Skip to content

How to install LED Neon Flex lighting

Time to read 4 min

Advice Centre > Neon Flex Lighting > How to install LED Neon Flex lighting

If you’re looking to create impactful signage or exciting décor for your business or home, LED Neon Flex lighting is a great option.

After buying your LED Neon Flex lighting it will need to be installed so we’ve provided all of the information you will need to make the installation quick and easy. Neon Flex is a great replacement for traditional Neon signs and are an excellent addition to any property or business and, when installed properly, can look incredible for years to come.

In this guide you will find information on:

Lighting, accessories and power supply

Find out more about how to install LED Neon Flex

Things to consider when installing LED Neon Flex

What you’ll need

Before installing your lighting, you’ll need to gather all the tools necessary to get the job done.

Neon Flex tube

The first and, arguably, the most important thing you’ll need for your LED light installation is the LED Neon Flex tube light itself.

This will be a light tube in your chosen shape, length and colour, which is ready to be manipulated by you into your desired project. Opting to install your own neon light can be a great way to save on costs and is a relatively simple process.

Accessories for installation

Once you have the lighting you want, you’ll need the accessories for installation. That means a power cap and end cap. These act as the start and end of your LED Neon Flex, providing a start point and a source of power to give you the brilliant, colourful light that LEDs are best known for.

You may also want to consider heat shrink tubing on the ends of the tube, especially if you’re planning to use your LEDs outside, as this improves their protection against the weather.

Power supply

To power your LED lighting, you will also need a 12v or 24v power supply. Often, these are supplied alongside your LED Neon Flex lights, though is some cases you may need to purchase a power cable separately.

LEDs are low on power consumption so you’ll never need more than a 24v power connection for them to function correctly.

Tools

Finally, for the installation, you’ll need a few tools. If you’re installing them onto a hard surface or brick wall, you may need an electric drill to secure your lighting. In many cases, you can connect your LED lights with the use of a screwdriver, scissors and wire strippers, as well as hooks, clips, pins and any other mounting materials you’d like to use for installation.

Installing your LED Neon Flex light

Once you have all the necessary equipment, you can start installing your LED Neon Flex lighting.

Step 1

If you’re using Neon Flex that hasn’t been cut to size, the first step is cutting your lighting to the size you want. On the back of all Neon Flex cables are a series of horizontal dashed lines. These are where you should cut your strip to shorten the cable to your specific length requirements.

Use sharp scissors to ensure nothing is damaged inside the wire and cut precisely on the dotted line for the best results.

Step 2

Once you’ve made your cut, you should be able to see inside the cable itself and see two exposed wires. When you’ve located the wires, you need to connect a power pin. The pin is centred over the exposed wires and pushed in until it can’t be pushed any further.

Once this has been completed, the exposed end of the power pin can be connected to the female end of the power cord, providing the power that your Neon Flex lighting needs. At this point, you can also install the end cap on the other end of the cable.

Step 3

It’s vital to ensure your installation is entirely moisture, dust and water-resistant. Even for internal use, it’s important to make your lighting as safe and long-lasting as possible.

Utilising silicone sealant can improve the longevity of your LED Neon Flex, as well as adding heat shrink tubing to any connection points. However, it’s worth noting that, once you add silicone or install heat shrinking, it would be challenging to remove, change or reduce your LED lighting in any way.

Step 4

Once you’re happy that your LED Neon Flex is ready for final installation, you can then shape and mount your LED.

Depending on the location and placement of your LEDs, you may want to include a protective acrylic panel or pin it directly into the wall for a retro finish. You may also want to use recessed panels for added effect or to place your LEDs against a plain background to make them stand out.

There’s no one way to install LED Neon Flex but, before you fix it permanently is the time to experiment to see what works for you. For external use, you may also need to provide somewhere for the power source to fit into, which will require additional drilling into walls and sealant following installation.

What to remember during installation

While installing LED Neon Flex lighting can be a straightforward process, especially in comparison to traditional glass neon lighting, there are a few things to remember to ensure your project looks exactly as you want it to.

Firstly, ensure that your lighting strip is always facing outwards, with no twisting. Not only does this break up the lighting effect, it can also damage your lights over time.

It’s also important to avoid bending your lighting strip at sharp angles. Instead, use curves to prevent your lighting from becoming damaged. For more complex designs, speaking to a professional about creating a design for you may be better.

Finally, ensure the power you’re using is suitable. That means having the transformer in place, checking all connections are good and only using the specified voltage required for the Neon Flex lighting.

Installing LED Neon Flex lighting is simple and, with our guide, you’ll soon be well on your way to creating the atmosphere you’re looking for. From restaurants and bars to residential properties and stores, LEDs can look amazing anywhere when they’re installed correctly.