SMD2835 8mm 120LED Silicone 10x10mm DC12/24V IP68

IP68 Fully Waterproof COB LED Strip

This is the fully waterproof version of our popular COB strip, completely encapsulated in UV-resistant silicone for outdoor, wet-area, and underwater applications. Rated for continuous water immersion and harsh weather conditions. Low-voltage silicone strip safe for underwater use.

This flexible silicone strip is ideal for:

• Garden pathways, pool surrounds, landscape feature lighting, and outdoor decorative use
• Building facades, architectural exterior highlights, and outdoor commercial spaces
• Aluminum profile installations, ceiling details, and architectural feature lighting
• Commercial cove lighting, office ambient lighting, and general business environments

What Makes Flexible Silicone Strips Different

Traditional waterproof LED strips either use a thin silicone coating on top (IP65, splash-resistant only) or are stuffed inside a plastic tube (IP67, bulky and rigid). Both approaches have limitations for demanding outdoor and wet-area applications.

Flexible silicone strips solve these problems by encapsulating the entire PCB and LEDs in a solid silicone housing during manufacturing. The result is a product that combines the best features of both approaches:

Feature	IP65 Coated	IP67 Tube	IP68 Silicone (this)
Waterproof level	Splash only	Submersible	Continuous immersion
Thickness	~3mm	~12mm	10mm square
Flexibility	Flexible	Rigid	Flexible
Underwater use	❌	✅	✅
Cut and reseal	Easy	Difficult	Easy with connectors
UV resistance	Poor	Poor	Excellent
Field repair	Moderate	Hard	Easy (solderless)
Appearance	Standard LED strip	Glowing tube	Soft uniform glow

This product category is specifically designed for long-term outdoor and wet installations where other strip types would fail within months or years.

DC Low Voltage Operation — Safer for Underwater Use

This version operates on DC12V/24V low voltage, making it the preferred choice for:

• Swimming pool lighting — low voltage is required by most electrical codes
• Fountain and water feature lighting — safe around water
• Accessible outdoor installations — reduces shock risk
• Smart home integration — compatible with DC dimmers and controllers
• Solar-powered systems — works with 12V/24V battery banks

For swimming pool and fountain installations, always use DC low voltage (12V or 24V) with proper GFCI/RCD circuit protection. This is a legal requirement in most jurisdictions and provides essential safety.

Voltage selection:

• DC12V — Better for shorter runs, automotive/marine, existing 12V systems
• DC24V — Recommended for runs over 3 meters (less voltage drop, thinner cables)

Solderless Design — Field Installation Without Tools

Traditional waterproof LED strips require soldering for field connections. This is:

• Time-consuming (10-15 minutes per connection)
• Requires skilled labor (soldering iron, flux, heat-shrink)
• Difficult to seal properly (risk of water ingress)
• Impossible to repair in the field

This strip uses solderless snap connectors that simply clip onto the PCB pads inside the silicone housing. Benefits:

• Fast installation — 30 seconds per connection
• No special tools — just a pair of scissors
• Reliable waterproof seal — IP68 connectors included
• Field-reparable — replace sections without starting over
• Reusable — disconnect and reconnect for modifications

This dramatically reduces installation time and labor cost on large projects. For a 100-meter installation with 20 connection points, solderless design saves approximately 4-5 hours of labor compared to traditional soldered strips.

The 10×10mm Silicone Profile

The 10mm × 10mm square cross-section is chosen for several practical reasons:

Thermal performance: The larger profile provides more silicone mass to dissipate LED heat, extending lifespan in enclosed mounting situations and hot environments.

Physical durability: Thicker silicone resists impact damage, bird pecks, and accidental contact. Thin IP65 strips can tear or puncture easily.

Light distribution: The square profile diffuses light more uniformly than flat strips, producing a soft glow that’s pleasing to the eye and reduces hot spots.

Mounting options: The square shape is easier to grip in mounting clips, more stable on curved surfaces, and easier to align in tracks.

UV resistance: Thicker silicone ages more slowly under UV exposure compared to thin coatings, maintaining its color and clarity for 5+ years of outdoor use.

Typical Applications

Pool and water feature lighting:

• Swimming pool perimeter
• Fountain accent lighting
• Waterfall edge lighting
• Pond and garden water features
• Spa and jacuzzi surround lighting

Outdoor architectural:

• Building facade outlines
• Balcony and terrace edges
• Exterior step and handrail lighting
• Garden pathway borders
• Parking garage markers

Commercial wet areas:

• Hotel bathroom decorative lighting
• Spa and wellness center ambient
• Restaurant outdoor patios
• Kitchen food prep areas
• Car wash and detail shop ambient

Industrial and specialty:

• Marine and boat deck lighting
• Coastal properties with salt air exposure
• Food processing areas (food-grade silicone)
• Greenhouse grow light supplements
• Emergency exit path marking

UV-Resistant Silicone for Long Outdoor Life

Cheap silicone strips often use standard silicone that yellows and cracks under direct sunlight within 1-2 years. We use UV-stabilized food-grade silicone specifically formulated for outdoor durability:

• 5+ year UV resistance under direct Middle East sunlight
• Temperature range -30°C to +50°C — works in polar winters and desert summers
• No yellowing — maintains clear or milky appearance over years
• Flexibility retention — doesn’t become brittle or crack with age
• Food-grade safety — safe for use in food preparation areas

For premium installations in harsh climates (Middle East, tropical regions, coastal areas), the UV-resistant silicone is essential for long-term reliability.

Installation Requirements

Mounting:

• Use silicone-compatible mounting clips every 200-300mm
• Do not use metal clips that could damage the silicone
• Avoid over-tightening — allow for thermal expansion
• On curved surfaces, use flexible clips that conform to the curve

Cutting and connection:

• Cut only at marked points with sharp scissors
• After cutting, use IP68 end caps to seal the open end
• Use solderless snap connectors (included) for field connections
• Test each section before final installation

Underwater installation (DC versions only):

• Install GFCI/RCD protection on the power supply circuit
• Use waterproof junction boxes for any connections
• Follow local pool electrical codes — varies by country
• Consider consulting a licensed electrician for pool projects

Maintenance and Longevity

With proper installation, this strip requires minimal maintenance:

• Annual visual inspection — check for physical damage or discoloration
• Clean silicone surface with mild soap and water if dirty
• Inspect connections at power feed points annually
• Replace damaged sections — solderless design allows individual segment replacement
• UV exposure will cause very gradual yellowing after 5+ years (normal aging)

Expected lifespan in typical outdoor installations:

• 10+ years in moderate climates
• 5-7 years in harsh environments (Middle East, coastal)
• 50,000+ hours of actual light output before L70 (30% brightness loss)

Packaging and Shipping

• Reel length: 100M per reel
• Master carton: 100 meters per carton
• Included accessories: end caps, mounting clips, solderless connectors
• Container capacity: approximately 40,000 meters per 20ft container (heavier than standard strips due to silicone)
• Robust packaging protects silicone profile during transit