If you are looking for a flexible and versatile lighting option, LED Strip Lights should be one of your top choices. Not only do these lights have various colour options, but they can also be cut to custom lengths. So, no matter the size of your lighting installation requirements, you will find a LED Strip Light to fit your taste.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO CUT LED STRIP LIGHTS?

Yes, you can cut these lights based on your desired lengths. The beauty of using LED strip lights is its easy customisation factor. If you have a large lighting installation requirement, you can buy a long strip light. If you need shorter strips, you can cut the LED strip lights into multiple pieces. 

When cut, these lights will still work. Even novices can DIY the cutting of the LED strips. Just make sure not to damage the circuits while doing so. There are numerous tutorials on how this process works. Read along to know the step-by-step process of cutting LED strip lights. 

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS: HOW TO CUT LED STRIP LIGHTS

Are you interested in using LED Strip Lights for your property? Here is the step-by-step process of cutting strip lights into two or more working pieces:

1.Measure your space and know your desired length.

Before cutting your strip light, the first thing you must do is find out the length needed. Take out your measuring tape and check how long the lights should be. You should also check how many you will need for your lighting project. 

Getting the length right is essential, as cutting it too short will lead to wasted strips. Knowing the correct measurement is necessary, too, since you will need it when buying your long strip light. 

2. Make sure to get sharp scissors. 

You can use scissors to cut your strip lights – just make sure that you select sharp ones.  Blunt or dull knives should never be used in cutting LED Strip Lights. Failure to cut the strips carefully may damage its circuit board and components. Doing so will render the strip lights unusable. To be on the safe side, use sharp scissors to cut your strip lights in one go. 

3. Divide the strip lines through the cut lines. 

Many people choose to customise the lengths of their strip lights. Because of that, the manufacturers developed a way to make it easier for their clients to do so. Nowadays, most strip lights you will find have cut lines or the scissors icon provided on the surface. These icons make it easier for people to know where to cut their strip lights. You can usually find these lines between the copper dots at the back of the LED strip. 

When cutting your strip lights, make sure to cut only within the provided area. Doing otherwise may damage your lights.  

HOW TO MAKE CUT LED STRIP LIGHTS WORK

Cutting the LED strip is one thing, but making sure it works is another. After you cut the strip, the LED light would not immediately work. You must first connect the LED light to an electric source to initiate an electricity connection. 

This is where the quick connector comes in. This allows the LED lights to access a power source even when cut into separate pieces. For more information, here’s how you can connect your cut LED Strip Light with a quick connector:

• Find the top part of your quick connector.

You can only use quick connectors properly when their top part is facing upwards. This means that you cannot simply connect your LED strip light with a connector and be done with it. Instead, check the connector surface and determine which side is up. 

• Align the LED strip with the quick connector.

Once you have the correct side up, align the quick connector with the LED strip to complete the electrical circuit of the lighting system. To make sure it works, line up the positive and negative charges properly. Usually, the black wire connects with the positive (+) charge, and the red wire connects with the negative (-) charge. 

• Pull the plastic bar off the quick connector. 

There is a plastic bar found at the end of the quick connector, which serves as the protective covering of the connector. Once you are ready, pull the plastic bar forward to open the quick connector. Make sure to do this carefully since quick connectors can be damaged easily. 

• Slightly peel the adhesive backing of your LED strip.

Once you pull the plastic bar off the quick connector, slightly peel off the adhesive backing off your LED strip. The keyword here is “slightly”. Only about a quarter of an inch should be pulled since the goal is to expose the copper terminals at the end of your strip. 

Most LED strips have adhesive backings, but some have plastic coverings. If that’s the case, you need to pull the plastic off to expose the copper terminals. It is better to use a knife or a box cutter for this task.

• Plug the LED Strip Light into the connector. 

After exposing the terminal, you may not plug the LED  strip into the quick connector. Just slide the LED’s end to the connector and line the wires properly. 

• Close the quick connector’s plastic bar. 

After linking the LED strip with the quick connector, you may bring back the plastic bar you previously pulled from the connector. This protects the connection from damages due to open exposure. 

After doing these steps, you should solder the LEDs together so they can work correctly. 

CUT AND CUSTOMISE LED STRIP LIGHTS WITH LINEAR LUX

Linear Lux stocks the largest range of LED Strip Lights, LED Drivers, LED Profiles, and LED Controllers in Australia. So, if you are looking for a supplier of customisable LED Strip Light, Linear Lux is your best option. 

Start being creative with your space through lighting. Explore the different lighting possibilities with custom LED Strips. To know more, call us at 0434 326 000 or email your enquiries to mail@linearlux.com.au.