IP65 vs IP67 vs IP68 LED Strips: What the Ratings Actually Mean

“Waterproof” is not a complete LED strip specification. IP65, IP67 and IP68 describe different levels of enclosure protection, but they do not promise unlimited outdoor life, chemical resistance or a waterproof installation after cutting.

How to read an IP code

IEC 60529 defines degrees of protection provided by enclosures. The first digit concerns access to hazardous parts and ingress of solid objects; the second concerns water. For IP6X, the enclosure is dust-tight. The final digit distinguishes the water test.

Why IP68 is not simply “better”

A thicker or fully encapsulated construction can affect size, flexibility, heat transfer, optical appearance, cut length and installation method. If the project only needs splash protection, an IP68 construction may add cost and complexity without solving a real risk.

More importantly, IP68 conditions are not universal. Ask for the tested depth, duration, water type and whether the rating applies to a factory-sealed complete length.

The weakest point is usually not the middle of the strip

Water often enters at cut ends, cable exits, connectors or field-made joints. A factory extrusion can be excellent while an improvised end cap fails within weeks. Specify:

• Maximum factory-supplied length
• Permitted cutting and sealing procedure
• End-cap and adhesive system
• Cable type and moulded entry
• Connector IP rating when mated
• Required curing time before exposure

Outdoor life involves more than water

UV radiation can yellow or embrittle unsuitable polymers. Standing water and freeze-thaw cycles stress seals. Chlorine, salt, oil and cleaning chemicals may attack the jacket. Heat trapped in a sealed profile accelerates LED and material ageing. State these exposures in the RFQ instead of writing only “outdoor IP68.”

Do not confuse IP with other safety claims

An IP68 strip is not automatically approved for swimming pools, hazardous locations or food-processing equipment. Those uses involve electrical, material and certification requirements beyond IEC 60529. Read our hazardous-location guide when explosive gas or dust may be present.

Selection examples

• Kitchen cabinet: IP20 or an easily cleaned protected version may be sufficient, depending on location.
• Building façade: IP67 with UV-resistant silicone and controlled drainage is often more useful than an undefined IP68 claim.
• Pool perimeter: determine the electrical zone and local code before selecting a strip; do not base the decision on IP alone.
• Industrial washdown: confirm jet pressure, temperature, chemicals and connector construction.

ZBL Lighting supplies silicone neon flex and industrial LED strip configurations for different environments. We recommend defining exposure and installation details before choosing the highest number on a datasheet.

FAQ

Can I submerge an IP67 strip permanently?

No. IP67 addresses temporary immersion under defined conditions. Permanent immersion requires a suitable IP68 product with declared conditions and a compliant installation.

Does cutting remove the rating?

It can. The cut end must be terminated using the manufacturer’s approved method; some certified or moulded products should not be field-cut.

Is silicone always UV resistant?

Silicone generally performs well outdoors, but formulation and testing still matter. Request material and project-specific evidence.

Reference

IEC 60529: Degrees of protection provided by enclosures