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redpoint5 · 03-05-2019, 01:38 PM

I've got some cheap weatherproof LED lights that are prone to rapidly failing. First a color stop working at first, followed by more colors and finally the LED will not function at all.

At first I thought the urethane covering the LED strip was causing them to overheat, but I just did an experiment on a small section where I slowly peeled back the urethane while the LEDs were on. Just as the urethane is pulled away from the center of the LED, it stops working. Pressing it back in gets it to work again. It seems the PN junctions are exposed and the urethane contact is needed for them to work.

I think the LEDs are not burning out, but losing contact with the urethane over time. My question is, what sort of LED tech requires urethane to operate?

Anyhow, I can't recommend the weatherproof ones since they don't last.

03-05-2019, 01:38 PM	#1 (permalink)
redpoint5 Human Environmentalist Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 12,828 Acura TSX - '06 Acura TSX 90 day: 24.19 mpg (US) Lafawnda - CBR600 - '01 Honda CBR600 F4i 90 day: 47.32 mpg (US) Big Yeller - Dodge/Cummins - '98 Dodge Ram 2500 base 90 day: 21.82 mpg (US) Chevy ZR-2 - '03 Chevrolet S10 ZR2 90 day: 17.14 mpg (US) Model Y - '24 Tesla Y LR AWD Pacifica Hybrid - '21 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid 90 day: 43.3 mpg (US) Thanks: 4,328 Thanked 4,482 Times in 3,447 Posts	LED Strip Lights I've got some cheap weatherproof LED lights that are prone to rapidly failing. First a color stop working at first, followed by more colors and finally the LED will not function at all. At first I thought the urethane covering the LED strip was causing them to overheat, but I just did an experiment on a small section where I slowly peeled back the urethane while the LEDs were on. Just as the urethane is pulled away from the center of the LED, it stops working. Pressing it back in gets it to work again. It seems the PN junctions are exposed and the urethane contact is needed for them to work. I think the LEDs are not burning out, but losing contact with the urethane over time. My question is, what sort of LED tech requires urethane to operate? Anyhow, I can't recommend the weatherproof ones since they don't last. Attached Thumbnails __________________ Gas and Electric Vehicle Cost of Ownership Calculator Give me absolute safety, or give me death!