Outdoor LED Strip Lights: Wet Location Linear LED Installation Guide
IP65 LED strip lights share many installation basics with indoor linear lighting, including strong 3M adhesive backing for clean, flat surfaces and a flexible design that can be bent vertically. For more information on IP20 LED strip light setup, check out our general LED strip installation guide.
However, because outdoor LED strip lights are exposed to the elements, installation requires more attention to detail, like placement, connections, and moisture protection. We also recommend working with a qualified electrician to help ensure a safe installation and avoid potential hazards.
With a little extra planning and by following this guide, you can handle the additional considerations that come with installing your wet-location LED tape light.
IP65 LED Strip Setup Instructions
Follow the steps below to plan your outdoor LED strip light installation and achieve a clean, professional finish. From choosing the right mounting surface to positioning your power supply and dimmer, these tips will help you get the most from your lighting project.
Remember: This applies only to our standard IP65 LED tape lights. For other water-resistant LED lights, see our guides for Lucid™ Neon LED Strip Lights and UltraBright™ Valor IP67 Series.
1. Check Your Components
On a clean surface, gently unroll the LED strip lights from the plastic reel and lay out all components. Make sure you have everything you need to complete your installation.
Double-check that your power supply matches the voltage of your LED strips and can handle the full LED load.
For longer runs of LED strips, keep the strip’s maximum run length in mind. If you need a longer run than the maximum, you may need to install the strips in parallel from the power source.
- IP65 LED Strip
- Wireless controller and remote
- Power Supply
Complete Your Setup with These Included Accessories. Most of our IP65-rated LED strip lights come with additional accessories. These usually include extra male and female DC coaxial connectors, which you can use to connect your strip lights to a controller or power supply.
2. Test Your Setup First
Before cutting your strip or peeling off its adhesive backing, complete a mock installation to test and turn on your lights. Connect your LEDs to your power supply and controller.
Note: In this example, we are using a Leona® Pro Smart Home Controller and Remote.
3. Troubleshoot If Needed
The strip should light up after connecting it to your controller and power supply. If it doesn’t, check your connections and make sure the polarity matches from the power supply through to the LED strip. The strip has markings (+ and - symbols) to indicate polarity.
For RGB color-changing LED strips, make sure each connection matches the corresponding marking on the strip—for example, positive (+) to positive (+), red (R) to red (R), green (G) to green (G), blue (B) to blue (B), warm white to yellow (WW), and cool white to white (CW).
4. Confirm Your Lighting Specs
Verify that the chosen brightness and color or color temperature match your needs.
5. Turn the Power Off at the Circuit Breaker
Turn off the power to the LED strip light and power supply. Then, disconnect the strip from the power supply or controller.
6. Cut the LED Strip Light to the Required Length
If you need to cut your LED strip light, measure the required length and cut along the indicated cut marks with sharp scissors. Make sure to cut on the copper pads, not on the solder joints.
Cut the LED strip only at the designated cutting marks. Do not remove or cut away any of the silicone jacket unless the lights’ installation instructions specifically require it (see below). Make sure the silicone sleeve extends to the end of the strip and fully covers the solder pads.
Note: Cutting outdoor-rated strips will void their IP rating, as any modifications cannot guarantee the integrity of the ingress protection.
Special Cases for Solderless Grip Connectors
When installing solderless connectors with the following LED strip lights, you will need extra copper pad space:
- Outdoor Architectural™ IP65 Tunable White Series
- Outdoor Accent™ IP65 Tunable White Series
- Outdoor Sienna™ IP65 Dim-to-Warm Series
- Outdoor RGB 600 IP65 Series
Cut both solder pads so the strip section has enough surface area to fit securely into the connector head.
7. Make Sure Polarities Match Throughout the Setup
When attaching wires or connecting separate segments of the LED strip, whether by soldering or using connectors, always ensure the polarity—and, in RGB models, colors—match from one strip to the next (as outlined in step 3).
8. Connect Your LED Strip
Seal all ends with neutral-cure silicone sealant and the appropriate end cap to help prevent moisture damage.
Soldering is the ideal way to connect your lights because it creates a permanent, secure connection while requiring minimal extra space. However, we understand that not everyone wants to or feels comfortable soldering. That’s why we offer solderless connectors for most of our outdoor LED strips.
Both methods offer reliable ways to connect your lights, so you can choose the option that works best for your project:
Method 1: Soldering Wire to Your LED Strip
Push the silicone jacket back to access the solder pads. Take an end cap with wire holes and slide it onto the wire. Then, solder the wire to the solder pads on the strip. Test the connection to make sure everything is working properly.
Method 2: Using IP65 Grip Solderless Connectors
Before attaching connectors, check that they're compatible with your LED strip. Keep in mind that IP65 grip solderless connectors aren’t compatible with all strip lights.
Push back the silicone jacket to expose the solder pads and connect them according to our solderless connector installation guide.
Note: When installing solderless connectors with certain outdoor LED strips, the installation instructions may differ. Always check the manufacturer’s spec sheet.
9. Seal & Waterproof Your Connections
Fill the appropriate end cap with silicone sealant and slide it onto the end of the strip, ensuring the sealant fully surrounds the end of the strip.
For end caps with wire holes, make sure the wire passes through the opening before sliding the cap into place. For end caps without wire holes, use the cap to fully enclose the end of the strip.
Wipe away any excess sealant, then allow it to cure according to the sealant’s instructions.
10. Retest Your Setup
Test the strip again to make sure it lights up and is functioning properly before the final installation. Once you have verified all segments are working, you’re ready to install them.
11. Prepare Your Surface for Installation
Thoroughly clean any surface where you will be attaching your LED strip lights. The adhesive backing is strong, but it will not stick to dirty, porous, dusty, wet, flaking, or textured surfaces.
12. Attach the LED Strip Light
Peel the cover of the 3M adhesive backing a few inches at a time while gently pressing the strip against the installation surface. Make sure the strip is firmly attached to the surface.
Use the mounting brackets for a permanent installation, and use appropriate screws based on the surface material where the lights will be installed.
We recommend using one mounting bracket every foot.
13. Complete All Connections
Complete the connections and wiring between your power supply, dimmers, controllers, or connectors.
14. Enjoy Your Lights!
Turn the power back on at the circuit breaker and enjoy the glow!
UL Requirements for Your Installation
Our LED strip lights are UL-listed for use in the USA and Canada and meet established safety and quality standards. To help ensure your installation meets UL requirements, use our Power Calculator DIY tool and follow these guidelines:
- Use a Class 2 power supply with each run of LED strip lights.
- Keep each series installation at or below 100W.
Warranty
We’ve got you covered with industry-leading warranty protection!
We use high-quality components in our LED strip lights, drivers, controllers, and accessories, and our warranties are designed to support long-lasting performance under everyday use.
Most of our LED strip lighting products are backed by an industry-leading 15-year warranty, with extended coverage also available for drivers, controllers, dimmers, and accessories. See our warranty policy for specific coverage periods, terms, and exceptions.
Safety & Disclosures
- To meet UL requirements, only install with a Class 2 DC Constant Voltage LED driver.
- Do not turn on your LED strip while still on the plastic reel. Doing so will cause heat buildup that can damage the LEDs.
- Installation must comply with local and national electrical code regulations. A qualified, licensed electrician should install your strips for safety and proper installation.
- Do not connect the DC strip directly to an AC wall outlet.
- Do not twist, fold, or crease the LED strip.
- Do not bend LED strips horizontally (sideways). They are only intended to bend vertically.
- Do not place excessive pressure on the LED surface.
- Pay attention to the input voltage of the LED strip light and never exceed it, not even briefly.
- Only cut the LED strips on the designated cut markings.
- Do not submerge your IP65 strips in water.
- Don’t use aluminum channels in applications where moisture can accumulate, as this could eventually cause the LED strips to become submerged.
- Do not install LED strip lights within 5 ft horizontally or 12 ft vertically of a pool, spa, or fountain.
Need Help Finishing the Job?
We’ve covered the basics. But if something’s not quite adding up, you have questions, or your setup looks a little different, we're here to help!
If you need another solution or you’re complementing your IP65 strips with other products we carry, explore our other installation guides for additional tips and instructions.