How to Choose the Right COB LED Strip for Your Application
Choosing the right COB LED strip involves more than brightness, colour temperature and power consumption. The IP rating is also an important factor, particularly when the strip will be installed in environments exposed to dust, moisture or water.
DV offers COB LED strip solutions with different protection levels to suit a variety of indoor and outdoor lighting applications. Understanding the differences between IP20, IP44, IP65 and IP68 helps you select a suitable product for your project.
IP20 COB LED Strip – Indoor Dry Applications
IP20 COB LED strips have no additional waterproof coating and are designed for indoor environments where water exposure is not expected.
Typical applications:
*Cabinet and shelf lighting
*Retail display lighting
*Indoor decorative lighting
*Architectural accent lighting in dry areas
IP20 is a practical choice for indoor projects where moisture protection is not required.
IP44 COB LED Strip – Nano / Glue Coating
IP44 COB LED strips use a thin surface coating, such as the nano or glue coating used in this product construction, to provide protection against water splashes.
Typical applications:
*Indoor areas where occasional splashing may occur
*Selected kitchen and bathroom lighting installations
*Decorative lighting in suitable moisture-prone environments
The coating is thin and applied to the surface of the LED strip. IP44 products should not be treated as suitable for water jets or immersion.
IP65 COB LED Strip – Surface Drip Coating
IP65 COB LED strips use a surface drip-coating process, such as silicone or epoxy, to provide a protective layer over the LED strip.
This protection level is suitable for applications requiring dust-tight protection and resistance to water jets, provided the complete installation meets the required IP rating.
Typical applications:
*Outdoor decorative lighting
*Architectural façade lighting
*Garden and landscape lighting
*Installations exposed to dust and water jets
For reliable performance, connectors, cable entries, end connections and installation details must also be appropriately protected.
IP68 COB LED Strip – Full Silicone Encapsulation
IP68 COB LED strips use a full silicone encapsulation structure, with the LED strip enclosed within the silicone material.
This construction is intended for applications requiring protection against continuous immersion under specified conditions. The permitted immersion depth, duration and installation requirements depend on the product specification.
Typical applications:
*Underwater lighting
*Pools and fountains
*Other lighting installations requiring immersion protection
Always confirm the manufacturer's IP68 test conditions and application requirements before selecting a product for underwater use.
IP20 vs IP44 vs IP65 vs IP68: Key Differences
|
|
|
|
|---|
IP rating
| Product construction
| Protection characteristics
| Typical use
|
IP20
| No waterproof coating
| No additional water protection
| Indoor dry areas
|
IP44
| Thin nano / glue coating
| Protection against water splashes
| Suitable splash-prone areas
|
IP65
| Surface drip coating
| Dust-tight and protected against water jets
| Outdoor and exposed installations
|
IP68
| Full silicone encapsulation
| Protection against continuous immersion under specified conditions
| Underwater and immersion applications
|
How to Select the Right IP Rating
Before choosing a COB LED strip, consider the actual installation environment:
*Indoor or outdoor: Determine whether the strip will be installed in a dry indoor area or exposed to outdoor conditions.
*Water exposure: Identify whether the product may encounter splashes, water jets or continuous immersion.
*Coating construction: Understand the difference between a thin surface coating, drip coating and full silicone encapsulation.
*Complete installation: Ensure connectors, cables, joints and end connections maintain the protection required for the application.
*Product verification: Check the manufacturer's specifications and test conditions rather than relying on the IP rating alone.
The appropriate IP rating is the one that matches the actual installation requirements—not necessarily the highest rating available.
Need Help Choosing a COB LED Strip?
DV supplies LED lighting products and solutions for professional lighting applications. Contact our team for assistance in selecting a COB LED strip with a suitable protection level for your project.
Contact DV to discuss your COB LED strip requirements.
LED Knowledge
COB LED Strip IP Ratings: IP20, IP44, IP65 and IP68 Explained 
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