Waterproof LED Strip Lights: IP65 vs IP67 vs IP68 Ratings Explained

Not all "waterproof" LED strips are created equal. The IP rating tells you exactly how much moisture exposure the strip can handle — and using the wrong rating in the wrong environment means premature failure.

What Is an IP Rating?

IP stands for Ingress Protection. It's a two-digit rating:

• First digit (0-6): Protection against solid particles (dust)
• Second digit (0-9): Protection against liquid ingress (water)

For LED strips, the second digit is what matters:

Rating	Protection Level	Test Method
IP20	No water protection	—
IP65	Water jets from any angle	Sprayed with 12.5 L/min nozzle
IP67	Temporary immersion (30 min at 1m)	Submerged 1m for 30 minutes
IP68	Continuous submersion	Submerged beyond 1m continuously

IP20 — Indoor Only

Standard LED strips with no coating. The bare PCB and LED chips are exposed.

Use for:

• Indoor cove lighting
• Under-cabinet (dry location)
• Closet and shelf lighting
• Behind TVs and monitors

NOT suitable for: Anywhere moisture, splashing, or condensation is possible.

Our 24V LED Strip Light - 5M is IP20 — perfect for dry indoor applications.

IP65 — Splash Resistant

The strip is coated with a silicone layer on the top surface, protecting the LEDs and electronics from splashing water. The bottom (adhesive side) is not coated.

Use for:

• Outdoor covered areas (under soffits, porch ceilings)
• Kitchen backsplash area (splash zone, not submerged)
• Bathroom accent lighting (away from direct shower spray)
• Outdoor signage (covered or semi-exposed)
• Landscape lighting under eaves

NOT suitable for: Direct rain exposure without cover, submersion, or ground-level outdoor use.

Our LED Strip Light IP65 - 5M is silicone-coated and rated for outdoor splash zones.

IP67 — Submersible (Temporary)

The entire strip is encased in a silicone tube, fully sealing both top and bottom. It can survive temporary submersion — rain, puddles, and heavy washing.

Use for:

• Outdoor applications exposed to direct rain
• Deck and patio railing lighting
• Landscape lighting at ground level
• Car washes and industrial wash-down areas
• Outdoor kitchen and BBQ areas

NOT suitable for: Permanent underwater applications (pools, fountains).

IP68 — Fully Submersible

The strip is encased in a rigid or semi-rigid waterproof housing designed for continuous underwater operation.

Use for:

• Swimming pools and hot tubs
• Fountains and water features
• Fish ponds and aquariums
• Underwater architectural features

Important: IP68 strips require specialized connectors and power supplies. Installation in pools and water features must comply with Ontario Electrical Safety Code requirements for underwater electrical equipment.

Comparison Chart

Feature	IP20	IP65	IP67	IP68
Indoor dry	✅	✅	✅	✅
Kitchen splash	❌	✅	✅	✅
Covered outdoor	❌	✅	✅	✅
Direct rain	❌	❌	✅	✅
Temporary submersion	❌	❌	✅	✅
Permanent underwater	❌	❌	❌	✅
Flexibility	Most flexible	Flexible	Less flexible	Least flexible
Heat dissipation	Best	Good	Reduced	Reduced
Cuttable	Yes, easy	Yes	Yes, but reseal needed	Difficult
Typical price (5M)	$20-$30	$30-$45	$45-$65	$70-$120

Important Considerations

Heat and Silicone

Higher IP ratings mean more silicone around the LEDs, which traps heat. In high-wattage applications (18W/m+), this can reduce LED lifespan. Don't use IP67 or IP68 indoors where IP20 would suffice — you'll get better performance and longevity from the uncoated version.

Cutting and Connecting

• IP20: Cut and connect easily with solderless connectors
• IP65: Cut at marks, then apply silicone end cap to reseal
• IP67: Cut at marks, but the tube needs to be resealed with heat-shrink and silicone
• IP68: Cutting voids the waterproof rating unless properly resealed by the manufacturer

Ontario Outdoor Considerations

Canadian winters are harsh on outdoor lighting. For permanent outdoor installations:

• Use minimum IP65 for covered areas
• Use IP67 for exposed installations
• Ensure all connections are waterproof
• Use UV-resistant cable ties and mounting clips
• Low-voltage (24V DC) is safer in wet locations than line voltage

What to Buy

Application	Product	IP Rating	Price
Indoor accent/cove	24V Strip 5M	IP20	$24.99
Kitchen/outdoor covered	IP65 Strip 5M	IP65	$34.99
Power supply	24V 100W PSU	—	$29.99

For IP67 and IP68 applications, contact us for custom solutions and pricing.

Need outdoor lighting installed? Safer Electric (ESA Licence #7008996) handles exterior electrical work across the GTA, including landscape lighting, patio lighting, and outdoor signage. Call (647) 383-9500.

FAQ

Can I use IP65 strips in a shower? No. Showers involve sustained direct water contact. IP65 is splash-rated only. Use IP67 minimum for shower niches, and ensure all electrical work in wet locations is done by a licensed electrician per Ontario code.

Do waterproof strips dim over time? All LED strips dim gradually over their lifespan, but silicone coatings (IP65-IP68) can yellow with UV exposure over several years, reducing light output. Use UV-stabilized products for outdoor installations.

Is IP65 enough for a Canadian winter? Under covered areas (soffits, porch ceilings), IP65 is sufficient. For exposed installations where snow and ice will accumulate directly on the strip, use IP67.

Can I make an IP20 strip waterproof? You can apply conformal coating spray for basic splash resistance, but this won't achieve a true IP65 rating. For reliable waterproofing, buy the appropriate IP-rated product from the start.