How do you secure WS2815 IP67 strips outdoors without damaging them? Mine are breaking with zip ties

Juan Mena

Juan Mena

New elf
Joined
Dec 14, 2025
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5
Hello everyone,


I have an installation of almost 4,000 WS2815 IP67 LEDs mounted on the metal railing of my balcony (9 meters) for Christmas lighting controlled by Falcon F16V5.


My problem is that I'm securing the strips directly to the railing with plastic zip ties/cable ties, and although the strips come with their IP67 silicone coating, when I tighten the zip ties to keep them secure so they don't move in the wind, I've already broken several LEDs from the pressure.


The strips are completely exposed to the weather (rain, wind, direct sun, temperature changes...) and I need them to be well secured but without damaging them.


My questions:


  • How do you guys mount them to avoid this problem?
  • Do you use any type of channel or protective profile? Which ones do you recommend?
  • Do you mount them directly on the structure or use some intermediate system?
  • What type of fastening do you use that doesn't damage the silicone or put pressure on the LEDs?

I would really appreciate if someone could share photos of their setup or links to the materials you use. I want to improve the installation before more LEDs get damaged.


Thanks in advance!
 
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You don't need to crank down on the cable ties, the silicone sheath has a bit of grip and I secure with cable ties at every soldered joint (try to, or <600mm) in the strip and only tighten enough so that the sheath is sitting flat at the back and the strip inside is still loose. These steps have been going 4-5 years now
 
I have used pvc electrical tape for the strip on my arches. The strip stayed up 3 years without coming down and without the tape failing while in direct sunlight and the extremes of 0-45C and plenty of rain.
 
BAZMick said:
View attachment 30507

You don't need to crank down on the cable ties, the silicone sheath has a bit of grip and I secure with cable ties at every soldered joint (try to, or <600mm) in the strip and only tighten enough so that the sheath is sitting flat at the back and the strip inside is still loose. These steps have been going 4-5 years now
Click to expand...
Thank you for sharing your photos!


My LED strips are 144 LEDs/meter and IP67, but I really like your silicone sleeve. Is that a separate sleeve that you buy and is it waterproof? The downside in my case is that each LED strip comes in 1-meter lengths and every meter has the 4-pin connector. I bought the 144 LED strips because I'm not really sure which density is typically used, but I think it's the one that looks best on my balcony.


I watch videos from other members, but I can't really see what materials they used for mounting.


I'm attaching a photo of how I tie it with the zip tie to my stainless steel railing (This photo is just an example, as it was raining and I took a photo indoors. I'm also sending photos of my LED strip.)


I'd like to learn more to be able to create a better show next year.20251227_210707.jpg20251227_210734.jpg20251227_210740.jpg
 
B4IGO said:
i use aluminium extrusion for LED strip. I still use the silicon sheath, and just glue/silicon the sheath onto the extrusion.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the suggestion about the aluminum extrusion!


That's a great solution, and I like the idea of gluing the silicone sheath onto the extrusion for permanent installations. However, in my case, I can't glue or permanently attach anything to my stainless steel railing because I need to remove everything when the Christmas season ends - it's a temporary installation that I'll be taking down and putting up each year.


I need a mounting solution that's secure enough to withstand the weather but also removable without leaving any marks or damage on the railing. That's why I was using zip ties, but as I mentioned, they're damaging the LEDs when tightened enough to be secure.
 
i have know ideal why someone in this household brought lol if it was by mistake or not
it would have to be the worst stuff I've ever played with
BUT if you want to make something stick and never move its your friend TRY THIS

it not your normal double sided tape !! about 3/4mm thick and as sticky as hell
 
fugley said:
i have know ideal why someone in this household brought lol if it was by mistake or not
it would have to be the worst stuff I've ever played with
BUT if you want to make something stick and never move its your friend TRY THIS

it not your normal double sided tape !! about 3/4mm thick and as sticky as hell
Click to expand...
Thanks Fugley for the suggestion! My concern is... will it leave any residue or marks on my stainless steel railing, or will it come off completely clean? If I stain the steel railing, my wife might kill me... hahaha
 
With 144 led per metre the use of electrical tape is ruled out as it's too wide. I also use clear packing tape for attaching some props. Some tape will break down within a month or so in direct sunlight whereas other stuff can last months. IF there is any residue when peeling it off after it's done it can be cleaned up with methylated spirits.
 
Juan Mena said:
Thanks Fugley for the suggestion! My concern is... will it leave any residue or marks on my stainless steel railing, or will it come off completely clean? If I stain the steel railing, my wife might kill me... hahaha
Click to expand...
nah it's completely and pretty much like blue tack on steroids

brushed stainless steel i never gone near you'd be on your own to test if its brushed sorry
 
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