LED Neon Flex: IP Ratings Explained.

Since stocking our range of LED Neon Flex, we've noticed its popularity continue to grow, especially within the entertainment industry, where we've seen it being used on film sets and trade shows. This is a product that we're very proud of but it's also one that we're learning a lot about. 

 

When we initially began stocking Neon Flex, we listed it as IP68, which means that technically it's suitable for underwater usage. This is still the case, but we've realised that an awful lot of care must be taken with it, and so we've changed our product listings to cover ratings of IP65-IP68. The reason for this change stems from the fact that environments are different from job to job; conditions change and things can be unpredictable.

 

While our IP65-IP68 Neon Flex can withstand a lot of pressure from the elements, we must excise caution when it comes to planning underwater installations. This is due to the way in which end caps must be handled, in addition to how cuts are made and maintained for IP. While issues shouldn't arise for short-term installations, we do suggest that for long-term/permanent displays you contact us for additional advice. We are able to create customised lengths, with end caps and connector cables, which are machine-assembled, making them the most reliable option if you have a very important job and don't have a qualified installer on board who has considerable knowledge about how they work. These customised lengths will have different materials from what we typically sell online, with specially insulated end caps and internal FCB, none of which is possible to achieve with standard D.I.Y. jobs. Custom jobs will be dependant on the size of the installation and decided on a case by case basis (small installations may not be achievable). Note: Any customised lengths will adhere to the original specifications of the customer and it will not be possible to make any additional cuts after they've been manufactured. Custom orders will have extended lead times and are non-returnable, unless a fault is found. 

 

 We do believe that honesty is the best policy, which is why we've thought about this for some time and want our customers to know about the pros and potential cons of using Neon Flex for underwater usage. If you are very confident with the product and feel that you can work around some of its idiosyncrasies, then you can go ahead and install as you wish, but even so, we wouldn't know with 100% certainty how long the D.I.Y. flex will withstand being underwater.