How to Cut, Connect and Power LED Strip Lights

by Maisie Ou
Last updated March 9, 2023

LED strip lights are a versatile and popular lighting solution that can add a warm, cozy, or modern look to any space.

These lights can be used for various purposes, such as under-cabinet lighting, cove lighting, and accent lighting.

However, installing LED strip lights can be tricky if you’re not familiar with the process. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to cut, connect, and power LED strip lights.

What is an LED Strip Light?

An LED strip light is a long, narrow strip of circuit boards that are lined with light-emitting diodes (LEDs). LED strip lights come in various lengths and colors, and they can be cut to fit different spaces.

Where Can I Cut LED Strip Lights?

LED strip lights can be cut along designated cut lines, which are usually marked every few inches along the strip. The cut lines indicate where it’s safe to cut the strip without damaging the circuitry.

Normally, the led strip is generally divided into 5V, 12V, and 24V according to the voltage.

5V is one led per cut

12V is three LEDs per cut

24V is six or seven led per cut

Part 1: Cut, Connect, and Power LED Strips by Soldering

Soldering is the traditional method of connecting LED strip lights, which involves melting a soft metal alloy to join two pieces of metal together. This process creates a permanent connection and provides a reliable and sturdy solution.

1.1 Cut, Connect, and Power IP20 None-Waterproof SMD LED Strip by Soldering

To cut, connect, and power an IP20 none-waterproof SMD LED strip, you’ll need to:

Step 1:Cut the LED strip along the designated cut line using a pair of scissors or a sharp knife.

Step 2:Strip the ends of the cut LED strip to expose the copper pads using a wire stripper.

Step 3:Solder the copper pads to a length of wire.

Connect the wires to a power supply.

1.2 Cut, Connect, and Power IP20 None-Waterproof COB LED Strip by Soldering

To cut, connect, and power an IP20 none-waterproof COB LED strip, you’ll need to follow the steps:

Step 1: Cut the COB LED strip along the designated cut line using a pair of scissors or a sharp knife.

Step 2: Strip the ends of the cut COB LED strip to expose the copper pads using a wire stripper.

Step 3:Solder the copper pads to a length of wire.

Connect the wires to a power supply.

1.3 Cut, Connect, and Power IP52 Silicone Coating SMD LED Strip by Soldering

To cut, connect, and power an IP52 silicone coating SMD LED strip, you’ll need to follow the steps:

Step 1: Cut the LED strip along the designated cut line using a pair of scissors or a sharp knife.

Step 2: Peel back the silicone coating to expose the copper pads.

Step 3: Strip the ends of the exposed copper pads to expose the metal.

Step 4: Solder the copper pads to a length of wire.

Step 5: Connect the wires to a power supply.

1.4 Cut, Connect, and Power IP65 Silicone Tube SMD LED Strip by Soldering

To cut, connect, and power an IP65 silicone tube SMD LED strip, you’ll need to follow the steps:

Step 1: Cut the LED strip along the designated cut line using a pair of scissors or a sharp knife.

Step 2: Peel back the silicone tube to expose the copper pads.

Step 3: Strip the ends of the exposed copper pads to expose the metal.

Step 4: Solder the copper pads to a length of wire.

Step 5: Connect the wires to a power supply.

1.5 Cut, connect, and power IP65H heat shrink tube SMD LED strip by soldering:

Step 1: Use a sharp pair of scissors to cut the strip at the designated cut line.

Step 2: Clean the copper pads on both cut ends with isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab to remove any dirt or debris.

Step 3: Cut the heat shrink tube to the appropriate length and slide it over one end of the strip.

Step 4: Connect the wires to the copper pads using a soldering iron and solder. Be sure to connect the wires to the correct polarity (positive to positive, negative to negative).

Step 5: Slide the heat shrink tube over the soldered connection and use a heat gun to shrink the tube around the connection. This will provide insulation and protect the connection from water and moisture.

1.6 Cut, connect, and power IP67 silicone tube & silicone filling SMD LED strip by soldering:

Step 1: Use a sharp pair of scissors to cut the strip at the designated cut line.

Step 2: Clean the copper pads on both cut ends with isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab to remove any dirt or debris.

Step 3: Cut the silicone tube to the appropriate length and slide it over one end of the strip.

Step 4: Fill the silicone tube with silicone filling to provide waterproof protection.

Step 5: Connect the wires to the copper pads using a soldering iron and solder.

Step 6: Be sure to connect the wires to the correct polarity (positive to positive, negative to negative).

Step 1: Slide the silicone tube over the soldered connection and use silicone adhesive to seal the tube around the connection. This will provide additional waterproof protection.

Part 2: Cut, connect, and power LED strips with a solder-free connector

Solder-free connectors are an alternative to soldering for connecting LED strips. They are easy to use and do not require any special tools.

2.1 Cut, connect, and power IP20 none waterproof COB LED strips with solder-free connector

COB LED strips have a continuous row of LED chips with no visible spaces between them. They are often used for accent lighting and in tight spaces.

Step 1: Cut the LED strip at the designated cut point using sharp scissors or a saw.

Step 2: Carefully remove the protective layer from both ends of the LED strip.

Step 3: Slide the LED strip into the connector until it clicks into place.

Step 4: Repeat the process for additional connections as needed.

Step 5: Connect the power source to the connector, making sure to match the polarity of the wires.

2.2 Cut, connect, and power IP52 Silicone coating SMD LED strips with solder-free connector

Silicone coating SMD LED strips have a layer of silicone coating over the entire strip to protect the LED chips from water and dust. They are ideal for indoor and outdoor use in dry and damp environments.

Step 1: Cut the LED strip at the designated cut point using sharp scissors or a saw.

Step 2: Carefully remove the protective layer from both ends of the LED strip.

Step 3: Slide the LED strip into the connector until it clicks into place.

Step 4: Repeat the process for additional connections as needed.

Step 5: Connect the power source to the connector, making sure to match the polarity of the wires.

2.3 Cut, connect, and power IP65 Silicone tube SMD LED strips with solder-free connector

IP65 silicone tube SMD LED strips have a layer of silicone tubing over the entire strip to protect the LED chips from water and dust. They are ideal for outdoor use in wet environments.

Step 1: Cut the LED strip at the designated cut point using sharp scissors or a saw.

Step 2: Carefully remove the silicone tubing from the ends of the LED strip.

Step 3: Peel back a small section of the protective layer from both ends of the LED strip.

Step 4: Slide the LED strip into the connector until it clicks into place.

Step 5: Repeat the process for additional connections as needed.

Step 6: Connect the power source to the connector, making sure to match the polarity of the wires.

2.4 Cut, connect and power IP67 Silicone filling SMD LED strips with solder-free connector

IP67 silicone filling SMD LED strips have a layer of silicone filling inside the silicone tube to provide extra protection from water and dust. They are ideal for outdoor use in wet environments.

Step 1: Cut the LED strip at the designated cut point using sharp scissors or a saw.

Step 2: Carefully remove the silicone tube and silicone filling from the ends of the LED strip.

Step 3: Peel back a small section of the protective layer from both ends of the LED strip.

Step 4: Slide the LED strip into the connector until it clicks into place.

Step 5: Repeat the process for additional connections as needed.

Step 6: Connect the power source to the connector, making sure to match the polarity of the wires.

FAQ

Yes, LED strips can be cut to a specific length to fit a specific space.

To cut LED strips, you should first measure the length you need and then use a pair of sharp scissors or a utility knife to cut along the designated cut line.

Yes, you can connect multiple LED strips together using connectors or soldering techniques.

LED strips can be connected together using a variety of methods, including soldering or using connectors specifically designed for LED strips.

LED strips can be powered using a power supply or driver specifically designed for LED lighting. The power supply or driver should match the voltage and wattage requirements of the LED strip.

It is possible to power LED strips with batteries, but the voltage and wattage of the battery should match the requirements of the LED strip. Additionally, the battery life may be short-lived compared to a power supply or driver.

Yes, LED strips can be dimmed using a dimmer switch or a controller specifically designed for LED lighting. The LED strip and the dimmer switch or controller should be compatible.

When choosing an LED strip, consider factors such as brightness, color temperature, and waterproof rating. Additionally, consider the voltage and wattage requirements of the LED strip and the power supply or driver needed to power it.

It is not recommended to connect LED strips of different types and brands together, as they may have different specifications and could cause compatibility issues. It is best to use the same type and brand of LED strip for any project.

The number of LED strips that can be connected together depends on the specific LED strip and power supply being used. It is important to check the manufacturer’s specifications for the LED strip and power supply to ensure that the total wattage of the connected strips does not exceed the maximum capacity of the power supply. Exceeding the maximum capacity could cause damage to the LED strips and power supply.

It depends on the type of connection you are making. Soldering is one way to connect LED strips, but there are also solder-free connectors available. It is important to use the appropriate connector for the specific type of LED strip being used.

Yes, LED strips can be cut to specific lengths at designated cutting points along the strip. However, it is important to check the manufacturer’s specifications for the specific LED strip to ensure that it can be cut and to determine the cutting intervals.

Yes, many LED strips can be dimmed using a compatible dimmer switch or controller. However, it is important to check the manufacturer’s specifications for the specific LED strip to ensure that it is dimmable and to determine the compatible dimming method.

Conclusion

Cutting, connecting, and powering LED strip lights can seem intimidating, but with the right tools and knowledge, it can be a simple process. Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions when working with electricity and cutting tools.

Whether using soldering or solder-free connectors, it is important to choose the right method for the type of LED strip being used, as well as the desired waterproof rating. By following these steps, anyone can create custom LED strip lighting designs that fit their unique needs and preferences.

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