Can you cut addressable RGB strips? Easy Cutting Guide
Whether you’re looking to illuminate your kitchen cupboards or backlight your TV, with LED strip lights, there’s a solution to everything. Favored for their versatility, LED strips to consist of a series of LED emitters installed onto a narrow, flexible circuit board.
There’s just one cause for concern. Most LED strips come as long reels between 3ft and 16ft in length. Will they continue to work if they are trimmed down?
Yes, LED strip lights will carry on working after they’ve been cut as long as you cut along the designated lines. LED strips are made up of several individual circuits, so each cut line demarcates the end of one circuit and the start of a new one. Cutting elsewhere on the LED strip will cause that circuit, and potentially the whole strip, to cease working. MSHLED Strip Light is one example of a high-quality LED light that can be cut without damaging the circuitry.
So, if you need to customize the length of your LED strip lights, simply find the cut lines and make your cuts accordingly. With careful trimming, you can create the perfect lighting solution for any space.
1. What you’ll need
When you’re ready to cut your addressable RGB strip, there are a few things you’ll need to have on hand.
First, you’ll need a sharp knife or scissors.
Second, you’ll need a ruler or tape measure to make sure you’re cutting the strip in a straight line.
Finally, you’ll need something to catch the excess RGB LEDs – we recommend using a piece of cardboard or a paper plate.
Once you have all of your materials, follow these steps to cut your addressable RGB strip: 1) Measure and mark the spot where you want to make your cut. 2) Use your sharp knife or scissors to carefully make a straight cut along the marked line. 3) Hold onto the end of the strip that you just cut, and allow the excess LEDs to fall onto your cardboard or paper plate. 4) Discard the excess LEDs and enjoy your new custom-length RGB LED strip!
2. How to cut an LED strip
LED strips are a great way to add accent lighting to any space, and they’re relatively easy to install. However, cutting an LED strip can be a bit tricky, as you need to be careful not to damage the individual LEDs. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cut an LED strip:
1. Measure the length of the LED strip you need and mark the spot where you want to make the cut.
2. Using a sharp knife or pair of scissors, carefully cut the strip at the marked spot.
3. Once the strip is cut, you’ll need to Soldier or heat shrink the exposed wires to prevent them from shorting out.
4. That’s it! You can now install your LED strip in its desired location.
3. If you make a mistake
If you’re cutting your own MSHLED strip light, it’s important to be careful and make sure you don’t make any mistakes. Otherwise, you could end up damaging the LEDs or causing other problems. Here are a few tips to help you avoid making mistakes when cutting MSHLED strip lights:
First, always use sharp scissors or a sharp knife when cutting the strip light. This will help you get a clean cut and avoid damaging the LEDs.
Second, make sure you measure the strip light carefully before cutting it. It’s important to get the measurements right so that you don’t end up with too much or too little light.
Third, if possible, use a guide to help you make straight cuts. This will again help you avoid damaging the LEDs.
Finally, once you’ve made your cuts, test the lights to make sure they’re working properly.
Following these tips should help you avoid making mistakes when cutting MSHLED strip lights.
4. Common mistakes people make when cutting LED strips
If you’re looking to add some extra lighting to your home, LED strips are a great option. They’re easy to install and can be used in a variety of ways, from under-cabinet lighting to accent lighting. However, there are a few common mistakes people make when cutting LED strips.
One mistake is cutting the strip too short. When you cut an LED strip, you need to leave about an inch of the extra strip at each end. This ensures that you’ll have enough strips to connect to the power source and makes it easier to hide any exposed wires.
Another mistake is cutting the strip at an angle. When you cut the strip, the cut should be perpendicular to the flat edge of the strip. This ensures that the exposed wires will be facing downwards, making them less visible and less likely to be damaged.
Finally, some people make the mistake of not sealing the exposed wires. When you cut an LED strip, the exposed wires can be susceptible to water damage and short-circuiting. To protect the wires, simply apply a small amount of heat-shrink tubing or electrical tape over them.
By following these simple tips, you can avoid common mistakes and get the most out of your LED strips.
DIY: How to Solder LED Strips
Solderless connectors are the easiest way to connect LED strips, but if you’re looking for a more permanent connection, soldering is the way to go. Soldering is a simple process that anyone can do, and it only takes a few minutes. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to solder LED strips:
1. Start by stripping about ½ inch of the insulation off the end of the strip light.
2. Next, tin the wires by applying a small amount of solder to them. This will help the wires stay in place and makes it easier to solder them together.
3. Now, twist the positive (red) wires together and solder them in place. Then, do the same for the negative (black) wires.
4. Once the wires are soldered together, trim any excess wire and apply a small amount of heat-shrink tubing over the connection.
5. That’s it! Your LED strip is now soldered and ready to be installed.
6. Tips for soldering LED strips
If you’re going to be soldering LED strips, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First, always use lead-free solder when working with electronics. Lead-free solder is safe and won’t damage the LED strips.
Second, it’s important to use a clean, flat surface when soldering. This will help you avoid making any mistakes.
Finally, make sure you have all the necessary tools before you start soldering. You’ll need a soldering iron, some lead-free solder, and some heat-shrink tubing.
By following these simple tips, you can Solder your LED strips like a pro!
How to install LED strip lights
Installing LED strip lights is a simple process that anyone can do. There are a few things you need to keep in mind, though. First, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials. You’ll need a power supply, LED strip lights, soldering iron, solder, and heat-shrink tubing.
Second, it’s important to read the instructions that come with your LED strips. This will help you avoid making any mistakes.
Third, when installing the LED strips, make sure you leave about an inch of extra strip at each end. This ensures that you’ll have enough strip to connect to the power source and makes it easier to hide any exposed wires.
Finally, when cutting the LED strips, be sure to cut them at a perpendicular angle to the flat edge of the strip. This ensures that the exposed wires will be facing downwards, making them less visible and less likely to be damaged.
By following these simple tips, you can install LED strip lights like a pro!
5. Final thoughts
LED strips are becoming more and more popular due to their versatility and low cost. But many people don’t know how to cut them properly, which can lead to damaged strips or shortened lifespans. In this guide, we’ll show you how to easily cut LED strips without damaging them, as well as common mistakes people make when cutting LED strips.
But what if you don’t need a whole reel? If you want to trim down an LED strip light, it’s important to know how. Our team at MSHLED is here to help. Contact us today for all of your LED lighting needs – we have everything from addressable RGB strips to single-color LEDs. We guarantee that we have the perfect solution for your next project!
