Last Updated on 2 days by Lina Wu
Outdoor LED neon flex lights are increasingly popular in commercial lighting and architectural projects. Their ability to deliver smooth, uniform light makes them ideal for façades, pathways, and landscape accents. But one factor is non-negotiable: waterproofing. Without proper protection, rain, humidity, or even standing water can sneak in, leading to shorts, failures, and costly replacements. A well-designed waterproof system not only ensures safety but also extends product life and reduces maintenance. To keep neon flex performing reliably through all weather, understanding waterproof ratings is key.
Understanding Waterproof Ratings
The IP (Ingress Protection) rating consists of two digits: the first refers to dust protection, the second to water protection. For outdoor LED neon flex lights,, we focus mainly on the second digit. Common levels include IP65, IP67, IP68, and IP69.
IP65 – Rain and splash proof: Blocks dust and resists low-pressure jets or heavy rain from any direction. Suitable for general outdoor use, such as under awnings or semi-outdoor areas that only see occasional rain. Not designed for immersion.
IP67 – “Short-term immersion”: Fully dust-tight and able to withstand temporary submersion (up to about 1 m depth for 30 minutes). A good fit for outdoor areas where water exposure is more likely, such as open corridors, gardens, or lighting around fountains.
IP68 – “Long-term immersion”: Designed for continuous use under water at defined depths (beyond 1 m, as specified by the manufacturer). However, IP68 only certifies the housing is watertight—it does not guarantee electrical safety in “touchable water” environments such as pools or fountains. In North America, only luminaires certified to UL 676 are accepted by NEC/NFPA 70 for use in swimming pools or similar applications.
IP69 – High-pressure, high-temperature washdown: Can withstand 80–100 bar high-pressure jets of water at 80 °C from any angle. Typically used in environments that require regular pressure washing or steam cleaning, such as car washes, food processing plants, pharmaceutical facilities, or heavy industry.
Common Waterproofing Pitfalls
Water ingress through power cables: If power cables are not installed with drip loops or sealed properly, rainwater can run along the wire and “wick” into the light. Cable glands or waterproof grommets should be used where wires enter enclosures, and outdoor power supplies should be IP67 rated or higher, housed in protective enclosures.
Overreliance on waterproof tape: Most waterproof tapes are not certified to IP or UL 676 standards. They only create a surface seal and cannot resist long-term water pressure. In buried, submerged, or constantly wet environments, tape alone will not maintain IP67/IP68 protection. At best, it can serve as a temporary or supplementary fix. For long-term reliability, projects should use integrated sealing structures, compliant connectors, and proper installation practices.
CLEAR’s Waterproofing Solutions
ClearTech™: Insulfit™ (Onsite Assembly Connectors)
Cutting LED flex lightonsite is common—but sealing cut ends reliably is challenging. Simple fixes often fail outdoors, as rain, humidity, and even vibrations can find their way in.
Insulfit™ solves this at the source. Using a precision mechanical latch, a custom silicone gasket, and sealing grease, it compresses evenly to fill every micro-gap. With a single lock, it creates a tight, airtight seal without messy glue or repeated rework.
Since its launch in 2014, Insulfit™ has undergone four generations of upgrades, continually improving sealing reliability and installation ease. Certified to IP67, it has proven its durability against years of weather and vibration.
Factory-Assembly Silicone Injection Moulded Connectors
CLEAR adopts integrated silicone injection moulding for connectors, fusing them seamlessly with the light body. This eliminates weak points and boosts both waterproofing and mechanical strength. These products are certified to IP68, providing reliable protection against rain, dust, and short-term immersion.
For long-term underwater applications, CLEAR also offers lights designed specifically for permanent submersion. In challenging water environments, PVC dual or silicone overmolded connectors with UL 676 certification are perfect for pools, fountains, and fish ponds. They keep the lights safe and reliable even under constant immersion and water flow.
ClearTech™: DryWire™ for Cable Waterproofing
In damp environments, wires can act like capillary tubes, drawing water into fixtures and causing shorts. DryWire™ tech fundamentally blocks the pathway for moisture ingress.
Introduced in 2015 and now in its fifth generation, DryWire has seen continuous improvements in sealing reliability and ease of installation, ensuring fixtures remain protected even in the harshest outdoor conditions.
Summary
With over a decade of experience in water-related lighting, CLEAR has developed solutions that thrive in challenging environments. From saunas and hot springs to swimming pools, CLEAR’s neon flex systems have been proven across countless pool projects.
We provide complete solutions—from neon flex selection and power distribution to accessories and underwater installation training. Deployed in resort pools, fountains, private villas, and upscale residential complexes, these systems consistently deliver stable, long-lasting performance.
If you’re planning a water-related lighting project, get in touch with CLEAR for expert guidance and support.
