As someone interested in lighting solutions, I find waterproof LED strip lights to be a fascinating option. These lighting fixtures are designed to withstand exposure to water, moisture, and humidity, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. I appreciate the versatility of waterproof LED strip lights, which can be used in areas where traditional lighting options would not be practical or safe, such as around swimming pools or in bathrooms. I understand that the waterproofing of these lights is achieved through the use of materials such as silicone, polyurethane, epoxy resin, PVC, and TPU, and the level of protection they offer can vary. When selecting a waterproof LED strip light, it is important to consider the level of protection required for your specific project.
I have learned from experience that selecting the right materials for waterproofing LED strip lights is critical to their performance and longevity.
1). If the waterproofing materials used are not effective, it can lead to water damage to the electrical components and potentially cause the LED strip lights to fail. This can be not only frustrating but also costly to fix, as it may require replacement of the entire LED strip light.
2). In addition, if the materials used are not durable over time, they can discolor, yellow or harden, leading to unattractive LED strip lights. This can be particularly problematic if the LED strip lights are installed in public or commercial spaces, where aesthetics are important.
3). Finally, improper waterproofing can lead to safety hazards, especially if the LED strip lights are used in outdoor or wet environments. Therefore, I always take care to select the right waterproofing materials and ensure they are properly installed to prevent these negative consequences and ensure the LED strip lights perform reliably and safely over time.
Materials Used in Waterproof LED Strip Lights:
1. Epoxy Resin Glue
Epoxy resin glue are low cost, good workability, and low toxicity. They are widely used in cheap waterproof led strip light. But its shortcomings are also very obvious: 1. Poor thermal conductivity, unable to effectively assist in heat dissipation for the led strip light, which shortens the lifespan of the led strip light. 2. The epoxy resin quickly turns yellow after six months, and this yellowing will 1Z affect the color temperature of the led strip light. 3. The acceptable operating temperature is between 0-60℃, and when the temperature is below 0℃, it is easy to harden and crack.
2. Polyurethane (PU) Glue
PU glue is more expensive than epoxy resin glue. Advantages: high transparency, resistance to yellowing (can be used for three years without yellowing), low-temperature resistance (can withstand temperatures ranging from -40 to 80 °C), good thermal conductivity, can help the led strip to dissipate heat and prolong the lifespan of the led strip. Disadvantages: it will emit an unpleasant smell, which is not conducive to human health.
3. Silicone Glue
The silicone glue has a good light transmission ( can reach 96%), reducing light loss. Silicone glue has excellent weather resistance (can withstand temperatures ranging from -50℃～150℃) , maintain a normal soft state for a long time, and is not prone to brittleness, deformation, softening, and aging. Silicone glue has good thermal conductivity(0.27W/MK), which can help heat dissipation of the led strip and prolong the lifespan of the led strip. Silicone glue has excellent UV (ultraviolet) resistance and can be exposed to strong sunlight for a longer period of time without yellowing and aging. Silicone glue also has excellent corrosion resistance, resisting common acids, alkalis, and salts. It can be used in wet seasides, chemical plants, petrol stations, and yachting environments. But the price of silicone glue is more expensive than epoxy resin glue and PU glue.
4. PVC
PVC is a common plastic, also known as polyvinyl chloride, which decomposes when heated, producing HCl and other chlorinated substances that are toxic. It has a certain degree of hardness, is prone to aging over time, and is not very translucent. Waterproof performance is not as good as silicone, up to IP65. But PVC cost is low, widely used in 220V high-voltage LED strip light.
In conclusion, when selecting waterproof LED strip lights, it is important to choose the right materials for waterproofing to ensure their performance, longevity, and safety. Materials such as epoxy resin, polyurethane glue, silicone glue, and PVC each have their own advantages and disadvantages. By understanding their properties, you can make an informed decision for your specific project. With proper selection and installation, waterproof LED strip lights can provide reliable and attractive lighting solutions for indoor and outdoor applications.
