Can You Cut LED Strip Lights? [A Quick Guide]

LED strip lights are a great addition to any home. They’re cheap, they come in a variety of colors, they can be used outdoors, and most importantly they lift the mood of any room they’re in.

But one thing you may have noticed is that they’re always sold in certain lengths, whereas more than likely you only ever need to use a fraction of that length.

So, the question then becomes – can you cut LED strip lights?

Let’s take a look.

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Can you cut LED light strips?

Yes, you can cut LED strip lights. LED strip lights are designed to be cut at specific intervals, allowing you to choose for yourself the length of LED strip you need to fit your specific needs.

This is standard practice, and is why most LED strip lights are sold in standard lengths – 1m, 2m, 5m etc…

You will more than likely never find a roll of LED strip lights for sale that is the perfect length you need, so the idea is that you order a roll slightly longer than the length of LEDs you need, which you can then cut down to size.

Alternatively, some physical stores may sell you custom-cut LED light strips, meaning you can walk out of the store with just the right length.

How to cut LED light strips

Before cutting your LED strip lights, ensure they are unplugged to avoid any electrical accidents. Do not attempt to cut your LED strip while they are turned on.

Materials needed

• LED strip lights
• Scissors (or sharp utility knife)

Step-by-step guide

Measure: Decide the desired length of your LED strip lights and measure it carefully. LED strip lights have cutting marks indicated by a scissor icon or dotted line every few inches or centimetres, so make sure your measurement goes up to one of these cut marks – you won’t be able to make the cut anywhere else.

Cut: Once you have measured and located the appropriate cutting mark, use sharp scissors or a utility knife to cut the LED strip along the marked line.

Test: After making the cut, plug in the LED strip and test it to make sure everything is working correctly. Each and every LED module should light up – if not you have made a mistake with your cut (or your LED light strip is faulty).

Attach: If you need to attach the cut LED strip lights to a surface, most LED strips come with adhesive backing. Simply remove the protective layer from the adhesive, and carefully press the strip onto the desired surface. If your strip lights do not have this adhesive backing, you can buy some suitable adhesive here. We also have a guide detailing how to install LED strip lights without adhesive here.

Important tips

• When cutting the LED strip, be sure to cut along the designated cutting line to avoid damaging the internal circuitry. Cutting anywhere else will break the LED module.
• Double-check your measurements before cutting to prevent any mistakes.
• Read the manufacturer’s instructions and specifications for your LED strip lights to ensure you are cutting them correctly and to avoid voiding any warranties.

Finally, always exercise caution when working with electrical components, and if you’re unsure about any step in the process, it’s best to consult a professional electrician.

Can you reconnect cut LED strip?

Yes, you can reconnect LED strip lights that have been cut. 

Because LED strip lights have designated cutting points, they are designed to be cut, detached, and reattached without breaking.

To reconnect already cut LED strips you have two options – you can solder the strips together, or you can use LED strip connectors. 

How to reconnect cut LED strip

As mentioned above, there are two ways to reconnect LED strips after cutting – soldering, or using LED strip connectors.

Let’s look at both.

Soldering LED strips back together

To solder LED strip lights, you’ll need a pair of wire cutters, solder, a soldering iron, the wire that you are going to attach to the strip and of course, your LED strips.  

To start, it is usually a good idea to pre-tin the wires. You’ll do this by using your soldering iron to add a bit of solder to the end of each of the wires. This will make it easier to attach the wire to the LED strip. 

Then, use the soldering iron to add some solder to each of the contact points on the LED Strip.  

Then, because you already have solder on both the wire and LED Strip, simply use the soldering iron to attach the wire to the strip’s contact points, making sure to connect the correct end of wire to its corresponding contact point. 

And there you go!

Reconnecting LED strips using LED strip connectors

Prepare the LED strips: Ensure that both ends of the LED strips you want to connect are clean and free from any debris or coating. If needed, gently clean the copper pads using a cotton swab and a small amount of isopropyl alcohol. 

Open the connector: If the connector has a latch or a cover, open it to reveal the connection points inside.

Insert the LED strip: Carefully slide the end of the LED strip into the connector, ensuring that the copper pads on the LED strip align with the connection points inside the connector. Push the strip as far as it can go to ensure a secure connection.

Close the connector: Close the latch or cover to secure the LED strip in place, ensuring the connection is both stable and protected.

Test the connection: Plug in the LED strip to a power source and test the connection. If the LEDs don’t light up, double-check the connection to make sure it is secure and that the polarities are correctly matched.

While using LED strip connectors is a quick and easy method to join LED strips without the need for soldering, it’s essential to choose quality connectors to ensure reliable connections – don’t take the cheap bid! 

Frequently asked questions

Do LED strip lights still work when cut?

Yes, LED strip lights will still work after being cut, providing you cut them correctly and at the designated cutting points. 

LED strip lights are designed to be cut at specific intervals, usually marked by a scissor icon or a dotted line. When cut properly, the remaining segments will continue to function as independent units, each with its own set of LEDs and electrical contacts.

It is important though that you do cut only at the designated cutting points. Cutting at random points may lead to malfunctioning or non-functional LED segments.

Can you cut an LED strip wherever you want?

No, you cannot cut an LED strip wherever you want – you can only cut an LED strip light at the designated cutting points.

VIEW OUR CAVELIGHTS RECOMMENDED LED LIGHT STRIPS HERE.

Related Posts

• How long do LED strip lights last?
• How to remove LED strip lights without damaging wall
• Can you put LED strip lights outdoors?

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