Waterproof COB LED Strip

It's all about how much water they can handle. An IP65 COB strip is splash-proof, great for kitchen backsplashes where it might get wiped down. IP67 is fully waterproof and can be temporarily submerged, perfect for decks and patios. An IP68 COB strip is designed for continuous underwater use—think swimming pools, ponds, and fountains. Don't put anything less than IP68 fully underwater, it will fail.

They use the same technology inside, but the look is different. A waterproof neon LED is just a waterproof COB LED strip light housed inside a flexible silicone tube or jacket. This jacket diffuses the light, giving you a smooth, dotless line of color, much like old-school neon. A standard waterproof strip gives a more direct light, which can be brighter but might show individual dots if you look closely.

This is the single most common failure point for outdoor projects. After you cut the strip on the designated cut marks, you cannot use standard solderless connectors; they aren't waterproof. The only reliable way is to carefully solder wires to the connection points, then seal the joint completely using a marine-grade silicone adhesive inside a sealed heat-shrink tube. For a truly secure connection, we recommend using our purpose-built IP68 connectors.

Voltage drop is the enemy here. With a 24V waterproof COB LED strip, you can typically run about 10 meters (32.8 feet) from a single power feed before you'll notice the far end getting dimmer. If you need a longer continuous run, you either need to run a second power feed to the far end, or switch to a 48V system. Our 48V constant-current strips can go up to 20 or even 30 meters with no visible voltage drop.

Yes, and they must have an IP68 rating. A 12V underwater LED is a great choice because the low voltage is inherently safer for use in and around water. Our IP68 COB strips are fully encapsulated in silicone, making them completely submersible and ideal for adding accent lighting to fountains, small ponds, or water features. Just be sure the power supply and any non-waterproof connections are kept in a dry, protected location.

The adhesive backing is really just for initial positioning, especially outdoors. It will not hold long-term on porous or uneven surfaces like wood, concrete, or stone. For a permanent installation, you must use mounting clips screwed into the surface every foot or so. A better method is to install the waterproof COB LED strip inside an aluminum channel, which protects the strip and provides a secure, permanent mounting.

Water got into the connections. The waterproof strip itself is tough, but if the end caps aren't perfectly sealed or if a cut wasn't re-sealed to an IP68 standard, moisture will eventually get in and corrode the circuit. This is especially true in places with freeze-thaw cycles. It's why we always recommend using factory-sealed lengths or our IP68 connectors for any cuts.

That's a common problem with cheap outdoor lighting that uses PVC or low-grade silicone. We use a high-quality, UV-stabilized silicone for our outdoor COB LED strip lights that is specifically formulated to resist yellowing and becoming brittle from sun exposure. The strip will look and perform correctly for years, not just one season.

Think of it as spots versus lines. A COB LED module is a small, rigid block of light, typically wired in strings and used to backlight individual channel letters or light boxes. A waterproof COB LED strip is a long, flexible tape of light used to create continuous lines, outline buildings, or follow curves. For a sign box, use modules. For outlining the sign's border, use a strip.

The best way is to minimize connections in wet areas. Plan your run so the power supply and any controllers are indoors or in a weatherproof junction box. For any essential strip-to-wire connections that must be outdoors, soldering is the most reliable method. After soldering, you must fully encapsulate the joint in silicone and cover it with adhesive-lined heat shrink tubing to create a durable, watertight seal. We have a full guide to cutting and connecting that walks you through it.

It depends on the distance. For most home projects under 15 meters, 24V is the workhorse and you'll find the widest variety of options. But if you're doing long architectural runs, perimeter lighting, or landscaping where you might need 20, 30, or even 50 meters, a 48V waterproof led cob light is a much better choice. The higher voltage fights voltage drop more effectively, meaning you need fewer power supplies and less complicated wiring.

Yes, absolutely. This is a core part of our business and honestly the best way to guarantee a long-lasting underwater installation. You send us a drawing or a list of the precise lengths you need for your pool, deck, or fountain. We'll cut the IP68 strips to size, permanently seal the non-wired ends at our factory, and professionally solder and seal the correct waterproof pigtail connectors on the other. You receive a plug-and-play kit that eliminates the biggest risk of failure. There's no fee for the consultation, and it ensures the job is done right.