6803 Pixel strip waterproofing - can it be done

[AussiePhil]

Well the answer is a very definite maybe.

The cost effective nature of the silicone sealing leaves a little to be desired and opens the door to quite a few DIY options to make these usable and this video may help both in the decision to use them and how you can seal them up.

The primary concern is water running down the wiring and seeping into the electronics, water being water will get through the slightest gap and the wiring offers a great opening.

Have a look at the video then if you have questions please feel free to post.

The RGB Pixels that MPH/JEC are doing have a different sealant around the electronics using an epoxy that adheres to the wiring outer cover that effectively blocks any water getting in.

6803 Pixel strip waterproofing

Cheers
Phil

 

[mrpackethead]

best you check that cable for UV resistance.. Looks like the stuff i've used in the past, and int he sun it won't last much mroe than a month, before going brittle. Also our cable is not PVC..

 

[AussiePhil]

Also our cable is not PVC..

fixed

 

[mrpackethead]

PVC generally is quite unstable in UV light, and that really is a big problem.. If you want these to last in the sunlight, then you'll need somethign else.. We use a synthetic rubber material, its black cause its got lots of carbon in it, which is the thing that makes it stable under UV apparently.. Its also why tires are black apparently..

 

[dmoore]

I wonder if these orginally were intended for outdoors use?

 

[AussiePhil]

I wonder if these orginally were intended for outdoors use?

Considering the original purpose is outdoor LED signs i would say sort of. The front (led end) is no doubt meant to be in the weather, the back would likely be normally sheltered or enclosed.

We are using them slightly outside their expected use, but hey thats the fun of DIY

Phil

 

[Tabor]

According to the spec for the Pixels they are IP68, found on Rays store.

http://www.aliexpress.com/fm-store/701799/209889132-314086573/3-chip-RGB-full-color-through-hole-led-channel-letter-6803IC-pixed-controlled-DC5V-input-waterproof.html

Its quite funny, they are totally protected against dust and immersion under water at pressure.

 

[Vairmoose]

They do not mention how many times that you could hit them with the immersion... one time or every day for a couple years...

Larry

 

[TimW]

Thanks Phil

Wondering if its possible to put a collar (cable tie?) around the wire end of the plasitc sleeve to force it it close to the wires. Wouldn't that also give better mechanical stability to the 'hang' by not making the solder joints take the strain?

Also if these pixels are hung without support it seems like a natural channel would be greated for water to run down the wires and into the pixel... What about cable tieing the pixels to the string so they remain vertical - that way the water has to creep uphill (which it can.. but harder)?

Don't the specs on liquid electrical tape say its UV stable? (and after all... you are using black tape!? .... )

 

[mrpackethead]

Mmm, I was told by a chinese factory that the IP ratings in China are different from the rest of the world. As a general rule they will write anything they like on them, and you'll find almost everything ends up IP68 ( because its the highest rating! ).. If you ask the manufacturer, they almsot certainly can't even tell you what it means.

The liquid electrical tape might be UV stable, i'm not actually sure of that, but its the actual cable that they use to join the pixels that is the problem.. These leds were designed to be installed in signage, poking out the front of a flat sign.. Thats fine because the wire is not exposed to daylight.. However in our applications, its all different.