LED strips are increasingly used to organize lighting not only for interiors, but also outdoors. Diodes are used for tuning cars, illuminating buildings, all kinds of architectural elements, fountains, and swimming pools.
Light sources used in outdoor environments have special technical requirements regarding water resistance. For such purposes, only a completely sealed LED strip is suitable.
Design
The LED strip is a flexible printed circuit board. It has evenly spaced diodes and current-limiting resistors. The width of the device varies between 8 and 20 mm. The power of the light flux is determined by the size of the diodes mounted on the board.
Other characteristics of LED devices include the following:
- Chroma. Monochrome (white and color) as well as multi-color (RGB) models are available. Multicolor devices are capable of creating any shade by mixing the colors of the three available light diodes.
- Supply voltage. The device operates on 12 Volts or 24.
- LED type. There are low-power modifications (SMD3528) and high-power devices (5050, 5630). The numbers indicate the sizes of the diodes. For example, in model 3528 they are 3.5x2.8 mm.
Application
Sealed strips with LEDs are used for safe illumination of outdoor objects, as well as wet rooms and underwater spaces. In particular, waterproof lamps are used to illuminate the following objects:
- swimming pools;
- building facades;
- aquariums;
- bathrooms, baths, saunas;
- gazebos;
- pedestrian paths;
- car elements (hood, trunk, doors, etc.).
Degrees of protection against moisture
Tapes are available with varying degrees of protection from environmental humidity. This indicator is characterized by an alphanumeric code. It contains a combination of two letters - IP (Ingress Protection). Following them are numbers: the higher they are, the more reliable the level of protection.
Tapes are classified as follows:
- Open. These include devices with index IP20 and IP33. Suitable exclusively for dry rooms. If the humidity level is high, you will need a special profile with a diffuser.
- Moisture-resistant tapes are marked IP65, IP66, IP67.
- Sealing tapes. This is the highest level of protection. Indicated by the index IP68. The lamp is in a silicone shell and is completely sealed.
IP65 tape
This tape is one of the least protected among waterproof models. However, the existing level of moisture protection is quite sufficient to ensure the functionality of the light source in most situations. A lamp with protection level IP65 is used in the following cases:
- lighting of swimming pools, walkways, fountains;
- lighting of shop windows, billboards;
- greenhouse lighting;
- illumination of various elements of tuned cars.
Moisture protection of the lamp is achieved by applying silicone to it. There are models coated with a layer of epoxy resin.
Products with an IP65 index are sufficiently protected from moisture. However, it is not advisable to immerse such tapes in water for a long time, since after some time it still penetrates into the inside of the device. As a result, the light source fails.
IP66 and IP67 tapes
Lamps with indexes IP66 and IP67 are intermediate between the least protected IP65 strip and the most waterproof model labeled IP68. Like IP65, they are not recommended to be left under water for long periods of time. Devices rated IP66 are capable of operating under prolonged contact with powerful water jets. Tapes with IP67 protection level can be immersed a meter deep in water for 20-30 minutes, and the lamp will still remain operational.
Note! Regardless of the marking of the tape, when it is cut into separate sections, the tread layer is damaged. To maintain the protective properties of the device, the cut line should be treated with silicone.
IP68 tape
Products marked IP68 are characterized by the maximum degree of electrical protection. IP68 is relevant for situations where there is constant or prolonged contact with water (for example, aquariums, swimming pools). The light source has double protection: all internal elements are coated with epoxy resin, and the tape itself is contained in a silicone tube.
Advantages and disadvantages
Waterproof lamps are characterized by the following advantages:
- long operational period;
- reliable operation (the device is protected from the penetration of not only water, but also dirt);
- the ability to install the tape almost anywhere (due to its compactness);
- ease of installation due to the presence of an adhesive strip;
- the ability to fit LEDs into almost any design solution.
- low electricity consumption.
A special feature of LED sources is their low current requirement. 12 volts is enough to operate a 10-meter tape. At the same time, electricity consumption will be lower compared to a 100-watt incandescent lamp.
Life time
LEDs have a long service life. The declared operating life of the diodes is 100 thousand hours. However, it should be borne in mind that not all this time the brightness of the glow will be the same. Gradually, the diodes produce less and less bright light. That is, unlike ordinary light bulbs, they do not burn out, but become less bright.
As a result, it is more correct to talk not about the total operating life of LEDs, but about the period when they retain the ability to function at at least 70% of the original intensity. It is believed that, subject to operating rules, diodes operate with acceptable light output for 50 thousand hours. If you recalculate this period into days (with 12-hour daily use), you get 12 years. But even when this period expires, the diodes will not stop producing a normal level of glow, although it will gradually become less intense.
Difference between high voltage and low voltage devices
Among the many diode models, a tape is produced that operates on a voltage of 220V. As with low-voltage models, it can be manufactured with different levels of moisture resistance. The high-voltage lamp works without a 12 V power supply, but you will need a small rectifier to connect to the outlet.
High-voltage models have a number of differences from low-voltage ones:
- For 220 V tape, sections are cut so that their length is a multiple of one meter or 50 cm. For 12-volt devices, the multiple is 5 cm.
- Installation of high voltage tape is more complex. The reason is the thickness of the waterproofing layer at corners and bends. Although cutting such a tape is acceptable, it is undesirable, because It will be difficult to ensure reliable electrical insulation.
- The safety of installation work when installing low-voltage lamps is significantly less than in the case of 220 V devices.
- The greatest length of low-voltage tapes is 5 m. Their installation on long sections is associated with problems of reducing voltage. When installing high-voltage devices, they are absent. A standard reel contains 100 meters of tape.
- 220 V devices always have good insulation from humidity. The degree of its reliability may vary, but there is always an insulating layer. Low voltage systems may have no insulation at all. This is done for the sake of making an adhesive track and compactness of the product (it turns out thinner). Low-voltage devices are also slightly brighter.
- 12 and 24 V tapes are more convenient when it comes to using them at home. The kit may include controllers and dimmers with which to control the glow parameters. However, high-voltage models are indispensable on the street.
Popular models
As an example, consider the characteristics of two popular models of LED strips.
SMD3528 (60 LED/m) IP65 class A
The tape produced by Rishang is a lighting module on a flexible printed circuit board with six dozen diodes per linear meter. The tape is characterized by protection class IP65, control elements - IP20. The tape can be used in damp areas as well as outdoors. The letter A indicates that the device is premium. This is expressed in a high degree of protection, increased brightness of the device, as well as a 12-month warranty period.
SMD3528 is offered in coils, each of which contains 5 m of tape. Cutting step - 5 cm, includes 3 LEDs. The connection to the electrical network is made through a transformer. The power of the device is 4.8 W per linear meter. Operating current - 0.4 A/m. Color characteristics: white (7100K), warm white (3100K), red, green, blue and yellow.
SMD 5050 (30 LED/m) IP65 class B
The device is manufactured by SONG. There are 30 diodes and control components per linear meter. Protection class - IP65. The tape is supplied with double-sided tape, which significantly expands the possibilities of its installation.
Protection class B provides slightly less brightness capabilities compared to class A. Another disadvantage is a significantly shorter warranty period (1 month).
The cutting pitch of the tape is 10 cm. There are 3 LEDs on each section. The tape is offered in 5-meter rolls. The connection is made via an LED transformer. The power of the device is 7.2 W per linear meter. Voltage - 12 V. Operating current - 0.6 A/m. The light beam dispersion angle is 120 degrees.
The device is multi-color (RGB). Basic colors: white 7100 K, warm white (3100 K) and red.
People have long felt the comfort that outdoor street lighting creates. Today, modern lanterns, spotlights and lamps play an important role and create comfortable living conditions. Many companies offer consumers options for street lighting products, but the Devine Light online store in Moscow sells them at an affordable price in a wide range.
What models of street lighting fixtures are in demand?
Today, the company’s website presents a wide range of products that can solve lighting problems easily and simply. The presented product catalog in “Devine Light” combined lamps into several subgroups, namely:
landscape gardening and garden figures. There are models available on the site in different styles. These are inexpensive but exquisite figures made of plaster, polystone, etc.;
street lighting lamps for fountains and swimming pools. You can choose white and blue shades, as well as warm and cold glow colors.
How to choose the right outdoor lamps
Popular online store of lamps Divine Light offers residents of the Moscow region and the capital street lighting products from well-known manufacturers at an affordable price. The presented models can be used in organizing main and decorative light. We offer to buy street lighting, which our company’s specialists will help you choose. They advise:
When choosing decorative street lamps, you need to skillfully place accents and use all their capabilities to implement creative projects.
We offer to purchase street lighting fixtures from Devine Light. Their prices are attractive for everyone. Place an order on the website, and we will deliver the lamps to you today!
Nowadays, LED products, in particular LED strips, are confidently displacing incandescent lamps and fluorescent lamps from the market. This is easily explained by many factors, such as: efficiency, service life, practicality, environmental friendliness. Next we will talk in detail about sealed LED strip and the versatility of its use.
Design
An LED strip is a flexible printed circuit board with LEDs and current-limiting resistors located on it at equal distances. The average width is 8-20 mm. The luminous flux and brightness of the glow depends on the size of the LEDs soldered to the circuit board. Options for using single-color or multi-color LEDs are possible. There are also differences in how the product is covered with sealing material.
Waterproof, green
Kinds
LED strips come in different types depending on the degree of protection. To do this, it is recommended to pay attention to the IP parameter (Ingress Protection, which means intrusion protection). With a degree of protection from IP20 to IP33 it is considered open.
The photo shows a device with two RGB+white LEDs
The LEDs and resistors soldered on it do not have any coating on top. It can be used directly, in dry rooms, or use a special profile with a diffuser. If we are interested in moisture-resistant LED strips, then the appropriate degree of protection would be from IP65 to IP68 (the highest possible level). The IP65 level of protection implies an LED strip in a silicone shell covering the LEDs on top or applying epoxy resin to them. Double-sided tape can be glued to the back of it, which makes it easy to mount it on a flat surface. This allows it to be used in rooms with high humidity, such as the kitchen and bathroom, and outdoors in general, but not in the open air. Therefore, self-adhesive waterproof tape is very popular both for decorating your own home and public institutions.
Cross section difference with different IP levels
A waterproof LED strip with a higher degree of protection, structurally slightly different from a strip with IP65. The silicone shell, in this case, covers not only the front part, but the entire tape. In addition, the entire device can be placed in a transparent, insulating, sealed silicone tube. In this case, the system may be under the direct influence of precipitation, or even under water at some depth. Thus, moisture-proof mechanisms in these lighting devices are implemented using silicone sealant or PVC tubes.
Additional Information
Protecting the LED strip from moisture is not the only advantage of this device. Sealed ones also differ in their glow:
- monochrome;
- colored.
The video shows a sealed RGB strip in silicone and a way to control its glow.
Application
It is worth mentioning that there are a number of areas where the use of closed LED strips is possible. An ordinary waterproof one with a degree of protection IP65 is ideally mounted in bathrooms, for illuminating shelves and mirrors. In the same way, it is advisable to use it in the kitchen to illuminate the work surface, without fear that moisture will damage it. In the exterior, protected LED strip is used in decorating gazebos, outdoor areas of trade tents and other places where it is located under a canopy, without direct contact with water, but in conditions of high humidity.
Well, as for the most universal, waterproof LED strip with IP68, it can be used for street lighting, for advertising signs, for illuminating steps and even decorating the walls of an underwater pool. Consequently, almost any architectural and interior elements can be illuminated using an airtight one.
Today, among the existing offer of LED products, LED strip is quite popular. Moreover, in some situations it is impossible to do without its version, which is placed in a special silicone tube.
Silicone LED strip
This article will tell you what this product is and why you can’t do without it in certain situations.
Product Features
LED strip today has a very wide range of applications, which is associated with its structure. Here, LEDs are placed in series on a special rubberized substrate. However, some models are placed inside a silicone shell. The operating principle of a standard LED strip in a silicone tube is identical. This is where all the differences between them end.
The popularity of LED strip housed in a silicone shell is based on its following advantages:
- increased protection of electrical components from moisture. The silicone tube is completely sealed, which prevents not only moisture, but also dirt and dust from penetrating into the product;
Note! Silicone strip with LEDs has the highest moisture resistance class - IP 65 and higher. Therefore, it can be used both outdoors and in rooms where there is high humidity.
- the LED strip enclosed in a silicone shell retains its mobility, so it can be placed on any surface;
- the ability to do the installation yourself;
- a wide range of types in terms of glow. This tape can create light of any color.
Ribbon glow
At the same time, these products are characterized by all the positive aspects that LED lighting brings (for example, high efficiency in terms of energy consumption, long service life, lack of heating effect, etc.).
Silicone LED strip, like similar products without a protective shell, has an operating voltage of 12 or 24 volts. Therefore, to connect it to a standard 220 volt network, you need a power supply.
Where is it used?
- Being in a silicone shell, such an LED strip has found wide application in a wide variety of areas of human activity. Today these products can be found in the following places:
- in the advertising field. Here, this type of light source is used for outdoor advertising, illumination of banners and billboards, as well as outdoor signs for cafes, restaurants and hotels;
as illumination for fables and other home spaces where there is high humidity. Therefore, these LED products in a silicone tube are often used to illuminate the work area in the kitchen;
- Kitchen work lighting
decorative street lighting. The widest application in this area is for LED products encased in silicone in the festive decoration of streets, local areas, cafes and bars.
Note! Quite often, moisture-resistant LED strip is used to make luminous street figures. Such products are always used to decorate shopping centers and gardens for New Year's holidays and various celebrations.
As you can see, in many areas this type of lighting installation has found its application, completely replacing other lighting options.
Powerful moisture protection
A high degree of protection of product components from moisture is the main distinguishing feature of these LED products. Light sources housed in a silicone shell have the highest degree of protection from environmental factors. Therefore, this type of lighting has found the most extensive use precisely as outdoor decorative lighting.
Decorative lighting at home
- Today, LED products have several options for moisture protection:
using epoxy resin. In this case, the strip receives such protection, not the LEDs. As a result, this type of product can be used in rooms where there is high humidity. But prolonged and direct contact with water will have negative consequences;
- complete filling of the product with silicones. The result is a completely sealed shell that provides 100% protection. Such a light source is not afraid of any weather conditions, including heavy and heavy rain, snowfall or sandstorms. All these weather conditions will not be able to damage the internal filling of the tape and disable it.
An additional advantage of LED products protected by a silicone tube is that they can be easily washed and cleaned. As a result, such tapes performed well both on the street and in the kitchen. This is due to the fact that in the kitchen lighting fixtures are often exposed to various types of contamination (especially grease contamination). In order to clean the silicone shell from various types of contaminants, you can use either a regular damp cloth or napkin, or chemical cleaning agents.
Types of protected products
LED strips that are commercially available today come in a wide variety of types. A large range of products has been passed down to waterproof products. At the moment they come in the following types:
- with regular SMD chips. A tape equipped with such a chip can glow in only one color: red, blue, yellow, etc.;
- multicolor RGB strips. The main characteristic of this product is that when using a special device (controller), you can obtain various lighting effects.
Since this type of lighting fixture operates at a voltage of 12 or 24 volts, you need to know how they can be connected to a 220 volt network. And in the case of silicone products, you need to know how to behave with the protective shell so as not to negate the main advantage of the light source.
Installation Features
LED strips can be cut into separate pieces during installation. In this case, they need to be cut only according to special marks.
Cut location
If there is silicone protection, it should be cleaned before cutting the tape. This procedure is easy to carry out with a knife. After the product has been cut, the individual pieces can be joined together in two ways:
- using soldering. If there is a silicone shell, it must be carefully cleaned in the area of the contact pad and wires. All other soldering steps will be similar to conventional products that do not have a protective tube;
- using connectors. This is a more expensive connection method, since one connector is quite expensive. Therefore, many people prefer to do their own soldering without spending money on expensive connectors.
Note! The silicone protection from the tape must be removed very carefully so as not to damage the elements of the electrical circuit. Otherwise, the lighting fixture will stop working.
Connection diagram
After careful stripping, you can connect the tape to the controller and power supply according to the appropriate diagram.
Conclusion
Silicone LED strip has the highest protection against adverse environmental factors. At the same time, it has the same advantages as standard LED products. Just don’t forget that when installing it yourself, you need to very carefully peel off the protective layer.
Secrets of installing spotlights in a suspended ceiling: how difficult is it?
Introduction to the world of ground lamps - review, installation yourself