Are LED strip lights safe for use in bathrooms or wet areas?

LED strip lights can be used in bathrooms and wet areas but you will need to make sure that they are the appropriate IP rating of IP65 or above.  An IP rating refers to the ingress protection the light will have.  The IP rating is an indication of how well a product is protected against moisture and dust.  

Bathrooms as a rule are divided into zones based on their proximity to water sources.  Below is a rough guide on which IP rating you would need for which zone:

• Zone 0: Inside baths or showers (IP67 or higher)
• Zone 1: Directly above baths or showers (minimum IP65)
• Zone 2: Areas around sinks or near water (IP44 or higher recommended)

For any LED strip light you want installed within a bathroom or wet area we would recommend using IP65 strip as a minimum and going up to IP67, or IP68-rated strips if they will have direct contact with water. IP65 LED strips are coated with a protective silicone layer which makes them splash-resistant.  IP67 and IP68 strips offer a higher level of ingress protection and are suitable for areas with direct water exposure.

Another important thing to consider is the power supply i.e. the LED driver.  Even if the LED strip itself is waterproof you should also make sure that the driver will be protected from moisture.  Ideally you should install the driver outside of any wet zones or put it into a suitably rated waterproof box/enclosure.

Low-voltage LED strips (12V or 24V) are particularly well-suited for bathrooms as they are safer than mains-powered lighting due to their lower voltage.  We would however still recommend that you consult an electrician to install LED strips in a bathroom or a wet area, especially if it is in a regulated zone as it is vital to make sure that you follow all safety guidelines when doing this.  

Heat and ventilation should also be considered when installing LED strips.  LEDs run cool but using them in an enclosed or humid environment can affect the performance over time of the lights.  You can counteract this by using aluminium profiles which can help with heat dissipation and improve the longevity of the LED strip lights.

In conclusion - LED strip lights can be used in bathrooms and we areas as long as they have the appropriate IP rating (IP65 or above).  This will also apply to any drivers or accessories connected to the LED strip light that are being used in the same space.