Can I Cut, Reconnect & Install LED Strip Lights?
LED light strips have gradually changed the way we light our homes. Their flexibility means they can be installed almost anywhere. They can be completely hidden in areas that are blocked by ceiling lights, such as cabinets and kitchen countertops. However, the length of LED light strips sometimes needs to be cut by yourself. Let’s focus on analyzing whether can I to cut, reconnect, and install LED strip lights.
Can I cut LED strip lights?
LED strips are designed to be cut, so they can be customized to length. The same LED strip 12V and 24V, can be cut to different lengths.
First, you need to find a pair of scissors and cut along the cut line (sometimes there is also a scissor icon on it), or between the pair of copper dots that appear at the end of each LED unit. Be sure to cut at the cut mark, otherwise you may damage the circuit and make your light roll useless.
Before cutting, always make sure the power is disconnected. It is important to cut in a straight line, not diagonally, as this will damage the connection and may cause the light to not work when you try to connect it to another light strip.
Can I Reconnect the LED Strip Lights after Cutting?
There are many ways to reconnect the cut LED strips together. Common methods are as follows:
Connectors
You can choose the appropriate quick connectors for connection, which is simple and convenient. First, determine whether the LED strip is single-color LED tape, dual-color LED tape, or RGB LED tape, and then choose the appropriate connector for the PIN wire.
Welding
Confirm whether the LED strip is waterproof or not. If the LED strip is not waterproof, directly confirm the positive and negative poles on the PCB board and the positive and negative poles of the wire before welding.
If it is a waterproof LED strip, you need to use a sharp knife or box cutter to scrape off the plastic cover at the end of the LED strip. This will expose the copper point and you can connect the two pieces together. After welding the power cord, it also needs to be waterproofed.
Can I Install an LED Strip Lights?
One of the best things about LED strips is that they are easy to install and you can do it yourself. First, you need to plan the installation and the length of the LEDs and prepare everything you need for installation. Make sure the length of the LED strips fits the space and that you have easy access to a power source.
LED strips themselves usually come with a strong 3M adhesive. First, clean the surface you want to stick the lights to and make sure it is dust-free and dry. So that the strips can be attached to the surface. Then you can peel off the adhesive covering and press them onto the surface inch by inch, making sure there are no bubbles between them. Finally, connect the power supply, light up the test, and secure it.
Support Cutting&Custom length of LED Tape
Knowing more about how to cut, reconnect, and install LED strip lights can help you choose and maintain LED light strips better. All LED light strips of ESSENLED support cutting and support custom length. Before leaving the factory, we can cut your LED light strip to the size you require. And you can install it immediately after receiving it. In addition to custom-length light strips, we can also weld cable lengths at the end of the LED tape for installation flexibility.
FAQs
Yes, you can cut LED strips. Most LED strips have designated cut points, usually marked with a scissor icon. You need to cut along these markings to ensure that the lights continue to work properly. If you cut at a different point, there is a chance that the other half of the LED strip will not work properly.
Yes, you can reconnect a cut LED strip. You can do this with connectors designed specifically for LED strips or by soldering the cut ends together with wires. The LED strip will still work.
If you are cutting and reconnecting LED strips, you may need scissors, connectors or soldering equipment, wire strippers, and possibly some heat shrink tubing or electrical tape.
To solder LED strips, strip the insulation off the wires. Tin the exposed copper pads and wires with solder, then carefully solder the wires to the pads. Insulate the connection with heat shrink tubing or electrical tape.
If you want to fix LED light strips, make sure the mounting surface is clean and smooth. This will ensure the long-term stability of the 3M adhesive. In addition, you can also use additional adhesives, mounting clips, or brackets to reinforce the connection. Especially when the light strip is installed on an uneven or textured surface.
