Home » Knowledge Center » IP20 vs IP65 vs IP67 LED Strips: Choosing the Correct Protection Rating

IP20 vs IP65 vs IP67 LED Strips: Choosing the Correct Protection Rating

IP20 vs IP65 vs IP67 comes down to how much dust and moisture a strip is built to withstand. IP20 is for dry indoor locations, IP65 handles splashes and humidity, and IP67 is rated for wet locations and temporary water contact. The two digits in an IP rating describe protection against solids and against liquids, so a higher second digit means more moisture resistance. One caution up front: the rating applies to the strip, and the whole system, including connections, end seals, and the driver, has to suit the location too.

Here is what each rating covers and how to match one to a space.

What an IP rating actually means

IP stands for Ingress Protection, and the two numbers after it are read separately. The first digit describes protection against solid particles such as dust, and the second describes protection against liquids such as water. So in IP67, the 6 refers to dust protection and the 7 refers to water protection. Reading the digits this way is more useful than a single label, because it tells you exactly what the strip is designed to resist. Because ratings are set per product, confirm the exact IP rating on the strip's page rather than assuming it.

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IP20: dry indoor locations

An IP20 strip is built for dry indoor use with no meaningful protection against moisture. It suits living rooms, bedrooms, closets, shelving, and dry architectural runs. Most indoor accent and task strips are IP20, including options such as the LEDClub 24V COB 200 Series, which is rated IP20 (verify the current rating before you rely on it). Keep IP20 strips away from areas where they could be splashed or exposed to humidity.

IP65: splash and humidity areas

An IP65 strip adds a protective coating that resists splashing water and humidity, which makes it suitable for kitchens near a sink, bathrooms outside the immediate shower zone, laundry rooms, and covered patios where the strip may see occasional moisture but not sustained water contact. It is the middle tier: more protection than IP20, but not intended for full outdoor exposure.

IP67: wet locations and outdoor use

An IP67 strip is sealed to withstand wet locations and temporary water contact, which suits exterior installations, uncovered outdoor runs, and areas exposed to rain. LED Club offers wet-location options such as the EnoLED 24V Glow67 Series, which is rated IP67 (verify the current rating before you rely on it). Even with an IP67 strip, the rest of the system has to match the environment.

Comparing IP20 vs IP65 vs IP67 for your project

Match the rating to the real exposure. For dry interior runs, IP20 is appropriate and usually the most economical. For splash-prone or humid indoor areas, step up to IP65. For anything outdoors or subject to rain, choose IP67. Do not use "waterproof" as a shortcut, because no strip is protected against every condition, and the correct choice depends on the specific location, the connections and end seals, the driver enclosure, the way it is installed, and local electrical requirements. The strip is only one part of the system, so the connectors, seals, and driver must all be rated for the same environment. For hardwired outdoor drivers or permanent connections, follow the manufacturer instructions and local electrical code, including NEC requirements where applicable, and use a licensed electrician when line-voltage work is involved. Browse rated options across the LED strip lights collection.

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Common mistakes to avoid

The frequent ones are treating any strip as "waterproof," pairing an outdoor-rated strip with connections or a driver that are not rated for moisture, and installing an IP20 strip in a bathroom or outdoor spot. Always match the whole system, not just the strip, to the location, and confirm the exact IP rating on each component's page.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between IP20, IP65, and IP67? IP20 is for dry indoor locations, IP65 resists splashes and humidity, and IP67 is rated for wet locations and temporary water contact. The two digits describe protection against solids and against liquids.

Are IP67 LED strips fully waterproof? No strip should be described as simply waterproof. IP67 is rated for wet locations and temporary water contact, but suitability still depends on the connections, end seals, driver, and how the system is installed.

What IP rating do I need for a bathroom? It depends on how much moisture the strip will see. Areas subject to splashing or humidity generally call for IP65, while spots exposed to direct water need a higher rating. Match the whole system, and follow local requirements.

Can I use an IP20 strip outdoors? No. IP20 has no meaningful moisture protection and is for dry indoor use only. Outdoor and rain-exposed runs need an IP67-rated strip and matching connections and driver.

Does the driver need to match the strip's IP rating? The driver and connections must suit the same environment as the strip. An outdoor run needs a driver rated or enclosed for that location, not only a moisture-rated strip.

If you want help matching an IP rating and the full system to a specific location, LED Club offers free project support, so you can send us your project details before you buy.

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