How to Cut LED Strip Lights

Can You Cut LED Strips?

Cut zones are visible along the length of LED strip lights. Distances between cut zones typically range from 15mm to 100mm. Considerations must be made over performance and power supply when deciding LED strip light length. A failure to alter strip light length using the designated cut points will affect performance and could cause longer term damage.

In this guide, we will cover the main issues surrounding the length of LED strips.

How to Cut LED Strip Lights

The incorporation of cut points means you can safely alter the length of your strip lights using scissors. Look for the highlighted cut points between groups of LEDs to find where to cut. The process of cutting the strip light is simple and can be completed by following the rules below:

Make sure the scissors you are using are sharp so you make a clean cut through the LED strip light.
Hold the strip light taught and straight to ensure a clean straight cut.
Make sure your environment is well lit so you can see the cut points clearly.
Before you cut, double check that you are cutting your desired cut point that you have measured.

What if I cut the LED strip light in the wrong place?

LED strips come in a variety of lengths. Spaced evenly along the strip, you will find cut zones (clearly indicated - sometimes with dotted lines - across the width of the strip).

The cut lines exist in designated zones for a reason. Each zone provides an option to cap the circuit (i.e., the electric ‘loop’ will be complete when it terminates at the cut zone).

If you cut in the wrong place, which is to say, outside of the cut zone, you are effectively ending the electric loop mid circuit. The power supply will not light any LEDs between the last cut zone on the strip and the cut you have made.

To avoid any unlit LEDs at the end of your strip, always use the cut zones provided.

How to connect your LED Strip Light once you have cut it

Solderless Connector

The benefit of choosing to connect your LED strip via a clip-on connector is that you do not require any soldering.

Your LED strip will display plus and minus signs next to each cut point. When connecting strip to strip or strip to wire, make sure you take notice of the polarity (+ and -). These must match at either side.

Close the connector by pressing the metal pins down using pliers. Give a small tug to make sure the join is solid, and you are ready to power your LED strip.

Shop Solderless Connectors

Solder Your Connection

The benefit of soldering your LED strip to the connecter is that you ensure a join that cannot easily come loose.

Make sure when soldering you pay attention to the polarity. In addition when soldering you'll need to take into account the size of soldering pads. If the connection between solder pads touches the product will not work.

We recommend that soldering is completed by a trained professional.