The IP (Ingress Protection) rating tells you how well an LED strip is protected against solids and liquids. Understanding these ratings is essential for choosing the right product for your installation environment.
What Does IP Mean?
IP ratings follow the format IP[First Digit][Second Digit]:
- First digit (0-6): Protection against solid objects and dust
- Second digit (0-8): Protection against water
IP20 — Indoor Use Only
IP20 strips have no water protection. The “2” means protection against fingers, and “0” means no water protection at all.
Use cases: Indoor ceiling coves, display cabinets, under-cabinet lighting, bedroom accent lighting.
Advantages: Best heat dissipation (no coating), lowest cost, easiest to cut and connect.
Limitations: Cannot be used in any damp or outdoor environment.
IP65 — Splash-Proof
IP65 strips are coated with a silicone or epoxy layer that protects against water jets from any direction. The “6” means fully dust-tight, and “5” means protected against water jets.
Use cases: Kitchen under-cabinet lighting, bathroom vanity areas (not inside shower), covered outdoor areas, retail displays.
Advantages: Good balance of protection and flexibility. Can be wiped clean.
Limitations: Not suitable for submersion. The coating slightly reduces brightness and makes soldering more difficult.
IP67 — Fully Waterproof
IP67 strips are encased in a silicone tube that allows temporary submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The “7” indicates immersion protection.
Use cases: Outdoor landscape lighting, pool and fountain lighting, marine applications, fully exposed outdoor installations.
Advantages: Maximum water protection. Can withstand rain, splashing, and temporary submersion.
Limitations: Reduced heat dissipation. Slightly larger profile. More difficult to cut and connect — requires waterproof connectors.
Quick Comparison
| Rating | Water Protection | Best Environment | Heat Dissipation | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IP20 | None | Indoor dry areas | Excellent | Lowest |
| IP65 | Water jets | Damp indoor / covered outdoor | Good | Medium |
| IP67 | Submersion | Fully outdoor / wet areas | Fair | Highest |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using IP20 strips in a bathroom — even steam can cause failure over time.
- Assuming IP65 is enough for a pool — you need IP67 or IP68 for submersion.
- Not sealing cut ends — even IP67 strips lose protection at cut points if not properly sealed.