Where do I want to place the LED strip?

The place where the led strip light is used determines the waterproof rating of the led strip light. Generally speaking, IP20 and IP65 LED strip is used for indoor, IP67 and IP68 LED strip is used for outdoor.

What is IP20, IP65, IP67, IP68?

IP means Ingress Protection. The first number in IPXX indicates the rating of the strip's protection against dust and intrusion of foreign objects, indicated by 0 to 6. The second number indicates the light strip's moisture and airtightness against water penetration, indicated by 0 to 8. The higher the number level, the stronger the protection.

1.1 IP20 Non-Waterproof LED Light Strip
IP20 is not waterproof. The flexible printed circuit board of the LED strip is exposed and can't be exposed to water. And you need to be careful not to damage the LED strip parts, or it will lead to short circuit.

If you intend to install LED strip light in bedroom, living room, cabinet, kitchen or staircase, then you can choose IP20 LED strip light.

1.2 IP65 Waterproof LED Strip
IP65 LED Strip has a layer of glue covering the LED parts. It is an upgraded version of IP20. With splash-proof function, it can be used in wet environment, but cannot be immersed in water, not suitable for outdoor use.

In indoor places where LED light strips will be splashed by water, such as kitchen or bathroom, you should choose waterproof IP65 LED light strips.

1.3 IP67 waterproof LED strip
IP67 waterproof LED strip is encapsulated with silicone sleeve or heat shrink tubing, suitable for outdoor environment. Please note that IP67 LED strip cannot be immersed in water. The waterproof rating of silicone LED neon lights is also IP67.

1.4 IP68 Waterproof LED Strip
IP68 is the highest waterproof rating for LED Strip Lights, LED Strip Lights are completely sealed with silicone material for outdoor use and can be placed in hot and cold environments. If you want your led light strip for pool to be cooler, it must be IP68 outdoor led waterproof light strip.

NOTE: The width and height of the waterproof led strip is wider and 2-3 mm thicker than the bare IP20 PCB.