I Replaced All My Outdoor Lighting with Cheap Smart LED Strips — Here Are 5 Surprises

Published on 07 February 2026 CNET

Summary

Upgrading your patio with affordable, waterproof smart LEDs transforms outdoor spaces, offering enhanced lighting and functionality. The article explores the benefits of these innovative solutions, moving beyond traditional solar-powered options for a modern, stylish ambiance.

Read Original Article

Key Insights

What IP rating is required for outdoor LED strip lights?

Outdoor LED strip lights require an IP65 or higher rating to ensure they are waterproof and protected against dust and water jets, suitable for exposure to weather elements.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

What is voltage drop in LED strips and how to prevent it for long outdoor runs?

Voltage drop occurs when LED strips are too long, causing dimmer lights at the end due to power loss over distance; prevent it by using shorter runs, higher voltage strips, amplifiers, or wiring multiple segments in parallel back to the power supply.

Sources: [1], [2]