LED Neon Flex is a versatile, energy-saving lighting solution that is ideal for applications from signage and retail displays to task lighting and garden features. They can be cut to custom lengths, are easily installed with mounting clips, and are available in ultra-slim varieties for even more creative uses.
If you’ve already purchased some strips of LED Neon Flex or want some more information beyond colours and installation before buying, you’ve come to the right place.
In this guide:
Find out more about how and when to use slim LED Neon Flex
Explaining the safest and most effective way to cut strips of LED Neon Flex
LED Neon Flex strips are the ideal lighting solution for external applications
Exploring the different voltage options for LED Neon Flex
Slim LED Neon Flex
Slim LED Neon Flex provides even more versatility for creating signage and decorative lighting features with shapes and lettering. It is available by the metre with a domed or flat face, and bends to provide an even, neon-effect light around the contour of a surface or wall without using the heat and energy of traditional glass neon lights.
Additional uses for slim LED Neon Flex include:
- Back/task lighting
- Mood lighting
- Accent lighting
- Cove lighting
- Window displays, shelving and display cases
Read our guide for more information on the specifications for slim LED Neon Flex.
How to cut LED Neon Flex
One of the benefits of LED Neon Flex is that it can be cut to different lengths to suit the design needs of a particular project. Cutting LED Neon Flex is a relatively straightforward, low-cost approach to creating bespoke lighting features and signage.
Reasons to cut LED Neon Flex include:
- Versatility
- Practicality
- Lightweight
- Ease of installation
- Customisability
To cut LED Neon Flex, you will need a sharp tool that you can hold and control easily. Regular DIY tools such as a box cutter or utility knife will do the job. You will also need end caps, connectors and a soldering iron for closing the exposed circuit once the strip has been cut to size.
Strips of Neon Flex have markings between LED segments on the silicone housing to indicate where you can cut through. On our Neon Flex, the cut points are marked by copper ovals at intervals from 10mm up to 500mm for RGB options – most static colours and profiles are 25mm and 50mm. You should only cut at through the housing and on these specific points, or you can risk cutting through the wires and damaging the whole product.
Our how-to guide outlines the method for cutting the LED strips and things to consider before, after and during the process.
LED Neon Flex for outdoor lighting
Whether it's for outdoor events, gardens, shop fronts or signage, LED Neon Flex can be used in a wide range of external applications. Compared to traditional neon gas tubing, LED Neon Flex has superior brightness and requires a lower voltage, while also providing more durability. It's also much safer than neon, as it doesn't use harmful chemicals or fragile glass casing.
This means LED Neon Flex is more weather-resistant than its predecessor, so signs and features using this type of light strip will last much longer and require less maintenance. Some of the main considerations when choosing LED Neon Flex for outdoor installation include:
- A secure connection
- The IP rating of the product
- Durability
- Lifespan
- Colour
- Length
The IP rating of LED Neon Flex determines where it can be used, but can also be affected by the quality of the soldering and fixings. They must fit correctly to ensure no moisture can erode the connections. Glue-lined heat shrink over the soldered end, or silicone adhesive on the end caps, is the best solution for this.
Find out more about outdoor lighting using LED Neon Flex in our guide.
LED Neon Flex voltage explained
Before buying some LED Neon Flex, you should be aware of the two voltage options on offer: 12v and 24v. LED Neon Flex has a low power consumption, so your light will never need more than 24v to function properly.
Both outputs have the same lifespan and produce the same amount of glow, but have several differences which can determine your choice. To decide which voltage is right for you and your lighting project, you need to consider how the Flex is going to be used and where it is going to be placed.
12v:
- Low voltage
- Ideal for small-scale projects such as an average-sized office
- More suited for indoor lighting
24v:
- High voltage
- Better for large-scale projects such as warehouses
- The preferred option for outdoor lighting
Continue reading our guide to understand more about LED Neon Flex voltage and how you can reach the right choice for your lighting needs.
View our full range of LED Neon Flex products or contact our team of experts if you would like to discuss your project needs in more detail.
