It happens to everyone that sometimes the LED light strips we bought are too long to install. Can you cut the LED strips anywhere to make them perfectly fit the places you plan to put them? I’m afraid the answer is no. But can you cut LED lights? If in the right way, yes. Read this passage about how you should cut the LED strips, which kinds of LED strips you cannot cut, and how to deal with common faults after cutting the strips!
Can you cut LED lights?
- Soft light strips
The soft light strips that are used in homes can be cut, but not to any length. They usually have a minimum cutting distance requirement. 12V DC input and 24V DC input soft light strips are the most commonly used types of light strips. The minimum cutting unit of the 24V light strip is generally 50mm or 100mm, while the minimum cutting unit of the 12V light strip is generally 50mm or 25mm. Generally, the copper-colored solder pad with small scissors marks and a black line is used as the boundary for cutting.
- High-voltage light strips
High-voltage light strips use the grid voltage, which is usually 220 V or 110 V, so it is not recommended to cut them because cutting these strips may cause accidents like leakage and electric shock. If there are cutting points on the strips and the manufacturer has confirmed the strips can be cut, they are usually cut every 1 m or even 2 m. Assuming that we only need 2.5 m of light strips, we will cut 3 m, and then fold half meter of the strip or cover it with the black tape. All operations should be performed by professional electricians.
- Waterproof light strips
Another type of light strip that we don’t recommend cutting is the waterproof light strip. These strips may have an IP 65~68 waterproof rating. Even if the waterproof LED light strip is cut from the cutting point, it still cannot be used normally for a long time because it is difficult for users to restore the original waterproof process intact. In humid or rainy days, rain and water vapor will penetrate into the lamp body through the cutting position, causing damage to the lamp beads and other components.
How do you cut and reconnect LED lights?
First, cut off the power of the LED light strip to ensure your safety. Determine the length that needs to be reserved and mark it. Fix the light strip so it doesn’t move throughout the cutting process. Use sharp scissors and ensure that the cut is clean. Cut the strip along the cutting line with the scissors mark. Be careful when cutting, do not cut it crookedly, and leave solder pads on the left and right for the later soldering.
There are generally two ways to reconnect the light strips. The first is to use a soldering iron, while the second is to utilize a connector.
The first method is more professional and is recommended to be operated by an electrician. Use the solder to solder the wire to the pad, making sure that the soldering is firm and the polarity is correct.
The second method is simpler, and you only need to buy a solder-free connector. When purchasing the connector, make sure it matches the width of the light strip. Connect the power cord to the connector, and then connect the light strip to the other end, making sure that the positive and negative poles of the light strip and the line correspond. Then use pliers to press the copper sheet on the connector down tightly to finish the connection.
After I cut my LED lights, why are they not working?
- If you don’t cut along the cutting line, this section of the light strip will not light up. You need to cut this section off and reconnect the light strip.
- If you cut along the cutting line, but this section of the light strip still doesn’t light up, it may be that the solder joints near the cutting position are not connected properly. Use a multimeter to test and ensure that the solder joints near the cutting points are connected properly. Re-welded the loose solder joints. If there is no welding equipment, you can also try to use electrical tape or hot melt adhesive to fix it to ensure good contact. Reconnect the power supply once the repair is finished, and the light strip should be able to light up.
- If the entire light strip does not light up, you can check the following 3 questions one by one:
- Is the circuit powered?
- Are the plug pins and the light strip wire positions in good contact,and are the solder joints firm?
- Are the positive and negative poles of the light strip connected correctly?
If the answers are yes, you need to consider replacing a new strip.
Conclusion
You can cut most LED light strips despite high-voltage and waterproof ones. For these two types of light strips, you need to think it over and ask your electrician and manufacturer for advice. Remember to cut along the cutting line when using typical LED light strips. When reconnecting the light strips, you can either solder the joints or use a connector for simple connection. The light strip may fail if you cut in a wrong way. Visit Casyoo blogs to find out more about LED lights, or contact us for LED lights with high quality!
