How to Choose the Outdoor LED Strip Lights?
LED light strips are popular for their energy efficiency, versatility, and versatility. Can LED light strips be used outdoors? Yes, outdoor LED strip lights provide bright lighting and plenty of customizability without using a lot of energy. LED strip lights offer excellent protection and are a great choice for outdoor lighting.
If you want to buy a waterproof LED light strip, check its IP rating first. In this article, you will learn about the different waterproof IP ratings of LED light strips. It will help you find the right outdoor waterproof LED light strip for you.
What is the Definition of IP Rating?
IP, or ingress protection code, measures a device’s resistance to solid and liquid materials. There are two numbers in the IP rating.
First number (Protection against solid particles): The first number in the IP rating indicates the level of protection against solid particles such as dust, dirt, and debris. Second number (liquid ingress protection): The second number in the IP rating indicates the level of protection against liquids such as water and moisture.
For example, in the IP 65 rating, the number 6 means protection against dust, while the number 5 means protection against water jets. Please check them carefully when you buy the outdoor LED strip lights.
What Do the Different IP Levels of LED Strip Lights Mean?
LED strip lights come in a variety of waterproof IP ratings. You can choose it based on the location and environment where you want to install it. Here are the different IP ratings of LED light strips and their ability to resist water and dust. It will give you an idea of which IP-rated LED strip lights will suit your needs.
IP20 rating
The IP20 rating represents the basic protection level of the LED light strip. LED light strips with an IP20 protection rating are not waterproof and can only be used indoors in dry places. You cannot use these lights in the open air or where they are exposed to water mist.
IP65 rating
The LED light strip has an IP65 rating, which means it is dustproof and waterproof. Keep in mind that this rating does not make your strip completely waterproof. IP65-rated light strips can be used in wet areas such as bathrooms, decks, stairs, patios, and similar outdoor locations.
IP67 rating
LED light strips with an IP67 protection rating can be used for outdoor waterproofing. They have additional glue seals on each end to make them more weather-resistant. These LED lights can easily withstand rain showers. You can use them outdoors for both commercial and domestic purposes.
IP68 rating
The LED strips are IP68 rated and dust- and water resistant. It is mainly used for outdoor waterproof lighting, but it cannot be soaked in water for a long time.
Tips on Choosing the LED Strip Lights IP Rating
Now you know what LED strips with different IP ratings can do. So now you can choose them according to the installation environment and cost. Some suggestions are as follows:
- If you want to use LED strips indoors and in protected areas, please choose a low IP rating.
- The location where you want to install the LED strip is complicated and may come into contact with liquid; please choose a higher IP rating.
- A non-waterproof LED light strip is perfect for the living room, bedroom, or behind cabinets.
- For the atmosphere in the kitchen, bathroom, or similar places where water may splash, please choose IP65-rated waterproof strips.
- For complex outdoor environments, please choose IP67- and IP68-rated LED light strips.
How to Choose the Right IP Rating for Outdoor LED Light Strips?
When choosing the appropriate outdoor LED light strip IP rating, you need to understand the definition of the IP rating, the purpose of the lighting, the lighting color temperature, and the installation location. This will help you find the right outdoor waterproof LED light strip.
The purpose of outdoor LED strip lighting
The first step is to determine the outdoor space you want to light. Because there is so much space outdoors, lighting an open space like a walkway or sidewalk will have different lighting requirements than an outdoor billboard or patio decoration.
When the space you plan to light is wider, you will need higher density and higher output lighting to get adequate illumination. If it is just landscape decorative lighting, you only need low-lumen and warm lighting.
lighting color temperature
Practical outdoor lighting for walkways, patios, and stairs. It’s usually best to choose white LED strips with a color temperature adjustable from 2700K to 6500K, providing visibility while also taking note of the ambience.
Outdoor waterproof LED light strip installation location
We need to confirm the location of outdoor light strips. Locating the strip will help you identify the power source and the voltage of the strip. Outdoor LED strips usually come in 12V and 24V voltages. When choosing between the two, pay attention to the wattage of your outdoor power source.
Waterproof LED light strip installation method
LED light strips use flexible circuits and need to be installed on a smooth surface. Outdoor installations are more complex, and these adhesives can fail when there are too many grooves that interfere with the adhesive and the surface. This can cause the light strip to sag or fall off.
In the case of outdoor installation, it is best to choose a smooth surface on which the mounting clips can be mounted. The mounting clip is a small clip with a screw design that clips onto the LED strip and screws it into place.
How to Install Outdoor Waterproof LED Light Strips?
Installing LED strip lights outdoors is a little more complicated than indoors. Because of the outdoor installation and environment, mounting clips are required. The installation steps are as follows:
Clean the surface
Clean the installation surface and keep it dry and clean. The wall or surface on which the LED strips will be mounted. While the glue for LED light strips is strong enough to adhere to any surface, a clean surface will aid in adhesion.
Mounting clips
For outdoor installation of LED strip lights, we recommend using mounting clips because 3M tape will peel off slowly. If you use the mounting clips, this can ensure the stability and firmness of the installation.
LED strip lights and power supply connection
If used outdoors, the LED power supply also needs to be waterproof. Follow the installation sequence and safely connect the LED light strip to the LED power supply.
Light up the LED strip
Now you can start by lighting up the LED strip lights, and if everything tests fine, then fix it.
Summary
LED light strips are available in a variety of outdoor waterproof IP ratings. You need to determine the location and conditions where you want to secure the LED strip lights and choose the IP rating accordingly. I hope this article gave you a good idea of how to choose suitable waterproof LED strip lights for outdoor use. If you want to buy high-quality, waterproof outdoor LED strip lights, pls contact us.
FAQs
Outdoor LED light strips are flexible lighting solutions. Designed to withstand all weather conditions and provide lighting and decoration to outdoor spaces. Different outdoor environments and locations require LED light strips with different waterproof levels.
There are some major factors to consider: waterproof rating, color temperature, brightness, length, power, and durability, to name a few. In addition, the related equipment connected to the LED light strip must be waterproof; otherwise, it will be easy to short circuit.
You’ll need to measure the length of your installation area ahead of time and choose LED strips that can be cut to size or length to fit the space. After cutting the waterproof LED light strip, the cutting position must be waterproofed to ensure its waterproof performance.
The ideal color temperature depends on the desired ambience. Generally speaking, warm white (2700K–3000K) is comfortable, while cool white (5000K–6500K) is clear and bright. It mainly depends on the installation environment. If it is for lighting, you need to choose a cool white color temperature. If it is for atmosphere and decorative lighting, you can choose a warm color temperature and RGB.
Yes, most outdoor LED light strips are dimmable, allowing you to adjust the brightness level to suit your preferences and needs. The premise is that you need to confirm with your supplier whether the LED light strip you choose has a dimming function.
