I'd also be curious about how long they have been in service, and if cut, were the ends sealed? I'm noticing that the copper connections in Buckman's pics are showing signs of darkening or tarnish; I'm guessing from humidity. When the strips are sent from the factory, they are in meticulously sealed envelopes with silica gel packets enclosed. When I opened mine, and I bought 3 packs of 16.5 foot lengths, each released an overpowering aroma of fresh silicone. I am now thinking that the strips are packed this way because the strips while waterproofed to varying degrees are highly susceptible to tarnish or corrosion which can lead to circuit shorts and failures. In fact, I have a remnant, where I did not seal the ends and I now notice all throughout the foot long strip the copper pads are darkened. And the strips I have are not just silicone coated, they are coated then again encased in a rigid silicone sleeve. So this darkening, tarnish, perhaps 'pre-corrosion' is cause for concern on my part I assure you. I plan to go back and inspect all strips, and to do so on a regular basis. I am also re-thinking the placement of my strips. My intentions are to ensure placement of the strips (yes, I am at a point where I will not remove them) is such that if a short occurs, it will not spread or harm other wiring. I know all of my existing wiring to controllers and amplifiers is fused, and fused at low thresholds, so my concern is focused more on where are the strips themselves are mounted. And I will admit, as of now my existing mounting of the strips is not such that a short would not harm other wiring. So, once again Buckman, thanks for the heads up.
