Is COB LED Strip Waterproof?

COB LED strip can be waterproof, but their level of water resistance depends on their IP (Ingress Protection) rating.

To ascertain the strip you require and the suitability of the installation please see the guidlines below:

• IP65: Protected against water jets from any direction, suitable for outdoor use or high humidity areas like bathrooms. They are NOT designed for continuous submersion.

• IP67: Protected against temporary submersion in water, up to a maximum depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes.

•IP68: Protected against continuous immersion in water. This is the highest rating for water resistance and is suitable for aplications like swimming pools or fountains. It should be noted that water can degrade the adhesive over time on the LED strip.

•IP20 Offers no protection against liquids or moisture and is only suitable for indoor use.

What Are the Drawbacks of COB LED Strips?

COB LED strips have no real drawbacks, they have a good light output, improved colour uniformity, and and unlike the standard SMD Led strip give a contineuos seamless light output.

Negetives:

Higher running Temperatur: Since the LEDs are so tightly packed, the COB strips do run at a slightly higher temperature, so its important to allow air flow around the product and or install in an LED profile that acts as heatshrink.

More difficult to repair: If LED strip is damaged it is virtually impossible to repair. The most cost effective option is to replace it.

Price: It's premium product, so COB strips can be slightly more exspensive.

COB LED Strips Life Span

A good COB LED strip has a lifespan of 30,000 to 50,000 hours. That is 5 to 10 years if you use them for only a few hours a day.

Life span will depend on three things: heat regulation, voltage stability, and environment. Overheating power supplies or low power supplies will decrease life . Aluminium heat sinks or channels will improve longevity by providing temperature control and mechanical protection.

What's Better: COB or LED

It just depends on where you are using the strip. COB LEDs produce a flat, even light with no dots visible, ideal for task lighting, decoration and where the product is visible. SMD LEDs are ideal where the strip is concealed.

Short answer: Apply COB if you prefer a high quality light source and if you prefer a sleek finish. You'll have to resort to regular LED strips if budget or or where the light source is not visible.

Silicone tube or sleeve: When making up lengths of Waterproof led strip after soldering ensure that you use Silicone-seal ends to maintain IP rating.

Seal the contacts: The power entry area is most vulnerable. Water-resistant connectors or heat-shrink tubes seal contacts.

COB LED strips can be installed in areas where. waterproofing is required, Always check the IP rating before buying, especially for outdoor or humid areas. While COB technology offers beautiful, consistent light, pre planning your installation is essential for a functional long lasting system.