all, its heat conductivity is poor, this will reduce the lifespan of the strip lights. Secondly, epoxy resin is easy to yellowing after half a year, this yellowing will affect the color temperature of the strip lights. Besides, the epoxy resin cannot resist high and low temperatures. It will harden and crack very easily under an ambient temperature below 0°C.

4.2 Polyurethane Glue

The cost of PU glue is higher than epoxy resin. It has better yellowing resistance, low temperature resistance and better thermal conductivity. But it’s toxic. When polyurethane adhesive is cured, it will produce some small molecular compounds. These compounds have a very bad smell and are not conducive to health. Secondly, it is not resistant to high temperature. Do not use the strip with PU glue in places where the ambient temperature is higher than 80 ℃.

4.3 Silicone Glue

The cost of silicone glue is the highest. It is an environmentally friendly material and has the advantages of both PU glue and epoxy gel. First of all, the heat resistance and low temperature resistance are very good. The ambient temperature of -50 °~ 300° won’t affect its structure and performance. We can rely on Silicon LED strips for saunas and refrigerators. Secondly, the silicone glue will not turn yellow for a long time. This also ensures the long-term stability of the color temperature of the LED strip. It is particularly important for high-end lighting projects such as hotels, yachts, etc. As silicone glue has good thermal conductivity, it promotes the heat dissipation of the LED strip. But, we need to add aluminum channels for high-power (over 20 W) strip lighting for heat control.

Waterproofing is a crucial aspect of electronic items. It can directly affect the life duration and efficiency. Also, it’s a good idea to take professional help for such installations. However, you can now safely install waterproof LED strips in your home if you like DIY projects.

The tutorial videos should help you get a grip on things. So, it’s time to start your new LED strip installation project. Just be sure to take extra precautions, and everything should be fine then.