Outdoor COB LED Strip Lights Manufacturer | China Fair Price IP68 LED COB Strip Supplier

Outdoor COB LED Strip Datasheet

Our Outdoor COB LED Strips are engineered for high-performance exterior lighting applications, offering seamless, high-density illumination and robust waterproof protection. Perfect for architectural lighting, landscape enhancement, outdoor signage, and commercial facades.

Installing Outdoor COB LED Strips: Best Practices

Outdoor COB LED strips, especially those with IP67 or IP68 ratings, require meticulous installation to ensure durability, waterproofing, and safety in challenging environments.

Follow these best practices to achieve a professional, reliable setup for applications like building perimeters, outdoor events, or landscape lighting.

1. Plan and Measure the Installation Area

• Accurate Measurement: Measure the installation area (e.g., building facade, garden pathway) to determine the required strip length. Outdoor COB strips typically come in 1m–5m reels, extendable to 10m for 24V models.
• Power Considerations: Plan the placement of power supplies and wiring routes. For runs over 5m, use parallel connections to avoid voltage drop.
• Environmental Assessment: Evaluate exposure to rain, UV, or submersion (e.g., fountains). Choose best IP67 for rain resistance LED Strip or IP68 for submerged applications like marine lighting.

2. Select a Suitable Outdoor COB LED Strip Power Supply

• Calculate Wattage: Multiply the strip’s wattage per meter (e.g., 12–14.4W/m) by its length, then add a 20% buffer (e.g., 5m at 14.4W/m = 72W; use a 90W power supply).
• Waterproof Power Supply: Use an IP65+ rated power supply for outdoor use. Position it in a dry, accessible location or use a waterproof enclosure.
• Voltage Matching: Ensure the power supply matches the strip’s voltage (24V for most outdoor COB strips to support longer runs).

3. Prepare the Surface

• Cleaning: Clean the mounting surface (e.g., building facade, deck, or pathway edge) with isopropyl alcohol to remove dirt, grease, or debris, ensuring strong adhesion.
• Surface Smoothness: Ensure the surface is smooth and dry. Avoid rough or uneven surfaces that may weaken the adhesive over time.
• Temperature Consideration: Install in temperatures between 10°C and 35°C for optimal 3M adhesive performance.

4. Use Aluminum Channels for Professional Installation

• Benefits: Aluminum channels protect the strip, improve heat dissipation (extending the 50,000+ hour lifespan), and provide a polished look for applications like building perimeters or garden lighting.

• Channel Selection: Choose outdoor-rated channels with diffused covers (e.g., frosted polycarbonate) to reduce glare and maintain the seamless COB light effect. Channels should be IP65+ if exposed to weather.

• Installation Steps:

  • Mount the channel using screws or adhesive (ensure compatibility with the surface, e.g., concrete, wood, or metal).

  • Place the COB strip inside the channel, pressing firmly to secure the 3M adhesive backing.

  • Seal channel ends with waterproof silicone or end caps to maintain IP67/IP68 integrity.

5. Ensure Waterproof Connections

• Connectors: For IP67/IP68 outdoor COB strips, use IP65+ rated connectors to maintain waterproofing at joints, cut points, or power connections. Options include solderless connectors with silicone seals or heat-shrink tubing over soldered connections.

• Connection Steps:

  • If cutting the strip (every 50mm for 24V), attach a waterproof connector to the exposed copper pads.

  • Apply silicone sealant around the connection for extra protection.

  • Test the connection before final mounting to ensure no water ingress.

6. Mount the Outdoor COB LED Strip

• Adhesive Mounting: Peel off the 3M adhesive backing and press the strip firmly onto the surface or inside the aluminum channel. Apply even pressure for 10–15 seconds per section.
• Additional Securing: For high-exposure areas (e.g., building facades), use outdoor-rated mounting clips or silicone brackets every 30–60cm to prevent sagging due to wind or temperature changes.
• Avoid Over-Bending: Do not bend the strip beyond a 60° angle or a 30mm diameter to avoid damaging the PCB.

7. Connect and Test the System

• Wiring: Connect the strip to the power supply, ensuring correct polarity (positive to positive, negative to negative). Use outdoor-rated wiring (e.g., 18–22 AWG, UV-resistant) for exposed runs.
• Power Injection: For runs over 5m, inject power at multiple points (every 5m) to prevent dimming at the strip’s end.
• Testing: Power on the strip to check for consistent brightness, color accuracy (e.g., RGB for event venues), and waterproofing. Inspect connections for any flickering or water ingress.

8. Seal and Protect for Outdoor Durability

• End Caps: Seal strip ends with waterproof silicone end caps (included with most IP67/IP68 strips) to prevent water entry.
• Silicone Sealant: Apply additional silicone sealant around connectors, channel ends, or any exposed areas, especially for IP68 strips in submerged applications like fountains.
• UV Protection: Ensure the strip’s silicone coating is UV-resistant to withstand prolonged sun exposure in applications like garden lighting.

9. Smart Control Setup (If Applicable)

• Smart Controllers: For smart outdoor COB strips (e.g., compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant), connect a waterproof smart controller (IP65+) between the power supply and strip.
• Connectivity: Follow the manufacturer’s app setup guide to sync the strip for remote control, ideal for dynamic lighting at outdoor event venues.
• Secure Placement: Mount controllers in a waterproof enclosure to protect against weather.

10. Maintenance and Inspection

• Regular Checks: Inspect seals, connectors, and channels every 6–12 months for signs of wear, especially in high-exposure areas like building facades or marine settings.
• Cleaning: Use a damp cloth to clean the strip or channel; avoid harsh chemicals that may degrade the silicone coating.
• Replacement: If a section fails, cut and replace it, resealing with waterproof connectors to maintain IP67/IP68 integrity.

Why Follow These Best Practices?

• Durability: Proper sealing and channel use ensure the strip withstands outdoor elements, maintaining its 50,000+ hour lifespan.
• Safety: Correct wiring and waterproofing prevent electrical hazards in wet environments.
• Aesthetics: Aluminum channels and even mounting create a professional look for applications like building facades or event venues.
• Performance: Consistent power delivery and heat management ensure bright, seamless illumination across long runs.

By adhering to these best practices, you can ensure a safe, durable, and visually appealing installation of your outdoor COB LED strips.