{"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
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 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 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 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 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 As mentioned earlier, you may need to connect<\/a> a strip to another to complete an installation. Here are the steps to follow to join the strips.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Caption: LED strip lights connector<\/p>\n\n\n\n First, you need 4-pin LED strip connectors. And while there are various options in the market, they\u2019re not all compatible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, you must purchase one that works with your LED strip lights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, if your strip is 10 mm, get a 4-pin 10 mm connector.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Similarly, if you have 8 mm strips, get 4-pin connectors of the exact specifications.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thankfully, you can easily open them from their cover with your hands. But just be careful not to damage the clips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, place the two ends of the strip lights into the fastening clips of the connector. But ensure you don\u2019t place the strips in reverse of each other, as they will not work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And if you\u2019re using connectors that lack clips, connect the end-to-end naked wires of the strips to the connector. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, you can slightly twist and solder them using a soldering gun to reinforce the connection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lastly, cover the connectors for your safety and that of your strips. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But before you do, it\u2019s a good idea to connect the strip lights to the power supply to ensure all the LEDs in your strip work.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, they do. However, it would be best to cut them at specific cut marks to continue working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you accidentally cut at the wrong place, it may compromise your lights from functioning normally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, ensuring proper connectivity for them to continue working is vital.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n If cut correctly, cut strip lights are as effective as the original strip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Can You Cut LED Strips Anywhere?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Can You Trim LED Strip Lights?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to Cut LED Strips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How to Connect\/Fix\/Solder Cut LED Strips <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Obtain Connectors\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Open the Connector<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Patch the Strips to the Connector<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cover the Connector<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Do LED Strip Lights Still Work When Cut?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Do LED Strip Lights Work When Cut? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n