When selecting LED strip lights for outdoor, bathroom, kitchen, or industrial applications, waterproofing is often the first specification buyers check. But with so many IP ratings and encapsulation methods available – IP20, IP65, IP67, IP68, silicone coating, silicone tube, polyurethane potting – it’s easy to get confused.
Quick Reference – IP Rating Overview
| IP Rating | Protection Level | Typical Structure |
|---|---|---|
| IP20 | No moisture protection | Bare PCB + electronic components exposed |
| IP52 | Light dust & dripping water resistance | Conformal coating (thin protective layer) |
| IP65 | Dust-tight + low-pressure water jets | Silicone coating / resin encapsulation |
| IP67 | Dust-tight + temporary immersion (up to 1m) | Silicone tube filling / fully potted |
| IP68 | Dust-tight + continuous submersion | Fully potted with high-density silicone or polyurethane |
1. IP20 – Non-Waterproof (Bare PCB)
Construction: The strip is simply a flexible PCB with LED chips, resistors, and other components exposed to the air. No protective layer is applied.
Advantages:
Best heat dissipation – runs cooler than any waterproofed version
Lowest cost and simplest manufacturing
Maximum brightness output (no diffusion layer blocking light)
Disadvantages:
No protection against moisture, dust, or physical contact
Vulnerable to corrosion and short circuits in humid environments
Not suitable for outdoor or wet indoor applications
Best For: Indoor cove lighting, under-cabinet lighting, furniture accents, and any dry interior space where the strip will not be touched or exposed to liquids.
2. IP55 – Conformal Coating (Light Protection)
Construction: A thin, transparent lacquer or resin layer is sprayed or brushed onto the PCB surface. This coating “conforms” to the shape of the components, providing a very lightweight barrier.
Advantages:
Minimal impact on heat dissipation
Low-cost upgrade over bare PCB
Protects against light condensation, dust, and accidental spills
Disadvantages:
Very thin layer offers limited protection
Not suitable for direct water exposure or outdoor use
Can be scratched or worn off over time
Best For: Indoor environments with occasional humidity (e.g., kitchens, bathrooms near sinks but not directly exposed to water). Often used as a budget-friendly “dustproof” option.
3. IP65 – Silicone Coating (Semi-Encapsulation)
Construction: The strip is coated with a layer of transparent silicone or epoxy resin applied by extrusion. The coating is typically 1–3mm thick and fully covers the LEDs and components, while the adhesive backing remains exposed for mounting.
Advantages:
Good dust and water resistance – protects against rain, splashes, and cleaning sprays
Coating remains flexible, allowing the strip to bend
Better heat dissipation than fully potted or tubed options
Easy to cut and reconnect (coating peels back at cut points)
Disadvantages:
Not suitable for submersion – water can ingress through cut ends or coating damage
Silicone coating may yellow over time under intense UV exposure (unless UV-stabilized)
Light output is slightly reduced due to the coating layer
Best For: Outdoor eaves, patio perimeters, balcony railings, facade outlining, and indoor wet zones (under counters, behind sinks) – any location where the strip faces splashing but not standing water.
4. IP67 – Silicone Tube Filling (Full Encapsulation)
Construction: The LED strip is inserted into a hollow, transparent silicone tube, and the tube is then filled with clear silicone or resin. The entire strip is fully encapsulated, with the ends sealed by end caps or filled with sealant.
Advantages:
Complete protection against temporary submersion (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes)
Excellent resistance to dust, humidity, and pressure washing
More durable and physically robust than coating alone
Some tube materials offer UV stabilization for long-term outdoor use
Disadvantages:
More expensive and labor-intensive to manufacture
Thicker profile reduces flexibility – difficult to bend around sharp corners
Heat dissipation is significantly reduced (trapped heat shortens LED lifespan)
Cannot be cut to custom lengths in the field (cutting breaks the tube seal)
Best For: Fountains, swimming pool edges (not fully submerged), outdoor gardens, pond lighting, and industrial environments with high pressure washing or dust exposure.
5. IP68 – Polyurethane or Silicone Potting (Continuous Submersion)
Construction: The strip is fully potted (embedded) in a solid block of high-density silicone or polyurethane. This is the most extreme form of waterproofing – the entire strip becomes a single, seamless solid piece.
Advantages:
Highest level of waterproof protection – rated for continuous submersion beyond 1 meter
Extremely durable and chemically resistant
Withstands harsh outdoor conditions, saltwater exposure, and extreme temperatures
Disadvantages:
Most expensive option
Heaviest and least flexible – virtually impossible to bend after potting
Heat dissipation is severely compromised – requires de-rating (lowering power) to prevent overheating
Not field-cuttable – must be manufactured to exact length
Best For: Underwater lighting (swimming pools, fountains, aquariums), marine applications, wastewater treatment plants, and extreme outdoor environments requiring maximum durability.
| Feature | IP20 | IP55 | IP65 | IP67 | IP68 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water Resistance | None | Light splashes | Splashing/rain | Temporary submersion | Continuous submersion |
| Dust Protection | None | Light | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Heat Dissipation | Excellent | Good | Moderate | Poor | Very Poor |
| Flexibility | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Moderate | Limited |
| Field-Cuttable | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Cost | Low | Low | Moderate | High | Very High |
| Lifespan Outdoors | Short | Short | Long | Long | Long (if properly cooled) |