With summer just around the corner, our minds are turning to outdoor entertaining on the deck, sprucing up the garden, and maybe even tackling that bathroom reno. In all these projects, there's a common challenge: how do you add stylish mood lighting to areas that are likely to get wet?

The answer is simple: waterproof LED strip lights. These versatile, durable strips are an absolute game-changer, allowing you to add a brilliant, modern glow to places you never thought possible. But not all "waterproof" strips are created equal.

What Makes an LED Strip 'Waterproof'? It's All in the IP Rating

When you're shopping for any kind of outdoor or wet-area lighting, you'll see a code that looks like 'IP65'. This isn't just jargon; it's the most important thing to look for.

The IP (Ingress Protection) rating is a standard that tells you exactly how well a product is protected against solids (like dust) and liquids (water). It's made up of two numbers. The second number is the one we care about for waterproofing—the higher the number, the better the water protection.

IP65: The 'Splash-Proof' All-Rounder

An IP65 rating means the LED strip is protected against jets of water from any direction. It’s typically encased in a splash-proof silicone or plastic coating.

• Perfect for: Under kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities (away from direct shower spray), covered patios, pergolas, and around the barbie area. It can handle splashes and rain, but it's not designed to be submerged.

IP67/IP68: The 'Fully Submersible' Heavyweights

These are the top dogs of waterproofing. An IP67 or IP68 rating means the LED strip can be fully submerged in water for a period of time. They are usually encased in a thick, fully-sealed silicone tube.

• Perfect for: Around pools and spas, inside water features or ponds, along garden paths that might get flooded, in shower niches, or on boats. If there's a chance the strip will sit in water, you need IP67 or higher.

Ripper Ideas for Your Waterproof LED Strips

• Tuck them under the handrail of your deck for a stunning, 'floating' effect at night.
• Line the inside of a garden retaining wall to highlight the landscaping.
• Run a strip under the awning of your caravan or the gunwale of your boat.
• Create a hotel-style vibe with subtle, waterproof lighting in a bathroom shower niche or under a floating vanity.

Installation: DIY vs. Calling in a Professional

This is a crucial point for safety.

If you're using a low-voltage (12V) waterproof LED strip light kit that comes with its own transformer and plugs into a standard power point, it's generally a safe and easy DIY job.

However, for any permanent, hardwired installation that connects directly to your home’s 240V mains power, you must use a licensed electrician. This is a legal requirement in Australia. A qualified professional will ensure all connections are properly waterproofed and compliant, which is absolutely critical for any outdoor or wet-area wiring.

A durable outdoor lighting setup is only as good as the quality of the products you use. For those serious, permanent installations, you need gear that's built to last in tough Aussie conditions. Schnap Electric Products supplies a huge range of high-quality, professional-grade waterproof LED strip lights and all the essential weatherproof components a qualified professional needs to ensure a safe, durable, and fully compliant installation. When you want your outdoor lighting to withstand the elements and look brilliant for years, starting with trade-quality gear from a trusted supplier like Schnap Electric is the only way to go.