The lighting landscape has changed forever, thanks to LEDs. In the early days, the application of LEDs was pretty much limited to low-intensity applications, such as remote controls.
Today, LEDs have become more popular than your average incandescent light sources, evident by the surge in LED applications ranging from general lighting, signage, and automotive lighting. The popularity of LEDs has invoked curiosity in many, which leads us to the question:
Are LED lights waterproof? The answer is yes, with some caveats. LEDs are not entirely waterproof. They can withstand water exposure to a reasonable extent, depending on the degree of water exposure. However, overexposure to water will eventually cause an LED to fail.
The water-resistant properties of an LED light, depend on the type of LED and the way it is sealed. Some LEDs are sealed with a conformal coating, a thin layer of material that protects the LED from moisture, while others have sealed containers that protect the LED from the elements.
The resistance level of an LED light against water intrusion will be indicated by the second digit of an IP rating, so you need to check the IP rating of an LED light bulb before you get one.
What Is an IP Rating?
IP is an acronym for “Ingress Protection”. It ts a standard measurement used to denote the degree of protection an item will have against solid objects (dust, sand, dirt, etc.) and liquids.
An IP is made up of 2 numbers. The first number indicates the level of protection against solid objects (dust, etc), while the second number refers to protection against liquids.
Each IP rating has two numbers, both of which give you information about the protection level. A higher number means greater protection against solids and liquids.
The first number (0-6) refers to the level of protection against solid objects and moving parts, such as dust, debris, or other solid matter.
The second number (0-8) references the level of liquid and moisture protection.
Reference Chart
| First Digit | Intrusion Protection | Second Digit | Moisture Protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | No protection. | 0 | No protection. |
| 1 | Protected against solid objects over 50mm, e.g. accidental touch by hands. | 1 | Protected against vertically falling drops of water, e.g. condensation. |
| 2 | Protected against solid objects over 12mm, e.g. fingers. | 2 | Protected against direct sprays of water up to 15 degrees from the vertical. |
| 3 | Protected against solid objects over 2.5mm, e.g. tools & wires. | 3 | Protected against direct sprays of water up to 60 degrees from the vertical. |
| 4 | Protected against solid objects over 1mm, e.g. wires & nails. | 4 | Protected against water splashed from all directions, limited ingress permitted. |
| 5 | Protected against dust limited ingress, no harmful deposits. | 5 | Protected against low pressure jets of water from all directions, limited ingress permitted. |
| 6 | Totally protected against dust. | 6 | Protected against strong jets of water, e.g. on ships deck, limited ingress permitted. |
Water resistant VS waterproof LEDs
It is common to hear people use the terms “water resistant” and “waterproof” interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference when it comes to LED lights.
Water Resistant: A water-resistant LED can only withstand exposure to water to some degree but may not be completely impervious to water.
It can tolerate light splashes, rain, or moisture without getting damaged. However, overexposure to heavy water pressure may penetrate the light, potentially leading to damage or malfunction.
These lights are well-adapted for outdoor use where occasional exposure to water is expected, but they may not work well underwater.
Waterproof: Waterproof LED lights are designed to provide better protection against higher water pressure. They are built in a way that prevents water from penetrating the light, even when fully submerged.
They are typically sealed with gaskets, silicone seals, or other protective measures to prevent water from sipping into the electrical components.
Waterproof LEDs can be submerged for extended periods without experiencing damage or malfunction. These lights are best suited for situations where complete protection against water is necessary, such as ponds, water fountains, pools are other wet environments.
How do I know if my LED lights are waterproof?
To determine if an LED light is waterproof, you can consider the following factors:
IP Rating: The IP (Ingress Protection) rating of the LED light is one way to determine whether or not an LED is waterproof. The IP rating consists of two digits, with the first digit indicating the level of protection against solid objects and the second digit representing the level of protection against liquids. To check for water resistance, look for a second digit of 7 or higher.
An IP67 rating is an indication that the LED light is protected against immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
Manufacturer’s Specifications: In the product description of a waterproof LED, look for explicit statements indicating that the LED light is waterproof or suitable for wet environments. It is a common practice among manufacturers to specify the level of water resistance or provide specific instructions for outdoor or underwater use.
Construction and Sealing: On close examination of a waterproof LED, the physical design of the light would typically have a robust construction with sealed housings, gaskets, or O-rings to prevent water ingress.
Look for indications of airtight or watertight seals in the product design or literature.
Testing and Certifications: You can also check whether the unit has been tested and certified for water resistance by reputable organizations such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Certifications are clear indications that the product was designed in accordance with the best industry standards.
FAQ
Can LED lights withstand rain?
Water-resistant lights can withstand water splashes from any angle, but not all LEDs are impervious to water. For example, IP65 or IP67 lights can handle being sprayed with raindrops, but you shouldn’t install them in a pool or any underwater environment. The only time you shouldn’t worry about overexposing an LED to water is if the product manufacturer specifically indicates it to be waterproof.
Conclusion
As LED technology continues to evolve, you can expect to see more water-resistant LED designs in the future. This will open new possibilities for LED applications, making them more versatile and durable.
Always remember that LEDs that are designed for outdoor use will be more water-resistant than LEDs that are designed for indoor use. While this is often the case, I implore you to always check the specifications of an LED light to see what level of water resistance it has.