Is an LED Profile Waterproof?

Not all LED profiles are waterproof. It depends on the type and purpose of the profile you’re using. Standard LED profiles are mainly designed for indoor use, where they protect the strip lights from dust and provide a clean, finished look. However, if you’re installing LED lighting outdoors or in areas exposed to moisture - like bathrooms, gardens, or patios - you’ll need waterproof LED profiles that are rated for those conditions.

Waterproof LED profiles can include sealed lids, rubber grommets, and encapsulation that is not IP-rated for water, dust, and humidity. Waterproof profiles of LEDs are constructed from corrosion-proof and impact-proof materials such as polycarbonate and anodized aluminium.

Is Profile Light Waterproof

Profile lights themselves do not react to wet. It is sealing the profile housing within a close construction and utilizing waterproof strips of LEDs that keep them from reacting to wet. When properly installed and rated both on and on, the whole installation then qualifies for wet location use.

For instance, to illuminate an outdoor stair or pool periphery, look for IP65, IP66, or IP67 strips and profiles. The higher the number of the IP, the more water and dustproof they will be.

Are LED Lights Waterproof?

Yes, waterproof LED lights do exist - barring the fact that they have been intentionally made to be so. Waterproof LED lighting comes in many IP (Ingress Protection) markings, which show just how waterproof they are underwater.

IP65 lights are unaffected by water sprays of light and may be used for half-outdoor installations. IP66 is even more resistant to more intense water jets and IP67 lights are immersed briefly and will suffer no damage and would best be used in places that would most likely be splashed or wet daily.

Therefore, if you are going to install the LED lighting outside, in bathrooms, or even in swimming pool spaces, do make sure that you look into this IP rating prior to purchasing.

How to Find Waterproof LED Lights

You can tell if an LED light is waterproof by looking at its IP rating on the package or product note. "IP" is short for Ingress Protection, and then they have two numbers after that, the first against solid particles (i.e., dust), and the second against water.

IP20 only for indoor use.

IP65 and above water-proof or waterproof.

If your LED strip or profile doesn't have an IP rating, then it is not waterproof.

Making LED Waterproof

In case you already have non-waterproof LED strips and need to make them less water-sensitive, then the following can be used:

Use a waterproof LED profile: It gives it a closed casing that protects the strip from splashing.

Seal ends out: Water prefers to get in through edges, so use silicone end caps and waterproof connectors.

Use a silicone protective varnish: Spray or brush on silicone sealant to strip in an effort to create a barrier to water.

Mount beneath eave or awning: Waterproofing problems apart, attempt mounting LEDs beneath eaves, awnings, or covers in an effort to isolate them from bare exposure.

These methods will not water-seal LEDs but will prolong their lifespan in some wet conditions.

What Happens When Water Enters LED Lights

Wherever water is going to be in contact with non-waterproof LED lights, there are just too many things that can go wrong based on exposure. Splash may well not kill the LEDs stone dead, but submersion or prolonged exposure will cause short circuits, corrosion, and flashing. It will sooner or later disable the LEDs in the course or even contribute to electrical safety problems.

Waterproof LEDs, though, will be as cautious as those situations. They're closed so water is not permitted to enter the inner circuits, and therefore they'll operate when it rains.

If your waterproof-free LEDs got wet for some reason or another, turn off the power at once and allow them to dry out fully before putting them to use again. If even then they are not functioning, then the time would be appropriate for replacing them with waterproof-rated LEDs.

An LED profile can be waterproof, but only if both the profile and the LED strip inside are designed that way. Always check the IP rating and choose the right type for the location you’re installing them in. Spending a little extra on waterproof versions is worth it - they last longer, stay safer, and handle the elements far better than standard ones.