LED Neon Flex lighting is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, with its flexible yet robust design making it the perfect option for many spaces. These types of neon lighting strips are often used as an alternative to traditional glass neon lighting, as the Neon Flex strip emits light from the top, bottom and side, making them a popular choice.

The versatility of these LED Neon Flex strips and the variety of options available allows you to quickly create vibrant LED neon signs. The rope lights can be cut and connected to create the ideal length for a variety of installation options.

This useful guide will take you through the various steps required to connect LED Neon Flex segments so you can create your ideal lighting installation.

In this guide:

Equipment needed to connect LED Neon Flex lighting

Before you connect your lights, you will need to gather up the right tools and equipment. Firstly, you will need a few simple tools such as:

  • Sharp cutting blade
  • Flat-nosed pliers
  • Heat gun
  • Silicone sealant
  • Heat shrink tubing

You will also need your LED Neon Flex light strip, which will be ready to be shaped into your chosen design. Next, you will need to select a male and female power connector, an end cap, a power cable and a power supply, which will be either 12 V or 24 V, depending on your LED Neon Flex lighting choice.

How to connect LED Neon Flex

LED Neon Flex lighting is naturally simple to install and the design allows the tube to be easily cut to size, extended and bent into the correct shape. Here are the steps you need to follow to create the ideal LED lighting fixture:

Step 1: Cut the LED Neon Flex tube

The LED light strip features a variety of cutting marks on its edges, so all you have to do is make a straight cut at the designated mark using a sharp cutting blade. It’s important to use a sharp blade to ensure a clean cut and avoid pulling any internal wires. If any wires inside the strip are pulled or stretched, the light may be damaged.

Step 2: Attach connectors to the LED Neon Flex strip

The female end of the connector should be heated using a heat gun until the plastic section is slightly malleable. Next, position this section over the end of the lighting strip so that the female pin openings correctly align with the ends of the male power pin.

For a more waterproof seal, we recommend applying a bead of silicone sealant around the end of the flex strip before attaching to the power cord.

Once you have completed your run of lighting strips, you can terminate the LED Neon Flex by fitting an end cap over the exposed cut end. The other end will be where the power cable is connected.

Step 3: Connect the power pin

The Neon Flex strip should be positioned so that the exposed wires on the cut end are to the right-hand side.

Then, position the male power pin within the pliers with the pin ends facing outward. The male power pin ends should align with the centre of the exposed wires on the cut Neon Flex strip.

With the pliers in one hand and the lighting strip in the other, push the power pin onto the exposed strip pins. The clear plastic clip situated in the centre of the power pin will meet the cut end of the strip once correctly in place.

Step 4: Connect the power cable

Using the same process as described to attach the connectors, connect the power cable. Heat the female end of the power connector and position it over the end of the lighting strip so that the female pin openings align with the ends of the male power pin.

Silicone sealant is a great option for creating a weatherproof seal. For additional waterproofing of external lighting, place a piece of heat shrink tubing over the connection joint and over the power cable so that the tubing extends 3–4 mm over the end of the flex lighting strip. Then use a heat gun to shrink the tubing around the connection points.

Step 5: Ensure the light connection is safe

If you have used a heat gun, wait until the strip is completely cool before connecting to a power point.

What voltage is required for your LED Neon Flex light?

Most of the LED Neon Flex lights we stock require 24 V, although some strips only require 12 V. Always check the product instructions when deciding on the correct voltage for your lighting installation.

Safety precautions when connecting LED Neon Flex lighting

During any lighting installation, follow basic safety precautions to avoid product damage and personal injury.

First, when cutting the strip, only cut along the designated cutting marks. Before powering your LED Neon Flex lighting, check for any loose connections, exposed wires or damage to the outer jacket of the strip. If you spot any issues, do not use the lighting.

Finally, never operate the light with a voltage higher than the specified level.

How to connect RGB LED Neon Flex lighting

Connecting RGB LED Neon Flex lighting is very similar to standard LED Neon Flex, but the bend angles are more limited.

A standard Neon Flex strip can be curved and bent to a 90-degree angle, 180 degrees and even 360-degree knots. However, RGB LED Neon Flex can only be bent along the lateral direction of the internal copper wire, with an angle of 90 degrees or greater.

Check the specific instructions for the LED Neon Flex you are working with, as connection steps can vary with different strip widths and manufacturers.

Here at WeLoveLEDs, we are committed to offering our customers the most innovative lighting solutions, whilst also helping you achieve the desired finish. To find out more about LED Neon Flex, please contact our team today.