Short answer: For LED strip in a bathroom or kitchen, IP65 is the rating to look for in most places. IP65 is dust tight and protected against water jets, so it copes with splashes, steam and shower spray. IP67 adds protection against temporary immersion, which only matters where the strip could sit in water, such as inside a bath or shower (zone 0). Sensio does not sell IP67 strip. Our IP65 strip is suitable for bathroom zones 1 and 2, provided the connections are sealed and the driver is fitted outside zone 1.
IP65 and IP67 both mean an LED strip is sealed against dust and water, but they are tested against different things. This guide explains what the numbers mean, where each rating fits in a bathroom or kitchen, and why the connections and driver matter as much as the strip itself. Whichever strip you choose, mains wiring must be done by a qualified electrician.
What IP ratings mean
IP stands for Ingress Protection. The rating comes from the international standard IEC 60529 and has two digits:
- The first digit is protection against solid objects, such as fingers, tools and dust. A 6 means dust tight.
- The second digit is protection against water. The higher the number, the more water it is tested against. A 5 means protected against water jets, and a 7 means protected against temporary immersion.
A standard indoor strip is IP20, which keeps out fingers but gives no protection against water. For the lower ratings used on bathroom light fittings, see our guide to IP44 vs IP65 bathroom lights. For every common rating in one table, from IP20 to IP67, see IP ratings explained.
IP65 vs IP67 at a glance
| IP65 | IP67 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dust (first digit) | 6: dust tight | 6: dust tight |
| Water (second digit) | 5: protected against water jets from any direction | 7: protected against temporary immersion (tested at up to 1m for 30 minutes) |
| Good for | Splashes, steam, shower spray and wiping down | Places where the strip could end up under water for a short time |
| Bathroom zones | Zones 1 and 2, with sealed connections and the driver outside zone 1 | Zone 0 also needs low voltage (12V max) |
| Sold by Sensio | Yes, Polar X IP65 | No |
Bathroom zones and LED strip
UK wiring regulations divide a bathroom into zones around the bath, shower and basin. Each zone sets a minimum IP rating:
- Zone 0 is inside the bath, shower or wet room area. It needs at least IP67 and low voltage (12V max). Sensio does not sell IP67 strip, so none of our strip is suitable for zone 0.
- Zone 1 is up to 2.25m above the bath or shower. It needs at least IP44.
- Zone 2 is the 0.6m band outside a bath, shower, sink or water outlet. It also needs at least IP44.
IP65 is above the IP44 minimum for zones 1 and 2, and the extra protection against water jets makes sense where shower spray can reach the strip. Our Polar X IP65 strip is suitable for bathroom zones 1 and 2, provided the connections are sealed and the driver is fitted outside zone 1 (zone 2 or beyond, for example the Titan IP44 driver). Our bathroom zones and IP ratings guide covers each zone in more detail.
LED strip in kitchens
Kitchens are less demanding than bathrooms, but splashes, steam and regular cleaning still matter.
- Under wall cabinets: the strip sits out of the way of direct water. A standard strip in an aluminium profile with a diffuser is the usual choice, and the profile helps keep dust and grease off the LEDs.
- Splashbacks and near the sink: where the strip could be splashed or wiped down often, an IP65 strip gives extra protection. Keep the connections and the driver away from the wet area.
There is rarely a need for IP67 in a kitchen, because nothing should be sitting in water. For help choosing a strip for cabinets and plinths, see which LED strip is best for a kitchen.
Sealed connections and driver placement
An IP rating only holds if the whole run stays sealed. The weak points are the cut ends, the joins and the driver.
- Cut ends: Polar X IP65 is free cut. If you cut it, reseal the cut end or fit an end cap to keep the IP65 rating.
- Connections: Polar X IP65 comes with pre-soldered 2.5m driver connection cables at each end, with an IP65 bathroom safe connector. Any other joins in a bathroom must be sealed too.
- Driver: fit the driver outside zone 1. The Titan IP44 Bathroom LED Driver can go in zone 2. It must not go in zone 0 or zone 1.
Bathroom electrical work, including the mains wiring to the driver, must be carried out by a qualified electrician.
Sensio's IP65 LED strip options
Polar X IP65 is our dedicated waterproof strip, and the one in our IP65 waterproof LED strip lights range:
- Free-cut COB strip in natural white (4000K)
- 24V, 6 W/m, 600 lumens per metre
- Pre-soldered 2.5m cables at each end with an IP65 connector
- Suitable for bathroom zones 1 and 2, provided the connections are sealed and the driver is fitted outside zone 1
Radiant X (warm, natural or cool white) and Radiant Pro (adjustable white, CCT) are also listed as IP65 in their specifications. The same rules apply: fit end caps after cutting, seal the connections and keep the driver outside zone 1.
To size the driver, multiply the watts per metre by the length. For example, 4m of Polar X IP65 at 6 W/m is 24W, which suits a 30W driver. Our LED strip calculator works it out for you.
Frequently asked questions
Is IP65 LED strip waterproof?
It is dust tight and protected against water jets from any direction, so it handles splashes, steam and shower spray. It is not tested for being under water. That is what IP67 is tested for.
Do I need IP67 LED strip in a bathroom?
Only for zone 0, inside the bath or shower, which also needs low voltage (12V max). Sensio does not sell IP67 strip. For zones 1 and 2, IP44 is the minimum, and IP65 adds protection against water jets.
Can I put IP65 LED strip above a bath or shower?
Our IP65 strip is suitable for bathroom zones 1 and 2, which includes the area up to 2.25m above a bath or shower, provided the connections are sealed and the driver is fitted outside zone 1. It must not go in zone 0.
What IP rating do I need for kitchen LED strip?
Under wall cabinets, away from water, a standard strip in a profile is the usual choice. Near a sink or on a splashback that gets wiped down, choose IP65.
Does cutting IP65 strip affect the rating?
It can. Reseal the cut end or fit an end cap to keep the IP65 rating.
Where should the LED driver go in a bathroom?
Outside zone 1. The Titan IP44 driver can go in zone 2. It must not go in zone 0 or zone 1.
Who should install LED strip in a bathroom?
Bathroom electrical work, including mains wiring, must be carried out by a qualified electrician.
Planning a bathroom or kitchen strip run? Contact our technical team and they will help you choose the right strip and driver.
