IP Ratings Explained: Which Waterproof LED Strip Do You Actually Need?

You’ve found the perfect LED strip for your project. It’s bright, the color is right, and the price is good. But then you see the options: IP20, IP65, IP67, IP68. What do they even mean? And more importantly—which one do you actually need?

Buying the wrong waterproof rating is one of the most expensive mistakes you can make. Buy something too waterproof, and you’ve wasted money on unnecessary features. Buy something not waterproof enough, and your strip could fail in weeks—or become a safety hazard.

Here’s exactly what each IP rating means, where to use them, and how to choose the right one for your project.

What Does “IP Rating” Actually Mean?

IP stands for Ingress Protection (how well the product keeps out solids and liquids). It’s always two digits:

• First digit (0–6): Protection against solid objects (dust, dirt, fingers)

• Second digit (0–8): Protection against liquids (water, moisture)

For LED strips, you’ll mostly see these combinations: IP20, IP65, IP67, and IP68. Here’s what each one really means for your installation.

IP20: Basic Indoor Use (No Water Protection)

What it is: A bare LED strip with no coating or covering. The circuit board and LED chips are fully exposed.

Protection level:

• Solids: Blocks objects larger than 12mm (fingers, but not dust)

• Liquids: None – no protection at all

Best for:

• Inside cabinets or drawers

• Behind TVs or monitors

• Under desks or shelves

• Anywhere completely dry and not exposed to dust or moisture

Pros: Cheapest option, best heat dissipation, easiest to cut and connect

Cons: No moisture resistance at all – a single splash or high humidity will damage it

⚠️ Never use IP20: In bathrooms, kitchens (near sinks), outdoors, or anywhere with condensation

IP65: Splash-Proof (The Most Common Choice)

What it is: The LED strip is coated with a layer of silicone or epoxy resin on top. The sides and ends may still be exposed unless sealed.

Protection level:

• Solids: Dust-tight – no dust can enter

• Liquids: Protection against low-pressure water jets (splashes, rain, but not submersion)

Best for:

• Outdoor under-eaves or covered patios

• Kitchen under-cabinet lighting (near sinks)

• Bathroom vanity lighting (away from direct shower spray)

• Retail displays where cleaning requires wiping

• Signage and channel letters

Pros: Good balance of protection and cost, flexible, easy to cut (you need to re-seal the cut ends)

Cons: Cannot be submerged, ends must be sealed manually after cutting

Pro tip: IP65 is usually the right choice for 90% of outdoor residential applications – as long as the strip isn’t sitting in puddles or fully exposed to driving rain.

IP67: Submersible (Temporary Immersion)

What it is: The entire LED strip is encased in a silicone tube (hollow or filled). The tube is sealed at both ends.

Protection level:

• Solids: Dust-tight

• Liquids: Protection against temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes

Best for:

• Garden pond or fountain lighting (fully submerged)

• Outdoor steps or pathways where water pooling might occur

• Boats, docks, or marine applications

• Wet locations with direct rain exposure (no overhang)

Pros: Fully waterproof for submersion, very durable, can be used in extreme weather

Cons: Thicker and less flexible than IP65, harder to cut (must re-seal the tube), more expensive

⚠️ Note: IP67 strips in silicone tubes can feel “stiffer” than bare strips. They’re great for straight runs but not ideal for tight corners or intricate shapes.

IP68: Continuous Submersion (The Heavy Duty Option)

What it is: Similar to IP67 but with a higher level of water protection. Usually a fully encapsulated strip with no air gaps.

Protection level:

• Solids: Dust-tight

• Liquids: Protection against continuous immersion in water beyond 1 meter (manufacturer specifies depth, typically up to 3 meters)

Best for:

• Underwater pool or spa lighting

• Aquariums

• Fountains with permanent submersion

• Marine or industrial applications with constant water exposure

Pros: Maximum water protection, can be used in the most demanding environments

Cons: Most expensive, least flexible, difficult to cut or customize, overkill for almost all home applications

Pro tip: Unless you’re actually submerging the strip underwater permanently, you probably don’t need IP68. IP67 handles occasional submersion just fine.

Quick Comparison Table