Aug 28, 2026LED Product Knowledge

LED Strip Light IP Ratings Explained: IP20 to IP68 Guide

Confused about LED strip IP ratings? Complete guide to IP20, IP44, IP65, IP67, and IP68 LED strips. Learn which waterproof rating fits your indoor or outdoor project.

Understanding LED Strip Light IP Ratings: IP20 vs IP44 vs IP65 vs IP67 vs IP68 Explained

When specifying LED strip lights for any project, understanding IP (Ingress Protection) ratings is essential for ensuring product longevity, safety, and compliance. The LED strip IP rating tells you exactly how well the strip is protected against solid objects (like dust) and liquids (like water). Choosing the wrong IP rating can lead to premature product failure, safety hazards, and costly callbacks — particularly critical for contractors and distributors whose reputation depends on reliable installations.

This guide explains the IP rating system in detail, compares IP20, IP44, IP65, IP67, and IP68 LED strips, and helps you select the right waterproof LED strip rating for your specific application. Whether you're lighting a dry indoor cove or a submerged outdoor pool feature, HST Light manufactures LED strips across the full IP rating spectrum to meet your project requirements. As a manufacturer of waterproof LED strips, we have direct production experience with every rating in this guide — though we do sell our own products, the rating definitions below follow the IEC 60529 standard and apply equally to all suppliers.

What Is an IP Rating and How to Read It

IP stands for Ingress Protection, and the rating system is defined by the international standard IEC 60529. An IP rating consists of the letters "IP" followed by two digits:

First Digit: Protection Against Solid Objects

Digit	Protection Level	Description
0	No protection	No protection against solid objects
1	>50mm	Protected against large body surfaces (e.g., back of hand)
2	>12.5mm	Protected against fingers
3	>2.5mm	Protected against tools and thick wires
4	>1mm	Protected against most wires and thin tools
5	Dust-protected	Dust ingress not entirely prevented, but does not affect operation
6	Dust-tight	Complete protection against dust

Second Digit: Protection Against Liquids

Digit	Protection Level	Description
0	No protection	No protection against liquids
1	Dripping water	Vertical dripping water causes no harm
2	Dripping water (15° tilt)	Protected against dripping water when tilted up to 15°
3	Spraying water	Protected against spraying water up to 60° from vertical
4	Splashing water	Protected against splashing water from any direction
5	Water jets	Protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction
6	Powerful water jets	Protected against high-pressure water jets
7	Immersion (up to 1m)	Protected against temporary immersion in water (30 min, 1m depth)
8	Continuous immersion	Protected against continuous immersion under conditions specified by the manufacturer
9K	High-pressure, high-temp jets	Protected against close-range, high-pressure, high-temperature water jets

So when you see an IP65 LED strip, it means the strip is fully dust-tight (6) and protected against low-pressure water jets (5). An IP67 vs IP68 LED strip comparison comes down to the difference between temporary immersion and continuous immersion — a critical distinction for underwater applications.

LED Strip IP Ratings Compared: IP20 vs IP44 vs IP65 vs IP67 vs IP68

Here's a comprehensive comparison of the five most common IP ratings for LED strip lights:

Feature	IP20	IP44	IP65	IP67	IP68
Dust protection	None	Solid objects >1mm	Dust-tight	Dust-tight	Dust-tight
Water protection	None	Splashing water	Water jets	Temporary immersion (1m, 30min)	Continuous immersion
Manufacturing method	Bare PCB	Silicone glue coating	Silicone sleeve / extrusion	Silicone sleeve + sealed ends	Silicone extrusion (fully embedded)
Appearance	Exposed components	Thin coating visible	Tube/sleeve or flat coating	Tube with sealed ends	Fully encased in silicone
Flexibility	Most flexible	Slightly reduced	Moderate	Moderate	Reduced (thicker silicone)
Cutting	Easy (solder pads exposed)	Moderate (re-seal needed)	Moderate (re-seal needed)	Re-seal required	Re-seal required (specialized)
Indoor dry areas	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Indoor humid/wet areas	❌	✅	✅	✅	✅
Outdoor (covered)	❌	⚠️ Limited	✅	✅	✅
Outdoor (exposed)	❌	❌	✅	✅	✅
Underwater	❌	❌	❌	⚠️ Temporary only	✅
Relative cost	Baseline	+10–15%	+15–25%	+25–35%	+35–50%

Detailed Breakdown of Each IP Rating for LED Strips

IP20 LED Strip Lights: Indoor Dry Areas Only

IP20 is the baseline rating for non-waterproof LED strips. The PCB and components are fully exposed with no protective coating. This is the most common and most affordable type of LED strip.

Best applications:

Indoor cove lighting and architectural accents in dry environments

Under-cabinet lighting in kitchens (away from sinks)

Display case and shelving lighting

Retail and commercial interior lighting

Backlighting for signage and displays

Advantages:

Lowest cost — no waterproofing process required

Maximum flexibility and easiest installation

Best thermal dissipation (no silicone coating to trap heat)

Easy to cut, solder, and connect

Available in the widest range of specifications

Limitations:

No moisture or dust protection

Not suitable for bathrooms, outdoor use, or any area with condensation

Components can be damaged by handling without care

IP44 LED Strip Lights: Splash-Resistant for Indoor Wet Areas

IP44 LED strips feature a thin silicone or PU (polyurethane) glue coating over the PCB, providing protection against solid objects larger than 1mm and splashing water from any direction.

Best applications:

Bathroom vanity and mirror lighting (not in direct water spray)

Kitchen under-cabinet lighting near sinks

Indoor areas with occasional moisture or condensation

Commercial spaces requiring basic moisture protection

Advantages:

Affordable upgrade from IP20 for wet-area indoor use

Thin coating maintains relatively good flexibility

Slightly better component protection against handling damage

Good heat dissipation due to thin coating

Limitations:

Not suitable for outdoor use or direct water exposure

Not dust-tight — fine dust can still penetrate over time

Coating can yellow or degrade with UV exposure

Cannot be submerged under any circumstances

IP65 LED Strip Lights: The Versatile All-Rounder

IP65 LED strips are dust-tight and protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction. This is typically achieved through either a silicone sleeve (hollow tube) or flat silicone extrusion coating.

Best applications:

Outdoor covered areas: covered patios, gazebos, balconies

Landscape lighting (protected from direct weather)

Bathroom and spa lighting

Kitchen task lighting (full splash protection)

Commercial facade lighting (under eaves or overhangs)

Aquarium and terrarium exterior lighting

Signage and channel letter lighting

Advantages:

Excellent balance of protection, cost, and flexibility

Dust-tight — suitable for workshops, garages, and industrial environments

UV-resistant silicone options available for outdoor longevity

Available in both sleeve (tube) and flat extrusion styles

Easy to clean — can be wiped down with a damp cloth

Limitations:

Cannot be submerged in water

Cut ends must be re-sealed with silicone or end caps to maintain rating

Sleeve-type IP65 may collect condensation inside the tube in high-humidity environments — flat extrusion type avoids this issue

Slightly reduced flexibility compared to IP20/IP44

For most B2B projects requiring outdoor-rated LED strips, IP65 is the sweet spot between performance and cost. HST Light's IP65 LED strip range includes both silicone sleeve and flat silicone extrusion options across COB and SMD technologies.

IP67 LED Strip Lights: Temporary Submersion Ready

IP67 LED strips are dust-tight and protected against temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. These strips use a thicker silicone sleeve with sealed end caps and additional waterproof connectors.

Best applications:

Outdoor lighting fully exposed to weather (rain, snow)

Landscape lighting without overhead protection

Deck and pathway lighting

Water feature perimeters (not submerged)

Marine and dock lighting (above waterline)

Industrial environments with high-pressure washdown needs

Advantages:

Robust waterproof protection for permanent outdoor installations

Handles heavy rain, snow, and ice without failure

Thicker silicone provides better UV and physical protection

Suitable for environments with high humidity and temperature cycling

Limitations:

Not rated for continuous submersion — use IP68 for underwater applications

Thicker silicone reduces flexibility and increases difficulty of installation

Cut ends require specialized silicone re-sealing to maintain IP rating

Higher cost than IP65

End caps and connectors must be properly installed and maintained

IP68 LED Strip Lights: Continuous Underwater Performance

IP68 LED strips offer the highest level of protection — dust-tight and rated for continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer. These strips are manufactured using full silicone extrusion, where the LED PCB is completely embedded in solid silicone with no hollow spaces.

Best applications:

Swimming pool underwater lighting

Fountain and water feature illumination

Aquarium and pond lighting (submerged)

Boat and yacht marine lighting (below waterline)

Any application requiring permanent underwater LED installation

Advantages:

Complete waterproof protection for continuous submersion

Solid silicone construction eliminates condensation issues

Excellent chemical resistance (pool chemicals, saltwater)

Superior UV stability for long-term outdoor/underwater use

Available in high-output configurations for underwater visibility

Limitations:

Highest cost — 35–50% more than equivalent IP20 strips

Most rigid form factor — limited bending radius

Cutting and re-sealing requires specialized techniques and materials

Heat dissipation is reduced (silicone is a thermal insulator) — may require lower drive currents or active cooling for high-power applications

Repair and maintenance are difficult — underwater failures typically require full strip replacement

When choosing between IP67 vs IP68 LED strip lights, the key question is: will the strip be continuously submerged? If yes, IP68 is mandatory. If the strip will be exposed to heavy rain and occasional splashing but not submerged, IP67 is sufficient and more cost-effective.

How IP Ratings Affect LED Strip Performance and Installation

Thermal Management

Higher IP ratings mean thicker silicone or sleeve materials, which act as thermal insulators. This affects heat dissipation:

IP20: Excellent heat dissipation — components directly exposed to air

IP44: Good heat dissipation — thin coating doesn't significantly impede thermal transfer

IP65: Moderate heat dissipation — silicone sleeve or coating adds thermal resistance

IP67: Reduced heat dissipation — thicker silicone sleeve increases thermal resistance

IP68: Most limited heat dissipation — solid silicone encasement significantly insulates

For high-power LED strips (15W/m or above), consider using aluminum channels even with IP65+ rated strips to ensure adequate thermal management. This is especially important for IP68 strips used in underwater applications where water actually helps with cooling but the silicone layer still insulates the PCB.

Installation Considerations by IP Rating

Installation Factor	IP20	IP44	IP65	IP67	IP68
Cutting	Cut at marked points	Cut + re-seal with silicone	Cut + re-seal with silicone + end cap	Cut + re-seal with silicone + end cap	Cut + specialized re-sealing (professional recommended)
Connecting	Solder or clip connectors	Solder + silicone seal	Silicone connectors or solder + seal	Waterproof connectors required	Waterproof connectors + silicone seal
Bending radius	20mm	25mm	30mm	40mm	50mm+
Mounting	3M adhesive	3M adhesive	3M adhesive + clips recommended	Mounting clips required	Mounting clips + silicone adhesive
Aluminum channel compatibility	Standard	Standard	Available for sleeve type	Limited (sleeve type)	Limited (custom channels)

Re-Sealing Cut Ends

One of the most common causes of waterproof LED strip failure is improperly sealed cut ends. When you cut an IP65, IP67, or IP68 strip, the exposed cut end must be re-sealed to maintain the IP rating:

IP65: Apply silicone sealant to the cut end and install a silicone end cap

IP67: Apply silicone sealant inside an end cap, press firmly, and allow to cure for 24 hours

IP68: Use manufacturer-provided sealing kits or professional re-sealing service — improper sealing will cause water ingress and failure

Common Mistakes When Choosing LED Strip IP Ratings

1. Over-Specifying: Using IP68 Everywhere "Just to Be Safe"

While it might seem prudent to use the highest IP rating for all applications, IP68 strips cost 35–50% more, are less flexible, harder to install, and have worse thermal performance. For indoor dry applications, IP20 is perfectly adequate. For outdoor covered areas, IP65 is sufficient. Match the IP rating to the actual environmental conditions.

2. Under-Specifying: Using IP65 for Underwater Applications

IP65 is rated for water jets, not submersion. An IP65 strip installed underwater will fail quickly as water penetrates the silicone sleeve through microscopic pores or unsealed connector points. Always use IP68 for any submerged application.

3. Ignoring Connector and Power Supply IP Ratings

The LED strip's IP rating is only as good as its weakest link. If you use an IP68 LED strip with a non-waterproof connector or power supply, the entire system's effective IP rating drops to that of the connector. Always specify waterproof connectors, junction boxes, and power supplies rated to the same or higher IP standard as the strip.

4. Assuming All IP65 Strips Are the Same

IP65 can be achieved through different manufacturing methods — silicone sleeve (hollow tube) or flat silicone extrusion. The sleeve type can collect condensation in high-humidity environments, while the flat extrusion type is solid and condensation-free. For outdoor use in humid climates, flat extrusion IP65 is preferable.

5. Not Considering UV Exposure

For outdoor applications, ensure the waterproofing material is UV-resistant. Silicone is naturally UV-resistant, but PU (polyurethane) and epoxy coatings can yellow and become brittle with prolonged UV exposure. Always specify UV-resistant silicone for outdoor LED strip installations.

HST Light's Waterproof LED Strip Manufacturing Capabilities

At HST Light, we manufacture LED strips across the full IP rating range using advanced silicone extrusion and coating technology:

Our IP Rating Manufacturing Capabilities

IP Rating	Manufacturing Method	Materials Used	Custom Options
IP20	Bare PCB (no coating)	—	Standard
IP44	Silicone glue coating	UV-resistant silicone	Custom coating thickness
IP65	Silicone sleeve or flat extrusion	UV-resistant silicone, food-grade options	Custom sleeve color (white/frosted)
IP67	Thick silicone sleeve + sealed ends	UV-resistant silicone	Custom connector types
IP68	Full silicone extrusion (embedded)	Solid silicone, chemical-resistant grades	Custom silicone color and hardness

Additional Waterproofing Features

Marine-grade silicone: For saltwater and pool chemical resistance

Anti-yellowing silicone: Maintains optical clarity for 5+ years outdoors

Custom connector solutions: IP68-rated quick connectors for easy field installation

Pre-cut and pre-sealed options: Strips cut to specified lengths with factory-sealed ends for faster installation

Compliance testing: All waterproof strips undergo water immersion testing per IEC 60529 standards

Explore our full range of waterproof LED strip products or discuss your custom waterproofing requirements through our OEM/ODM service.

Conclusion

Understanding LED strip IP ratings is fundamental to specifying the right product for each application. Here's a quick summary to guide your selection:

IP20: Indoor dry areas — maximum flexibility, lowest cost, best thermal performance

IP44: Indoor wet areas (splashes) — basic moisture protection for bathrooms and kitchens

IP65: Outdoor covered and exposed areas — the versatile all-rounder for most commercial and residential outdoor projects

IP67: Outdoor fully exposed with heavy rain — robust protection for permanent outdoor installations

IP68: Underwater and continuous submersion — the ultimate waterproof protection for pools, fountains, and marine applications

By matching the IP rating to your project's environmental conditions, you ensure product longevity, safety, and customer satisfaction — while avoiding the cost premium of over-specifying or the failure risk of under-specifying.

Need help selecting the right IP rating for your project? Contact HST Light for expert guidance, free samples, and competitive pricing on LED strips across all IP ratings.