{"id":3488,"date":"2023-06-01T03:22:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-01T03:22:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ledstreak.com\/?p=3488"},"modified":"2023-06-01T03:22:03","modified_gmt":"2023-06-01T03:22:03","slug":"can-you-cut-led-strip-lights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ledstreak.com\/can-you-cut-led-strip-lights\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Cut LED Strip Lights: All You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Can you cut LED strip lights? This is a frequently asked question, considering getting LED strip lights that are the right length is problematic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Often, you have to cut and join several pieces of the strips for your installation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00a0Can you cut them anywhere, or are there specific points you should cut across?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 And after cutting, how do you join the strips together? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, is it possible to trim the strips? Learn the answers to this and more in this detailed guide on how to cut LED strip lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Cut LED Strips?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For several reasons, you may need to cut your LED<\/a> strips. For one, it\u2019s hard to find an adequate size for your needs.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After all, many strip lights have distinctive lengths and may be longer than you need. Thus, you may need to cut them into the correct size before installing them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another possible reason you may need to cut a LED strip is that the corners of the room you\u2019re installing the lights force you to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00a0For example, you may need to cut them to cover corners and other hard-to-access points completely.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Corners<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Caption: Corners and hard-to-reach points<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, it may be necessary to make a new connection or remove a managed strip section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 In this case, having indicated points makes it easy to cut and solder the strip lights.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it\u2019s essential to be careful about the spots that you choose to cut. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s because it\u2019s too easy to damage the strip lights if you fail to do it correctly.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can You Cut LED Strips Anywhere?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Cutting<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Caption: Cutting LED strip lights<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No, you cannot. But thankfully, the strips come with clearly marked spots to help you do so. Note, though, that there are types of strip lights<\/a> you can\u2019t cut at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Therefore, whether or not you can cut the strip will depend on the specification of the LED strip lights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, some have a scissors icon indicating where to cut. And in others, you\u2019ll find a pair of copper dots at the end of the LEDs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With these markings, scissors or copper icons, you can cut without damaging your LED strips.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, some types of LED strips are harder to cut, and you must exercise much caution when cutting them. That\u2019s because it\u2019s all too easy to compromise their functionality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 For example, cutting waterproof LED strips can compromise their ability to withstand moisture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They become vulnerable and can compromise your safety, especially if they\u2019re in the bathroom or other wet areas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another example of strips that are challenging to cut is waterproof ones. See, these have a coated silicon sealer<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00a0And while you can easily peel off at a point of copper connection and cut, you must be careful not to damage the diodes.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, you risk damaging the lights if they\u2019re IC (integrated circuit)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can You Trim LED Strip Lights?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Manufacturers design strip lights to fit in your desired room. They\u2019re flexible and highly versatile. Thus, you can cut them into different sizes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And as mentioned, the beauty of LED strip lights is that they provide a perfect cutting point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Also, you can trim them to suit your needs and spaces, especially in areas that need thin lining. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it would be best if you were careful not to tamper with the LEDs in the strip lights.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doing so may create an open circuit and thus destroy your LED strip lights. Additionally, checking for cut lines before you start cutting is generally safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 In cases where there aren\u2019t any, it\u2019s better not to attempt to cut to avoid damaging the strips.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Cut LED Strips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Remember, before cutting LED strips, ensure the model allows doing so. If it\u2019s okay to cut the strips, then proceed as follows:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n