LED light strips are popular for their efficiency and ease of use. They are versatile lighting products. However, due to the environment and location of the installation, many people wonder during use can I cut LED strip lights to make them shorter. The answer is yes! LED light strips can be cut shorter to suit your needs and adapt to different wall, tabletop, or cabinet lengths. This guide will tell you how to cut and connect LED strip lights to make them perfectly fit your home decoration needs.
Partner with Essenledstrip and we will walk you through the light strip transformation process. How to cut them shorter and connect LED light strips to make them perfectly fit your home decoration needs.
Where Should I Cut the LED Strip Lights?
Generally, each LED strip has a designated cutting point, and you can confirm whether the cut size is suitable for your project before purchasing.
You can find the cutting point on the strip by looking for the line with a scissor icon printed on it. The cutting point is usually located at the predetermined position of the strip, and you can find it by observing the scissor icon or the copper-colored terminal block on the light strip.
How to Cut LED Strip Lights to Make Them Shorter?
Cutting LED strips is a simple process, but following the correct steps ensures you can use and connect the cut LED strip lights properly. More information, pls read How to Cut LED Strip Lights?
Measure the size
Before cutting, measure where you want to place the LED strip and how short you want to cut the LED strip. Then, measure the length of the LED strip to see if the position you want to cut is suitable.
Find the scissor mark
Find the position of the scissor mark on the LED strip, this will indicate where you can cut the strip without damaging it. If you cut it at an unmarked position, you may damage the LED strip.
Cut the LED strip with scissors
Take a pair of scissors and cut the strip along the designated cutting points. Ensure you make a straight and accurate cut to prevent improper installation of the LED strip. About cut waterproof LED strip, pls read How to Cut and Solder Waterproof LED Strip Lights?
Will the LED Strip Still Work After Cutting?
Yes, it will work if it is cut at the correct cutting point of the LED strip. You can also plan it yourself with LED connectors or soldering to see if it can light up normally.
How to ensure that the LED strip works properly after cutting?
- Operate at the cutting point: LED strips are usually marked with scissor icons or copper lines, which are places where it is safe to cut. They ensure that the current can continue to flow in the strip after cutting.
- Maintain the integrity of the connection: After cutting, you can reconnect it using a dedicated connector or soldering. Make sure that each part can get power and light up normally.
- Avoid cutting at unmarked places: If you cut at unspecified places, it may cause the entire strip or part of the lamp beads to fail. Therefore, always make sure to cut only at the marked places.
How to Connect Cut LED Strip Lights?
Sometimes you may need to connect cut LED strip lights. LED strips can be seamlessly connected with connectors. Here are the specific steps: After cut, if you wanna use the connector to connect, pls read How do you Use LED Strip Lights Connectors?
Prepare the cut LED strips
First, you need to make sure you have measured and cut the required length of strips. It is best to prepare a few more LED strips as a backup.
Choose the right connector
There are many types of connectors for LED strips. For example, single-color, dual-color and RGB LED strips all use different LED connectors. In addition, there are different uses. For example, there are straight clips, corner LED connectors, etc.
Check whether the connection is normal
After completing the connection, plug in the power supply and turn on the switch to check whether the strip lights up normally. If it does not light up, it may be that the polarity is reversed and needs to be reconnected.
How to Use the LED Strip after Cutting and Connecting?
After cutting and connecting the LED strip, you need to reinstall the LED light strip.
- Clean the mounting surface
No matter where you install the LED strip, first make sure the mounting surface is clean and dust-free. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth and make sure it is completely dry before installing to avoid affecting the adhesion of the adhesive. - Paste the LED strip
Carefully tear off the adhesive protective paper on the back of the strip and paste the strip to the designated location as needed. Try to keep it flat when pasting to ensure that the strip is evenly illuminated. - Test and fix the installation
After the installation is completed, plug in the power supply to test the LED light strip! If it lights up normally, you can fix it directly and enjoy your light. More installation details, pls read How to Install the Led Strip Light?
Common LED Strip Cutting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them:
Many users make some common mistakes when cutting LED strips, and have some questions about cutting LED strips.
- Incorrect cutting: This is a point that needs attention. Cutting at the designated cutting mark will cause the strip to not work properly. Please be sure to find the scissor icon and make sure to cut along the marked line.
- Connecting the wrong positive and negative poles: When connecting the strip, if the positive and negative poles are connected in reverse, the strip will not light up properly. Check the connector direction and ensure the polarity is correct.
- Using improper tools: Using blunt scissors or the wrong tools will damage the internal circuit of the strip. It is recommended to use sharp scissors for operation.
Summary
Cutting and connecting LED strip lights is a simple and fun task. With accurate measurements, correct cutting, and connection, you can adjust the length of the light strip according to your needs to perfectly adapt it to various space needs. Be careful and follow the steps, and you can easily enjoy the beautiful lighting effects. We are an LED strip lights factory, please contact us.
FAQs
You need to measure the LED strip in advance and look for the scissor icon or designated copper pads on the strip. These indicate safe cutting points. This way you don’t damage the LED strip.
Use a ruler or measuring tape to mark your cuts before cutting and make sure you cut along the marked line. Never cut at an angle as it is easy to damage the PCB board.
Yes, as long as you cut in the right place. Then choose the right connector, or solder it yourself, the cut pieces can be reused.