Are Led String Lights Waterproof?

Everyone wanted to put led lights in their homes to look pretty. While LED string lights are lovely, it is essential to verify that they are suited for outdoor use and are weatherproof. 

If you have a question about whether led string lights are waterproof? Then the answer is yes; they are waterproof. However, if you have some doubts, are all led string lights waterproof? Then we can say, not all led string lights are not waterproof. Several forms of led string lights are waterproof and are mainly utilized outside, especially around swimming pools and other outdoor areas.

For outdoor use, led string lights must have an IP65 rating for hanging on buildings and trees in the yard or an IPX-8 rating if they will be submerged in water for an extended period, such as in a garden pond, are considered waterproof. If they do not have these ratings, it is unsafe to use fairy lights outside.

Let's take a deeper look into the topic of waterproofing for Led string lights and learn about the safety ratings you should look for when purchasing these lights.

Do you believe fairy lights are used outdoors due to their waterproof nature?

A fairy light is an essential ornamental light mainly intended for use outside the home. In appearance, they are pretty similar to string lights; however, they employ much smaller bulbs and have a lot closer bulb proximity than you would generally see with string lights.

Think about fairy lights as a cousin of Christmas lights is the best way to approach the topic. They are available in various sizes and hues, though white and small bulbs are the most prevalent.

Many homeowners utilize them as decorative lighting for outdoor places, such as hanging them in trees, around pillars, and outdoor recreational areas, among other things.

The primary purpose of these lights is to beautify the lawn rather than to provide illumination for the area. When used in the manner in which string lighting is intended, the power of these lights is insufficient to illuminate an outdoor space adequately. After all, is said and done, they contribute to making a home more desirable and hospitable.

However, it is possible to use fairy lights indoors if you desire. The possibilities for incorporating them into various areas of your home are endless. To call attention to walls, stairwells, and other significant elements, they can be employed in many ways.

On the other hand, fairy lights are used more often in outdoor settings. In addition, homeowners who buy them should make sure that the lights they choose are waterproof so that there is less risk of getting an electric shock.

Are My String Lights Waterproof?

Most string lights are waterproof and have an IP65 rating for general waterproofing or an IPX-8 rating if they will be submerged in water for an extended period (more on these ratings below). It is critical to protect your string lights in this manner because they will be used primarily outside.

When you're browsing at string lights, keep an eye out for anything unusual. To determine if the lights are covered in this manner, look over the packing carefully. Waterproofing should be specified on the package so that customers know whether the lights are safe to use or not.

There is no reason why string lights cannot be used in wet environments. Because they are intended to be used indoors, they may not be subjected to the additional measures required to make them waterproof. They will have to spend a little more money to accomplish this, which may hurt their bottom line in terms of productivity. Unless you look hard enough, you'll nearly never come across a string light producer who isn't ready to take this step to protect their products.

If you have string lights but aren't sure if they are waterproof, you may want to consider replacing them with something else that is waterproof. If you know your shoes' brand and model number, you can search them up on the internet to see if they are waterproof. If they aren't safe, you should take them down and make sure that you replace them with better ones that are more appropriate.

How can you tell if LED string lights are waterproof?

They are pretty popular because LED fairy lights feature bulbs that last an average of 70,000 hours. In addition, they consume less electricity than standard light bulbs. Many companies manufacture just LED string lights available on the market. The output is roughly the same as regular bulbs, making them an excellent choice for consumers who wish to save money on lighting. Then, are they water-resistant or not?

It is recommended that all string lights have the same Authentication Protection grade; therefore, be careful to check this before purchasing any fairy lights. Most LED lights have an IP65 waterproof rating, which indicates that they should be pretty easy to incorporate into your outdoor decorations. On the other hand, if you discover that the certification is not IP65 but rather IP64 or something else, your lights may not be sufficiently waterproof.

Are you sure that copper-coated LED string lights are waterproof?

Copper string lights are an excellent choice if you don't want to spend much money. They are suitable for use in a wide range of different types of residences. These items are popular among people because the copper wiring can be bent into various shapes. Therefore, it is simple to include them in a wide variety of diverse Christmas-themed designs due to their versatility. Then, are they water-resistant or not? What criteria do you use to determine this?

When inspecting the packaging of any fairy lights you purchase, look for the four-digit number IP65 on the label. This coding allows you to determine how waterproof your lights are and how probable it is that you will be shocked. In other words, IP is an abbreviation for Ingress Protection. The last two digits of a number can indicate two different things. It means that your lights are dust-proof and that no solid object may enter and cause damage to the structure of your lamps. This is the first of the series.

The second number is for a string of lights that can withstand being submerged in low-pressure water. If your lights are located outside, they should be protected from the majority of types of rain, snow, and ice that may fall. This grade is not only applicable to lights. It is also used for items that have wires attached to them. They have the same level of protection as audio speakers certified IP65, which means they may be utilized in an outdoor environment.

Is Every String Light Waterproof or Only Some of them?

The lights in the string must have an IP65 grade or higher to be waterproof. Those rated below this should not be in the water. They can't be utilized outside due to safety. We should use them mainly for adornment inside.

However, most string lights sold now are waterproofed to IP65 or higher, the industry standard for outdoor lighting.

As a result, locating outdoor string lights should be easy. Whatever string lights you select should be waterproof. Christmas lights, which resemble fairy lights and are utilized similarly, are a good example. Consider this before you buy anything to protect yourself secure.

Are String Lights Safe to Submerge in Water?

Led string lights may look fabulous in a pond or other large body of water. However, submerging your lights is risky unless they are entirely waterproof. Even if your lights are IP65, don't submerge them. It protects against low-pressure water, not complete immersion.

Putting these lights in water may cause shock. You may be astonished when you put them in the water. Water can harm lights and wiring even if they are entirely watertight. They aren't.

So, seek string lights with more excellent Ingress Protection. IPX-8 is the highest waterproofing rating and is the only one. Objects can stay in water for an extended period at depths above one meter. Look into the safest lighting for your scenario and choose them with care.

How Do String Lights Perform When Wet?

If you want to place string lights on your gazebo or other outdoor seating area and it rains, there are string lights with an IP65 rating that you can use. We do not anticipate any issues with water damaging the cables or rays.

If your wires become wet by mistake, you may have to purchase new ones to replace them. Most of the time, simply airing them out will not be enough to keep you safe from their presence.

When things are submerged, water frequently seeps into the wiring or the lights. Water may weaken and break down these elements once it enters the building.

Even a brief plunge in the water could jeopardize the operation of the lights. It will take some time for the water to evaporate and the area to become safe again. As a result, keep your string lights away from moisture to ensure their safety. Even the most water-resistant varieties should be kept away from the water.

Conclusion:

To summarize this article, we can say that make sure the string lights you purchase for outside use are waterproof, and you should be fine for the majority of outdoor wet weather use.

However, if you choose to use your string lights in the water, such as an aquarium, you should ensure an IPX-8 rating, which indicates that they can withstand prolonged submersion.

Keep yourself safe by using lights that make your life safe and have fun with your string lights. Although some led string lights are waterproof, you should keep away them from water.

References

Are fairy lights waterproof? (Essential reading). (2021, October 11). Take a Yard. https://takeayard.com/fairy-lights-waterproof/

Are LED lights waterproof? (n.d.). Professional led lighting from known brands. Philips, Ledvance, Noxion, Osram | Any-lamp. https://www.any-lamp.com/blog/are-led-lights-waterproof

Myledy. (2021, April 14). 5 different ways to waterproof LED strip lights. https://www.myledy.com/5-different-ways-to-waterproof-led-strip-lights/