Is the COB LED Strip Waterproof?

Not all COB LED strips are waterproof. It depends on the model and how it’s built. Many COB (Chip on Board) strips are designed for indoor use and come without any protective coating. These work perfectly for cabinets, ceilings, or accent lighting. However, if you’re installing them outdoors or in damp areas like bathrooms or kitchens, you’ll need waterproof versions.

Waterproof COB LED strips also have an epoxy or silicone overcoat applied to seal the chips, such that neither water nor dirt can get in. Even their designs have the IP (Ingress Protection) rating, so an IP65 is splash-proof, but an IP67 or IP68 version is rain-immersion or short-term water-exposure-proof.

Are COB LED Strips Waterproof as a Standard Feature?

No, COB strip lights are not waterproof as stock. They are indoor dry use only. If you absolutely need to use them outdoors, you have two choices: buy a waterproof profile or water seal them yourself.

When you are doing it yourself, all you have to do is make sure you are securing the LED strips with a high-quality silicone water tube or sleeve. Never attempt to do the maintenance your own, such as taping them, as it's a heat conductor and reduces their life.

What Are the Drawbacks of COB LED Strips?

COB LED strips have a few plus points, point light output, improved colour uniformity, and concealed LED dots, but minus points too.

Hazards:

Heat build-up: Since the LEDs are so tightly packed, the COB strips do heat up, especially with poor air flow.

More difficult to repair: When that section of it is broken, it may be more difficult to repair or replace than regular SMD LED strips.

Not too pricey: It's new and premium, so COB strips are costly to begin with.

Waterproof constraints: Waterproof only COB strips; otherwise, there is no waterproof COB strip, so there are constraints when used outdoors.

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: heat regulation, voltage stability, and environment. Overheating power supplies or low power supplies will decrease life by whoppin' amounts. Aluminium heat sinks or channels will improve longevity by providing temperature control.

What's Better: COB or LED

It just depends on what you need. COB LEDs produce a flat, even light with no dots visible, ideal for task lighting, decoration, and photography. SMD LEDs are what you use if you need adjustable brightness or colour-shifting ability.

Short answer: Apply COB if you prefer a luxury look-based light if you prefer silk-like light. You'll have to resort to regular LED strips if budget or preferring very high control management of the light is more important to you.

How Waterproof is an LED Strip

If you actually do have a strip that never got waterproofed in the first place, but you'd prefer waterproofing it, here's your answer:

Silicone tube or sleeve: Place your strip in an exterior-rated clear silicone tube. Silicone-seal the ends.

Silicone coating: Use a sprayer or brush to apply a thin, even coat of waterproof silicone over the strip. Make sure it is non-corrosive and electronics-safe.

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

COB LED strips can be waterproof, but not all are. Always check the IP rating before buying, especially for outdoor or humid areas. While COB technology offers beautiful, consistent light, it needs proper cooling and protection to last long. Treat it right, and you’ll have a lighting setup that not only looks professional but also performs reliably for years.