Regarding their longevity, energy efficiency, and brightness, LED lights are undoubtedly the greatest on the market. The best-LED strip lights are those used to illuminate outdoor areas. They can be affixed to the side of the swimming pool, placed along your exterior walls, or hung from the building’s roof.
However, the LED strip lights must be waterproof if you plan to install them outside. As a result, they are not harmed. This article will show you how to waterproof LED strip lights quickly.
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Determine Waterproofing Level For Each LED Strip Light
The waterproofness of the LED light strip is based on its IP certification. It may be entirely waterproof, waterproof only against drips, or not waterproof at all. The Ingress Protection label also shows the strip’s ability to withstand substances like dirt and dust.
The first number in an IP marking stands for protection against solids, while the second number stands for protection against liquids.
The numbers 6 and 2 in an IP62 certification represent touch and dust proofing, respectively, and the number 6 stands for moisture protection. This rated coating may benefit from moist and dry places like bathrooms and kitchens. It is not appropriate for areas where water splashes around, however.
You must use any silicone U-shaped sleeve to cover the bottom strip to provide an IP67 coating. Then add a coating to the top of the strip.
The IP67 classification provides good dust protection and can sustain water pressure for an extended period. Because of this, it may be used in wet environments like beaches and cruise ships.
What Would Be The Best Material For Waterproof LED Strip Lights?
Silicone Glue
The costliest adhesive is silicone. However, it benefits from both polyurethane glue and epoxy resin. Its environmental friendliness and tolerance to hot and cold temperatures are other features.
Silicone glue’s functionality and structure are unaffected by ambient temperature, whether high or low. Silicone LED strips won’t turn yellow even after a long time, making them ideal for saunas and freezers.
Thus, silicone glue is the best choice for long-term stability. Additionally, it aids in heat dissipation and has better thermal conductivity. However, it is suggested to incorporate aluminum tubes for heat control.
Resin
Epoxy glue is one of the greatest materials for creating waterproof LED strips because of its low toxicity and easy movement. It is also rather inexpensive, allowing you to create inexpensive LED strips. There are several drawbacks caused by the molecular structure, however.
The lifespan of strip lights with poor heat conductivity will be shortened. Epoxy resin frequently undergoes color changes and turns yellow. The color temperature of the strip light will change as a result.
The fact that epoxy resin cannot withstand both low and high temperatures means that it will break and harden easily is another crucial issue to consider.
Polyurethane Adhesive
Improved thermal conductivity and yellowing resistance are two advantages of polyurethane glue. It also has low-temperature resistance. However, compared to epoxy resin, its price is a little greater.
The drawback of polyurethane glue is that it creates small molecular molecules that can smell terrible and are unhealthy. Lack of resilience to high temperatures is another drawback.
Things To Consider Before Connecting LED Strip lights
The LED strip is simple to combine if you have a connector, connector, and plier. It is a straightforward activity that works excellently when waterproofing is not needed. It takes some skill to solder and seals waterproof LED strips.
You will need to hire an expert because it is a difficult task. It is simple to install and doesn’t present any difficulties. The procedure is the same for LED strips, and you only need to follow the procedures for better results.
Choose Waterproof, or Non-Waterproof LED Strip Lights According To Location
It is crucial to choose where you want to install the waterproof LED strips. You’ll need to verify the location for this. Using a non-waterproof strip for your living room or bedroom will be best. You can also choose strips that aid with dust protection.
It will be advisable to use waterproof strips in the kitchen or bathroom. But you can also choose silicone-wrapped LED light strips if you spray water on the area first. For outdoor use, silicone-wrapped strips can be ideal. It may become wet due to much rain, but it won’t become entirely submerged in water.
Bottom Line
When you use your LED strip lights outside, waterproof them to prevent damage. The entire article will be very helpful for you if you decide to purchase pre-made waterproof LED strip lights. You can look up the IP rating to see how well the protection is from weather and water.
Hopefully, this article will help you to choose the right waterproof or non-waterproof LED strip lights for different purposes.
