IP65 vs IP67 vs IP68 LED Strip: Which Waterproof Rating Do You Actually Need?
Choosing the wrong IP rating for LED strips is one of the most expensive mistakes in lighting projects. Too low and the strip fails prematurely. Too high and you’re paying for protection you don’t need.
This guide breaks down exactly which IP rating to specify for every common application.
Understanding IP Ratings for LED Strips
IP stands for “Ingress Protection.” The two digits tell you about solid particle protection (first digit) and water protection (second digit).
For LED strips, the ratings you’ll encounter are:
- IP20 — No water protection. Indoor use only.
- IP65 — Protected against water jets from any direction. Splash-proof.
- IP67 — Protected against temporary immersion (up to 1 meter, 30 minutes).
- IP68 — Protected against continuous submersion beyond 1 meter.
IP20: Indoor Dry Locations
Best for: Under-cabinet lighting, cove lighting, closets, display cases, bedroom accent lighting, office lighting.
Construction: Open PCB with exposed components. Lightest and most flexible option.
Why choose IP20:
- Maximum brightness (no coating to reduce output)
- Best heat dissipation
- Lowest cost per meter
- Easiest to cut and reconnect
Avoid when: Any humidity, kitchen areas near sinks, any outdoor location.
IP65: Splash-Proof Protection
Best for: Covered outdoor areas, kitchen backsplashes, bathroom mirrors (not shower), covered patios, retail window displays.
Construction: Silicone coating applied over the LED surface. Also available as silicone sleeve type.
Why choose IP65:
- Handles humidity and occasional splashing
- Good balance of protection and cost
- Slight brightness reduction (5-10%) due to coating
- Sufficient for most “outdoor” residential projects
Avoid when: Direct rain exposure without cover, underground installations, pools.
IP67: Submersible Protection
Best for: Uncovered outdoor installations, garden pathways, building facade lighting, fountain edges (not submerged), commercial outdoor signage.
Construction: Silicone tube/sleeve fully encasing the strip. End caps sealed.
Why choose IP67:
- Survives heavy rain and temporary flooding
- Suitable for ground-level installations
- Good UV resistance with quality silicone
- 10-15% brightness reduction
Avoid when: Permanent underwater applications like pools or aquariums.
IP68: Full Submersion Protection
Best for: Swimming pools, water features, aquariums, underground applications, car wash lighting, food processing environments.
Construction: Full silicone potting or thick silicone extrusion. Completely sealed unit.
Why choose IP68:
- Survives continuous underwater operation
- Maximum chemical and UV resistance
- Longest lifespan in harsh environments
- 15-20% brightness reduction
Quick Reference Table
| Application | Recommended IP |
|---|---|
| Under-cabinet lighting | IP20 |
| Cove / accent lighting | IP20 |
| Bathroom mirror | IP65 |
| Kitchen backsplash | IP65 |
| Covered patio | IP65 |
| Garden pathway | IP67 |
| Building facade | IP67 |
| Swimming pool | IP68 |
| Fountain (submerged) | IP68 |
Need Help Choosing?
At YIZEE Lighting, we manufacture LED strips in all IP ratings — from basic IP20 to fully submersible IP68. Our team can recommend the right protection level for your specific project.
Contact us for a free consultation or browse our waterproof LED strips.