Not all LED lights are waterproof, but most of them are water-resistant. Waterproof LED lights are wholly or partially protected from water intrusion. They can resist direct water exposure, and many can even be submerged in water.
However, water-resistant LED lights can resist water ingress at low levels like water splashes or light raindrops falling vertically on the light bulb. These lights are mainly used indoors or in outdoor spaces where they are minimally exposed to water.
The resistance level of an LED light against water intrusion will be indicated by the second digit of an IP rating, so you need to check the IP rating of an LED light bulb or strip before you get one.
The IP rating stands for the Ingress Protection rating. The Ingress Protection rating measures the level of protection a light fixture has against solids and liquids. The IP rating has two numbers (IPxx).
The first number (0 to 6) represents the level of resistance against dust and other solid objects. The 0 rate means it has no resistance to dust, while 6 means it is fully protected against dust.
The second digit (0 to 8) represents a light fixtures' resistance to water. 0 shows an absence of resistance, and 8 shows complete ingress protection against water.
First Digit ( Protection against solid objects - dust, dirt)
| IP Level | Protection Description |
|---|---|
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Protected against solid objects over 50mm |
| 2 | Protected against solid objects over 12mm |
| 3 | Protected against solid objects over 2.5mm |
| 4 | Protected against solid objects over 1mm |
| 5 | Limited protection against dust (no harmful deposits) |
| 6 | Totally protected against dust |
Second Digit ( protection against liquid - water)
| IP Level | Protection Description |
|---|---|
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Protected against vertically falling drops of water |
| 2 | Protected against direct sprays of water falling at up to 15 degrees from vertical |
| 3 | Protected against direct sprays of water falling up to 60 degrees vertically |
| 4 | Protected against water splashes from all directions |
| 5 | Protected against low-pressure jets of water from all directions projected by a nozzle of 6.3mm |
| 6 | Protected against strong jets of water |
| 7 | Protected against immersion between 15 cm and 1m deep |
| 8 | Protected from long periods of immersion up to a specified pressure |
Common LED IP Rating:
● IP20: Non-waterproof. Blocks solids >12.5mm (e.g., fingers); no dust protection. For dry indoor use (living rooms, offices).
● IP44: Blocks solids >1mm (e.g., pollen); resists splashing water from any direction. For sheltered outdoor/indoor damp areas (balconies, non-shower bathrooms).
● IP54: Limited dust protection; resists splashes. Suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, or mild outdoor settings (not prolonged rain).
● IP65: Fully dust-tight; resists low-pressure water jets. Ideal for outdoor use (street lights, billboards) against rain/dust.
● IP66: Fully dust-tight; resists high-pressure water jets. For harsh environments (industrial sites, heavy rain).
● IP67: Dust-tight; short-term immersion (15cm–1m depth). Good for temporary outdoor use near water.
● IP68: Highest rating. Dust-tight; long-term underwater use (e.g., pools, aquariums) with waterproof connectors.
LED lights rated IP65 or higher are considered waterproof. This rating implies that the light bulb is protected against jets of water from every angle. However, IP65 LEDs are less waterproof because they cannot be submerged in water. LEDs with higher ratings, such as IP66 to IP68, are ideal for outdoor use and in other indoor locations where the light is vulnerable to water ingress. These lights can be immersed in water for varying lengths of time without being affected by water.
Water-resistant LED lights are protected against water falling on the light surface. Their enclosure is designed to protect the light bulb against splashes of water like showers and water drops. LED lights that are considered water-resistant have an IP rating of IP62 to IP64 (0 represents dust resistance level), with the IP64 rating offering the highest water resistance. IP64 LED strip lights can resist water sprays from any direction. They are suitable for indoor use in places prone to moisture and light water sprays.
The IP64 rating is one of LED lights' most common ingress protection ratings. If a light bulb has an IP64 rating, it means that it offers complete protection against dust and dirt intrusion and protection against water splashes from any direction. IP64 is the highest ingress rating for common light bulbs because their screw cannot be protected from water intrusion.
IP64-rated LED lights are ideal for locations where they can be affected by light sprays of water and moisture. IP64 LED bulbs or strips are mostly used inside the home and in commercial spaces. They are suitable for use in the kitchen, garage, patio, barn, workshop, mall, garden, walls, warehouses, stairwells, etc.
When used outdoors, you should use them in areas where they will not come in direct contact with jets of water as they are not designed to resist such magnitude of water intrusion. However, if you decide to install them in such locations, use metal extrusions to protect the light bulb, or they may not last as long as they should.
Waterproof LEDs offer greater flexibility in where they can be used. You can use waterproof lights in wet areas since they are fully resistant to water. The IP66 to IP68 LED lights can be used in pools, showers, car washes, and other wet locations. Thanks to their waterproof design, you don’t have to worry about lights being damaged by water.
Waterproof LED strip lights are the best for outdoor lighting. They are used for security lights, street lights, stadium lighting, fields, bridges, walkways, etc. Whether you use a shade or not, waterproof lights are not affected by dust or torrents of rain.
They are also durable; therefore, they will last long. Most waterproof lights have rigid lenses that protect them from water intrusion and make them less brittle.
LED lights are not all waterproof because most of them have varying levels of protection against water intrusion. The level of protection is measured with an IP rating. The second digit in the IP rating represents the level of protection against water on a scale of 0 to 8. The higher the number, the higher the resistance, and the lower the number, the lower the resistance. Some LED lights are splashproof, others are water-resistant, and those with an IP rating of IP65 or higher are fully waterproof.
Before getting any light fixture, check the product details for the IP rating of the bulb to know which one best fits into the location you need them for.
Waterproof LED strips are not always the best choice. Their added weight can cause sagging if not firmly secured. The protective coating may reduce light output by around 10% when new, with further reduction over time as blue light exposure can lead to yellowing and eventual clouding of the gel. Additionally, they tend to generate more heat compared to non-waterproof options.
Yes, waterproof LED lights can run hotter than non-waterproof versions. This is because the protective silicone or epoxy coating that seals the light against water also traps heat, limiting natural airflow around the LEDs.
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