In today’s era, LED light strips are very popular among the masses. Mainly because LED strips consume less power and energy and are long-lasting. There are many more advantages to LED strip lights. In this article, we will discuss how to connect multiple LED strip lights. In this article, we will discuss how to connect multiple LED strip lights and explain the process in detail to help you operate better.
When you encounter many LED light strips to be installed, you don’t want to have one LED strip light with one power supply. Because doing so would be too costly.
Therefore, when you connect the Multiple LED strip lights, you must hope that as many LED strip lights as possible can be connected to a power supply under safe and feasible conditions. We will think about whether to connect in series or in parallel.
Introduction of LED Strip Lights
The LED strip lights are thin and soft, whose main source of light is an integrated LED chip that emits light. They are popular for their durability, versatility, flexibility, and ability to add vibrant lighting to a variety of spaces.
How to Connect the LED Strip Lights?
Generally speaking, we recommend that customers connect a power supply at one end of 5 meters. If it is used together at 10 meters, the two ends of the power supply are connected in series. If it exceeds 10 meters to connect to one power supply, we recommend multiple LED strip lights adopting a parallel connection.
Can I Connect Multiple LED Strip Lights?
Yes. You can connect multiple LED strips to achieve the desired lighting effect. Such flexibility is also one of the main advantages of LED strips.
First of all, our regular roll is 5 meters, and we also support customized lengths if needed. Each LED strip has marking lines in the form of small dots. You’ll need to cut the led strips according to your project, and then connect and solder them.
Plus, you can connect up to three LED strips to one power supply. If you want to connect more than three LED strips, it is better to add an extra power supply unit.
Is it Safe to Connect Multiple LED Strip Lights?
When connecting multiple LED strips, we must ensure that the total power consumption does not exceed the capacity of the power supply and that the wiring is properly insulated to prevent any hazards. Please note the following safety precautions:
Power Supply Power is Higher Than the Total Power of the LED Strip Lights
When multiple LED strip lights are connected to the power supply, the power needs to be calculated in advance. Then match it with a high-power power supply. The total power consumption of the strip lights cannot exceed the capacity of the power supply. Otherwise, it is easy to cause fire problems.
Choose High-Quality LED Strip Lights
If you use low-quality LED light strips, it may cause a fire. Why is there a fire hazard? The main reason is that inferior LED strips use inferior materials that cannot resist changes in temperature and current.
Choose Compatible Accessories
Be sure to choose compatible power supplies and controllers. That means the LED strip is 12VDC, the power supply must be 12V DC, not 5V DC or 24V DC. If the power supply unit is not compatible, there will be problems of no light or short circuits.
If you want to connect multiple LED strip lights, please determine their series or parallel connection and power supply. These wiring styles will save you from any dire risks.
How Many Connection Methods LED Strip Lights?
In fact, there are two ways to connect LED strips. One is in parallel and one is in series.
In Parallel
In a parallel connection, each LED strip is connected to the power supply. So, the current will be different for each LED strip, but the voltage will be the same. The advantage of connecting LED strips in parallel is that if one strip fails to light up, the other LED strips will still work.
In Series
Just the opposite of parallel! Connect the LED strips end to end to the strips. Here, the current is the same, but the voltage is different for each strip. If one LED strip fails, none of the other LED strips in the chain will light up.
How About Connect LED Strip Lights in “Parallel”?
The best way to connect multiple LED strip light sections together is a “parallel connection”. This creates independently operating sections of the LED strip, each connected directly to the power supply.
Advantages of Multiple LED Strip Lights in “Parallel”
Because they connect directly to the power supply, this reduces the amount of current that must flow through any given LED strip segment. At the same time, the risk caused by high voltage is greatly reduced.
Disadvantages of Multiple LED Strip Lights in “Parallel”
The biggest disadvantage of this connection method is that it requires additional wiring. Generally speaking, LED light strips have only one positive and negative output line. So, if you are connecting to multiple LED strips the part needs to split that output into multiple wires. Therefore, you can choose a special splitter terminal block.
Another issue is that there are some LED strip sections that may be placed far from the power source. So a lot of long wires will be needed, and long wires are extra expensive, and you have to choose the right size. Otherwise, the long cable may experience voltage loss before you light up the LED strip section.
How About Connect LED Strip Lights in “Series”?
The most obvious and straightforward way to connect two LED strips in “series”. Connect the end of the LED strip to the power supply. If you only need to cover a short distance, a solderless connection might help. Of course, if connect multiple LED strip lights together, this method will not work. During longer runs, be aware of voltage dropped.
Advantages of Multiple LED Strip Lights in “Series”
This is an easy and quick method that doesn’t require creating a separate wire connection to the power supply. You just need to connect the LED strip end to end to the power supply.
Disadvantages of Multiple LED Strip Lights in “Series”
The main problem is the added possibility of extra voltage drop if multiple light strips are connected together. LEDs furthest from the power source have lower light output.
The first few inches of LED strip installation must carry all the current for the entire installation, which can become a current bottleneck. Therefore, the voltage and current of the LED strip part far away from the power supply will have a great impact.
How to Connect Multiple LED Strip Lights?
There are two connection methods, you can choose the most suitable one according to your needs. In the connection process, we need to use connectors and soldering, which can provide you with a seamless connection.
Use a Connector
There are many types of connectors. It provides an easy and safe way to connect multiple LED strip lights together. They come in various types such as T-shaped, L-shaped, and X-shaped connectors.
How to connect multiple LED strip lights using connectors?
- Measure the length of the LED strip.
- Determine where to cut and make the cut on the dotted line.
- Make sure the LED strips are of the same wattage, voltage, and current.
- Determine if your wall covering needs a seamless connection or a 90-degree bend.
- Connect multiple LED strip lights using the relevant connectors.
- Check if multiple light strips are working properly.
Soldering
Soldering is the best way to connect multiple LED strip lights. It’s a little difficult if you’ve never done it before. But it is more efficient, which saves the cost of joints. Here’s a step-by-step process for attaching LED strips using solder.
- Select the red and black wires for the LED strip.
- With the help of wire strippers, remove the outer casing of the wires.
- Heat up the soldering iron. Temperatures can go up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Solder the ends of the LED strips with a soldering iron.
What are the Advantages of Connect Multiple LED Strip Lights?
Here are some key advantages of connecting multiple LED strips lights:
Reduce Power Usage
First of all, multiple LED strips are connected together, which can reduce the use of multiple power sources. Thereby directly reducing the cost of procurement.
Reduce Voltage Drop
If multiple led strip lights are connected in parallel, the voltage of each led strip is stable. The risk of pressure drop is reduced, and the output light is very stable.
Adjust the Length of the Space
All the space dimensions are not just right, and you need to cut them according to the actual situation of the site. And connect multiple LED strip lights to adjust the length of the light strips.
Higher Brightness
If multiple light strips are connected together, it will increase the brightness. Because the brightness from each LED strip increases and increases the collective brightness.
Illuminate Large Areas
A single LED strip may not be enough for your project. To illuminate the desired area, simply connect as many LED strips as you need.
Maximum Flexibility
LED light strips can be attached to corners, and multiple LED strip lights can be connected together without interruption. But you’ll have jumper connectors that can be bent 90 degrees at the corners.
How to Connect Multiple LED Strip Lights to The Power Supply?
When we connect multiple LED strip lights to a single power supply. Be sure to calculate the total power consumption of the led strip ahead of time and make sure the power supply can handle the load. And use the correct wiring and connectors for a safe and reliable connection.
When choosing a suitable power supply for multiple, pay attention to the following factors!
Summary
LED strip lights for indoor and outdoor use. You can use it whether you are decorating a room or illuminating a staircase. If a single LED strip isn’t enough, connect multiple LED strip lights in a chain. Install them in the most suitable way and they will offer the greatest possibilities for your decorative purposes.
FAQs
The maximum length of an LED strip that can be connected depends on the type and capacity of the power supply used. It is mainly operated according to specific projects.
Use connectors, solder, etc. designed for LED strips. It helps to ensure a secure connection, provided it is under a secure and proper connection.
Yes, you can. But you have to calculate the total power. In addition, it needs to be matched with compatible voltage and current.
Yes, all of our LED strips are dimmable, so you can connect them to a dimmer or controller to adjust their brightness, color or lighting effect.
First, you need to disconnect the power, then check the connections to ensure correct polarity. Also verify the power output and if necessary test the LED strip with a different power supply.