If you’re looking to create the perfect lighting for your space, LED strips are an excellent option.

LED lighting is an affordable, safe alternative to traditional bulbs that’s easy to install. LED strips are increasingly popular for everything from warehouses and showrooms to wedding venues and photography studios.

This article explains how to cut, connect, and install LED strips. Click one of the links below to jump to that section:

Cutting LED strips

LED strips can be trimmed so they fit your space perfectly. Cutting is straightforward, but doing it incorrectly can damage the strip or cause injury.

Where can you cut LED strips?

You cannot cut anywhere on an LED strip. You must cut only at the marked cut points—copper dots or ovals usually located every three LEDs. These markers are the only safe places to cut. Use a sharp tool (wire cutters or a utility knife) for a clean finish and to avoid damaging internal wires. Always disconnect the strip from power and lay it flat before cutting.

How to close the exposed circuit

After cutting to length, one end remains connected to power, and the other is exposed. To prevent short circuits or injury, seal the exposed end with good-quality electrical tape. Wrap the tape around each exposed conductor several times so the circuit is fully covered.

Connecting LED strips

Connecting LED strips to a power supply (and to each other) lets you create longer runs or work around obstacles. Here’s how:

How do you connect two LED strips together?

Use strip-to-strip connectors, which come in clip-on or fold-over styles. Choose a connector that matches your strip’s width and type. Slide each strip end into the connector, ensuring the copper contacts align. This lets you join two cut pieces or bypass obstacles (e.g., pipes).

Alternatively, you can solder strips. Soldering fuses the copper contacts of each strip end. After soldering, cover exposed solder joints with tape to insulate them.

How many LED strips can you connect together?

That depends on your strip’s specifications and your power supply. All strips in a run must share the same voltage rating, and the supply must handle the total wattage. Many WeLoveLEDs strips support up to five metres powered from one end.

How to connect an LED strip to one power supply

Most LED strips use a two-wire connector: red to “+” and black to “–.” To connect:

  1. Insert the strip’s end into a compatible clip-on connector.
  2. Match the strip’s “+” copper pad to the red wire in the connector and the “–” pad to the black wire. Press the connector closed.
  3. Plug the other end of the connector into your power supply. If you need to power a longer run, consider a higher-wattage LED driver.

Installing LED strips

LED strips have a peel-and-stick backing for fast installation. Clean the mounting surface so it’s free of dust and grease. Peel off the adhesive liner and press the strip firmly in place, ensuring full contact along its length.

If you need to run a strip around a corner, use a corner connector rather than bending the strip tightly. Plan your layout by checking the strip’s path, power supply location, and any needed connectors before sticking it down.

If you want adjustable brightness, add an LED dimmer between the strip and power supply.

Frequently asked questions

Why might my LED strip not work after cutting?

If a strip won’t light after cutting, you likely cut off a required copper contact. Always cut on the marked cut points (copper pads) to avoid breaking the circuit.

How do I choose the right power supply?

Match the strip’s voltage rating (5 V, 12 V or 24 V) and total wattage. A longer or higher-density strip may require a higher-wattage LED driver rather than a basic adapter.

What is an RGB controller?

An RGB controller lets you change colours, adjust brightness and create effects on RGB LED strips. Controllers fit between the strip and power supply, allowing full customisation.

Contact us today for more details about our high-quality LED strip products and accessories.