When buying a Led strip, you should always think about where and how you will be using it: inside or outside, in touch with water or not.These questions are important for choosing the right product, and not being forced to replace it after a short time because of malfunctioning or premature wear.
One of the parameters to consider is the IP code. It helps to avoid not intended uses and the problems described above. In a Led strip the degree of protection IP (international protection) is an important value. It indicates the resistance of the device to atmospheric agents, dust or accidental contact. It is always written on the label and it is marked as follows: IP followed by two numbers. What do the numbers mean?
The first digit indicates the level of protection that the enclosure provides against access to hazardous parts (e.g., electrical conductors, moving parts) and the ingress of solid foreign objects. The second digit indicates the level of protection that the enclosure provides against harmful ingress of water. Here are two charts that explain it better:
| Level | Definition | Practical effect |
| IP0X | No protection against contact and ingress of objects | |
| IP1X | Any large surface of the body, such as the back of a hand, but no protection against deliberate contact with a body part (50mm) | Protected against the back of the hand |
| IP2X | Fingers or similar objects 12mm | Protected against the access with a finger |
| IP3X | Tools, thick wires, etc. 2.5mm | Protected against the access of a gear |
| IP4X | Most wires, slender screws, ants etc. 1mm | Protected against the access with a wire |
| IP5X | Ingress of dust is not entirely prevented, but it must not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with the satisfactory operation of the equipment. | Protected against the access of dust or a thin wire |
| IP6X | No ingress of dust; complete protection against contact (dust tight). A vacuum must be applied. Test duration of up to 8 hours based on air flow. | Totally protected from the dust |
| Livello | Resistenza |
| IPX0 | None |
| IPX1 | Dripping water |
| IPX2 | Dripping water when tilted up to 15° |
| IPX3 | Spraying water |
| IPX4 | Splashing of water |
| IPX5 | Water jets |
| IPX6 | Powerful water jets |
| IPX7 | Immersion, up to 1 m depth |
| IPX8 | Immersion, 1 m or more depth |
| IPX9 | Powerful high temperature water jets |
Now we will expain it more specifically, trying to give you concrete examples about the use of the most common Led strips.
- Led strip with degree of protection IP20
It is only protected against dust. Ideal if installed in a false ceiling, on a wardrobe or in those internal zones which do not come in touch with water.
- Led strip with degree of protection IP65
It can be installed in the bathroom, above the kitchen’s countertop or more in general in all those internal spaces where there’s humidity. If it is used outside, it should be placed in a repaired zone, because it doesn’t support a continuous exposition to atmospherical agents.
- Led strip with degree of protection IP67
It can tolerate a continuous expostion to atmospherical agents. Therefore it can be installed outside, in the garden and in Lightboxes.
- Led strip with degree of protection IP68
Ideal if used in places that require a continuous immersion in liquids (swimming pools and fountains).
For more informations contact us at sales@logicsun.net