Is COB LED Strip Waterproof?

Whether or not a COB LED strip is rated will depend on how it has been made and which protections have been added to it. Like other types of LED strips, COB LED strips come in many forms and not all of these are designed to be water-resistant or fully waterproof.

The International Protection (IP) rating system is the industry standard used to define the level of sealing effectiveness against intrusion from foreign bodies such as dust, dirt and moisture.

Understanding IP Ratings for COB LED Strips

When assessing whether or not a COB LED strip is waterproof you will need to look for one that is IP65 rated or above. The first numerical digit on the rating refers to the dust protection and the second numerical digit refers to moisture/water protection. Below are some examples of different types of IP ratings:

IP Rating	First Digit (Solids/Dust Protection)	Second Digit (Moisture/Water Protection)	Application Suitability
IP20	Protected against objects 12.5mm or larger	No protection	Dry indoor use only (e.g., inside cabinets, dry ceilings). Not waterproof.
IP54	Limited protection against dust ingress	Protected against water spray from any direction	Damp indoor areas (e.g., bathrooms not directly near water, protected areas).
IP65	Full protection against dust ingress	Protected against low-pressure water jets	Areas exposed to splashing or rain (e.g., under eaves, covered patios).
IP67	Full protection against dust ingress	Protected against temporary immersion in water (Between 15cm to 1m for 30 min)	Outdoor use where exposure to heavy rain is possible.
IP68	Full protection against dust ingress	Protected against continuous immersion in water as specified by the manufacturer	Underwater or fully exposed outdoor applications (e.g., pools, fountains).

a close-up of a microscope — Photo by Mariah Hewines / Unsplash

Methods of Waterproofing COB Strips

To achieve higher IP ratings, manufacturers will use a few different methods of protection for COB strips:

1. Silicone/Epoxy Coating

The method involves coating the entire front surface of the strip with a clear, flexible silicone or epoxy resin. This will offer good protection against splashes and dust but is typically not suitable for prolonged immersion in water. This is often used for IP65 rated strip.

2. Silicone Extrusion Tube

The LED strip is inserted into a flexible silicone or PVC tube or sleeve. The ends are then sealed with waterproof caps and adhesive. This is often used for IP67/68 rated strips as it offers better resistance against water ingress.

3. Nano-Coating (Variable IP Rating)

A nano-coating is a thin, hydrophobic coating which is applied to the strip's surface. This helps to protect the electronics from moisture and humidity without significantly altering the strip's dimensions or flexibility. It is believed to have excellent resistance to humidity and accidental splashes but it is not considered to have as good of a protection as physical tubing.

Summary

COB LED strips are not inherently waterproof and can be very susceptible to moisture or dust damage. You should always look at the IP rating to choose the level of protection you need on the COB strip. The minimal level you will need for it to be classed as waterproof is IP65 rated. If you are cutting the LED strip yourself you will also need to make sure that the ends have been properly resealed as these are even more vulnerable to moisture or water ingress. This can be done by using silicone sealant and end caps to seal up the ends.