Are LED Strips Waterproof?

Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy

If you’re browsing LED strip lights and wondering, “Are LED strips waterproof?”, you’re not alone. At Artistic Lighting, it’s one of the most common questions we get—and for good reason. Choosing the right level of water protection can make all the difference between a glowing success and a short-circuit disaster.

Let’s break it down, simply and clearly.

First, Not All LED Strips Are Waterproof

Standard LED strips (often rated IP33) are designed for dry, indoor areas—like mood lighting in a living room or behind a TV. They’re sleek, flexible, and easy to install—but they offer no water protection.

So, if your project includes kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor patios, or commercial areas where moisture is a factor, you’ll need to level up.

Understanding IP Ratings: What Waterproof Really Means

Waterproofing in LED strips is all about IP ratings, short for Ingress Protection. Here’s what you need to know:

• IP33 (Non-Waterproof) – Perfect for dry, dust-free indoor use.

• IP65 (Splash-Proof) – Coated in a durable silicone gel, this version resists splashes and humidity. It retains adhesive tape backing, making installation easy—especially under kitchen cabinets or in bathrooms.

• IP67 (Fully Waterproof) – Offers robust protection against rain, heavy moisture, and even brief submersion. Commonly used in outdoor lighting or high-moisture indoor areas.

• IP68 (Submersible) – Designed for continuous immersion in water. Ideal for pools, fountains, marine displays, and fully exposed outdoor installations.

Why Choose IP65?

Here’s where IP65 LED strips really shine: they give you the best of both worlds. The silicone gel coating protects the LEDs from splashes, steam, and light contact with water—ideal for home interiors and sheltered outdoor spaces. And since they still include adhesive backing, you won’t need any extra mounting hardware. Just peel, stick, and go.

Going Beyond: IP67 and IP68 LED Strip Lights

When you're dealing with serious moisture or fully outdoor applications, IP67 and IP68 step in as your go-to solutions.

• IP67 is fully waterproof and built to handle external environments, shower zones, and wet commercial spaces. It's tightly sealed but not meant for long-term submersion.

• IP68, on the other hand, is your heavy-duty, submersible option. Perfect for water features, pools, aquariums, or any installation that needs to thrive in constantly wet or underwater conditions.

Keep in mind: IP67 and IP68 versions often don’t come with adhesive backing due to their thick protective layers, so you'll need mounting clips or channels for a secure install.

So, Are LED Strips Waterproof?

Yes—some are. And the right one depends entirely on where you’re installing them and how much water exposure you expect.

At Artistic Lighting, we offer a full range of LED strip lights—from non-waterproof options for cozy interiors to IP65, IP67, and IP68 waterproof models for bathrooms, kitchens, gardens, and more. Whether you're lighting up your backyard or elevating your interior design, we’ll help you choose the right strip to get the job done beautifully—and safely.

Need help finding the right waterproof LED strip?
Contact Artistic Lighting today and let’s light your space the right way.