Can You Cut LED Light Strips?

LED light strips are a popular and efficient way to add lighting to a variety of spaces, including under cabinets, behind TVs, and along stairs. These strips are flexible and can be easily cut to fit any space even you can make a 90-degree corner turn. However, it’s important to know how to properly cut LED light strips to avoid damaging them and ensure they continue to function correctly.

In this blog post, we will show you how to cut LED light strips and connect them back together so that they can be stuck in a corner.

Can You Cut LED Light Strips?

Yes, LED light strips can be cut to fit any space or configuration. However, it’s important to know which brand, Type (RGB or RGBIC), and where to cut them. Most LED light strips have specific cut points marked on them, typically every few inches. These cut points are indicated by small copper dots or lines, and cutting the strip at any other point can damage the strip and cause it to malfunction.

If done correctly, this will create a seamless connection between the two pieces of the LED light strip. You can then put the strips in whatever position you desire, including corners.

How To Cut LED light strips?

When cutting LED light strips, it’s important to follow a few key steps to avoid damaging the strip:

1. Locate the cut points on the LED light strip. These are typically marked by small copper dots or lines.
2. Using a sharp pair of scissors or a knife, carefully cut the strip at the designated cut point. Be sure to avoid cutting any of the copper wirings on the strip.
3. Once the strip is cut, carefully peel back the protective coating on the strip to expose the copper wiring.
4. Use a pair of wire strippers to carefully strip the ends of the exposed copper wiring. This will help ensure a secure connection when the strip is reattached or connected to a power source.
5. Reattach the strip or connect it to a power source according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Can You Cut Waterproof LED Light Strips?

Yes, you can cut waterproof LED light strips. However, it is important to note that when you cut them, the water-resistant coating will be lost on the cut edge. This means that if you plan on using the cut strips in an area where they will be exposed to water, you will need to seal the cut edge with silicone or another waterproofing material.

What Are The LED Light Strips You Can’t Cut?

There are some LED light strips that cannot be Cut. These include:

• Addressable RGB LED strips
• Flexible PCB LED strips
• Integrated heat sink LED strips
• RGBIC LED strips

Addressable RGB LED strips have individual LEDs that can be controlled via software. This means that if you Cut them, the Cut strip will not work properly.

Flexible PCB LED strips are made of flexible circuit boards and cannot be cut without damaging them.

Integrated heat sink LED strips have a built-in heat sink that helps dissipate heat. If you Cut these types of strips, the heat sink will no longer work properly.

RGBIC LED strips have an integrated control chip that allows you to control the color and brightness of the LEDs. If you Cut these strips, the Cut strip will not work properly.

As you can see, there are some types of LED light strips that cannot be Cut. However, there are many other types of LED light strips that can be cut and used in a variety of applications. When choosing an LED light strip, be sure to check if it can be cut before making your purchase.

If You Cut LED Light Strips Will Both Sides Work?

If you Cut an LED light strip in half, both sides will work. However, it is important to note that the Cut edge will not be as bright as the rest of the strip. This is because when you Cut the strip, you are cutting through some of the individual LEDs.

When cut at the proper markings and re-connected with the correct polarity, both sides of the light strip will work. Most light strips will have similar markings which designate where to make a cut. The copper sections that appear every couple of inches throughout the light strip roll are where to make a cut.

To ensure that both sides of the Cut strip are working properly, you will need to solder the two wires together. This will create a seamless connection between the two pieces of the LED light strip. You can then put the strips in whatever position you desire, including corners.

Also read: What is the width size of an LED Light Strip

How to Reconnect Cut LED Light Strips

After cutting the LED light strip, it is necessary to reconnect it. To do so:

1. Make sure that the power to the light strip is turned off.
2. Decide if you need a straight connector or a 90-degree angled connector.
3. Use standard craft scissors to cut along the pre-determined cut line of the copper section. This copper section is on your strip light spaced every few inches.
4. Each section of strip light should have equal amounts of copper section left over. This is needed to make your connector pins work.
5. Have your small plastic gapless or jumper connection ready and peel back any adhesive backing to allow for a clean connection.
6. Gently push each section of the strip light into the connector piece.
7. Use the small clamps on the connector to snap the strip lights in place.
8. Be sure both sides of the strip light are facing the same direction when reconnecting your Cut strips.
9. Once you have confirmed that the strip lights are correctly in place, turn on the power to the light strip.
10. Check that the cut LEDs are working properly. If not, check your connections and try again.

Conclusion

LED light strips are a versatile and convenient way to add lighting to any space. While they can be easily cut to fit any configuration, it’s important to follow the steps outlined above to avoid damaging the strip and ensure it continues to function correctly. With the right tools and a little care, you can easily cut and install LED light strips to add a unique and customizable lighting solution to any space.

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