Can you put LED strip lights in bathroom? Why, yes, you can. You can enjoy the remarkable aesthetics they offer in any space, including the bathroom.
Still, you may doubt how safe LED strips are in the bathroom area, considering it’s damp.
So, can you install these lights in the bathroom without killing yourself?
Also, are there LED lights designed specifically for bathroom use?
If so, how do you choose the right ones? Read on to learn the answers to all these questions and more.
Are LED Light Strips Safe in the Bathroom?
While you might find it hard to believe, LED strip lights are safe to use in the bathroom for the following reasons:
IP Protection
Now LED strip lights have different IP ratings. And when it comes to LED strip lights for bathroom use, you can use those with an IP of 65 and above.
Such lights are semi-waterproof. And although they won’t work if you soak them in water, they will survive the splashes akin to the bathroom.
Low Voltage
Undoubtedly, LED strip lights are energy efficient, requiring minimal energy (volts) to keep them in operation.
They use 50% less energy compared to traditional fluorescent bulbs. They produce fewer waste lights.
Minimal Heat
Because they’re energy-efficient, LED lights emit less heat. Thus, they don’t tend to overheat.
For this reason, they last longer and don’t require regular replacement as incandescent bulbs do.
They can last up to 12 years, even 15 and above, under the right conditions.
Understanding IP Rating in LED Lights
IP (ingress protection) is how safe the LED light is from elements like dust particles and other solid objects and ingress from water or dampness.
The first digit refers to protection from objects, with different numbers ranging from 0 to 6 representing different objects.
Then, the second number represents how safe the lights are from ingress from water.
And unlike the first digit, this one consists of the numbers 0 to 8.
In both digits, the higher the number, the higher the level of protection.
For example, the IP code IP20 means the lights are safe from dust but completely vulnerable to damage from water.
Thus, you can’t use such lights in the bathroom.
In contrast, LED lights rated IP65 or IP66 can withstand jets of water from multiple directions, making them suitable for the bathroom and shower.
Why Use LED Lighting in the Bathroom?
Here’s why you want to use LED lighting in the bathroom:
They Have Design Flexibility
Their small size means you can fit them anywhere and in any corner or edge for creative design ideas.
For example, you can install them in drawers, mirrors, and other bathroom accessories.
Also, their design allows you to string them into any pattern you want.
Caption: LED strip lights in mirrors
They’re Not Prone to Overheating
Interestingly, LED strip lights use different mechanisms than incandescent bulbs, that result in almost no heat generated.
In turn, it contributes to the bulbs’ longer lifespan.
They’re Efficient
Interestingly, What’s remarkable about LED strip lights is the minimal energy they use up to convert to light and emit little heat.
As mentioned, they’re 50% more efficient than fluorescent bulbs and a whopping 85% more than incandescent bulbs.
Thus, they save you significant money you would otherwise spend replacing them.
They’re Safe
As we’ve seen, LED lights are safer than other types of light.
For one, they don’t overheat, so they will not harm your kids if installed in areas they can access.
Secondly, they operate at a lower voltage, which means fewer risks.
They’re Environmentally Friendly
See, the lights are nontoxic to both the user and the environment. See, because of their longevity; it lowers greenhouse gas emissions.
Additionally, they have less carbon emissions, and due to their long lifespan, it’s not necessary to produce a constant flow of lights.
They Allow Dimmer Switches
LED lights allow you to use dimmer switches and regulate their brightness.
See, manufacturers designed these lights to accommodate this unique technology.
With the dimmer switch, you can adjust the lights to your desired preferences.
Caption: Dimmer switch
They Have Quality Visibility and Color Options
See, LED strip lights emit clear and bright light that is manageable to your eyes.
Thus, they make your bathroom comfortable and accessible.
Additionally, they come in multiple color options to choose from.
In turn, it creates a beautiful and unique sense of style.
Factors to Consider When Choosing LED Strip Lights for Bathroom
The following are factors to keep in mind when choosing LED strip lights for the bathroom:
Level of Water-Resistance
Manufacturers design LED strip lights that are specifically meant for bathroom use.
These work well in damp and humid spaces and can also withstand ingress from water.
Therefore, you can rest assured that they will survive the damp condition in your bathroom but water jets, thanks to their high IP rating.
Brightness
What’s great about LED lights is they allow you to vary their brightness and color.
LED manufacturers design them to provide a brightness that’s safe and healthy.
Also, they allow you to vary brightness using a dimmer wish or remote control to fit your preference. Apart from brightness, you can adjust the colors too.
Caption: LED light remote control
How to Install LED Lights in the Bathroom
Follow these five steps to install LED strip lights in your bathroom:
- First, cut your channel at the length you require. You can use a marker pen or any other marking tool to indicate the place to cut after measuring.
- Second, carefully install the LED strip into the recessed channel. Just ensure you don’t damage the diodes.
- Next, route out a groove in your ceiling and fit the lights. Here, consider using silicone for a more secure fit.
- After that, install the channels and wire up to the driver. You can add an MI light receiver to allow dimming during different parts of the day. Also, you can resolve to add a Wi-Fi app to control the lights from your smartphone.
- Lastly, switch on the LED strip lights to check if they work perfectly.
FAQs
Can LED Light Strips Get Wet?
See, LED lights have varying levels of protection from water and solid objects, including dust. For example, IP20, which is the least, lacks water protection.
Therefore, such lights can’t withstand dampness, and using them in areas like the bathroom can be catastrophic.
On the other hand, high levels of protection, such as in IP65 and above, provide adequate water protection.
Is It Safe to Leave LED Strip Lights On All the Time?
Yes, LED strip lights can stay on. See, these lights have high levels of energy efficiency, converting nearly all energy to light so that none goes to waste.
Also, they don’t overheat and, therefore, last longer.
Further, LED lights have dimmable systems with which you can regulate brightness.
Conclusion
So, can you put LED strip lights in the bathroom? Now you know you can and that it’s safe to do so.
As we’ve seen, LED lights with an IP rating of at least 65 are safe to install in the bathroom.
Your bathroom requirements are what will determine if you’re better off with an IP rating that’s higher than IP65.
Otherwise, simply follow the installation steps outlined above and enjoy comfortable and stylish bathroom lighting.