How to connect LED Neon Flex
How to Connect LED Neon Flex: Complete Installation Guide
LED Neon Flex is the modern alternative to traditional glass neon - offering the same vibrant glow with added flexibility, durability, and energy efficiency for both indoor and outdoor installations.
Think of it like this: LED Neon Flex is like a bendable light rope that emits light from all angles (top, bottom, and sides) - perfect for creating custom neon signs, architectural accents, or decorative lighting without the fragility and cost of traditional neon.
📋 WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE:
Watch our step-by-step video guide for connecting LED Neon Flex
Why Choose LED Neon Flex Over Traditional Neon?
✨ 360° Light Emission
Light from top, bottom & sides
💪 Shatterproof
No fragile glass tubes
⚡ Energy Efficient
Up to 80% less power usage
🎨 Fully Flexible
Bend into any shape needed
🔧 Essential Tools & Equipment
Before starting your installation, gather all necessary tools and components to ensure a smooth, professional finish.
🛠️ Soldering Tools
- Soldering Kit (30W-60W)
- Rosin core solder
- Wire cutter/stripper
- Sharp cutting blade
- Heat shrink tubing or electrical tape
- Multimeter for testing
📦 Components Needed
- LED Neon Flex strip (6mm or 8mm)
- Enameled copper wire for connections
- End caps for sealing
- Power cable
- LED driver (12V or 24V)
- Silicone sealant (for outdoor use)
💡 PRO TIP: Buy 10% extra Neon Flex length to account for cutting mistakes and test connections. It's better to have spare material than run short mid-project!
⚡ Soldering Connection Process
All connections on 6mm & 8mm LED Neon Flex require soldering. You can solder at the cut ends or create mid-length connections by exposing solder points along the strip.
💡 TWO CONNECTION OPTIONS:
- End connections: Solder directly to exposed copper pads at cut ends
- Mid-length connections: Cut away silicone edge to expose solder points without cutting through the flex
Step 1: Prepare Your Tools
What you'll need:
- Soldering iron (30W-60W)
- Rosin core solder
- Wire cutters/strippers
- Sharp blade for cutting
- Electrical wire (enameled copper wire recommended)
- Heat shrink tubing or electrical tape
- End caps for sealing
Step 2: Prepare the Neon Flex
For end connections:
- Locate the cutting marks on the strip
- Make a clean, straight cut at the designated mark
- Copper solder pads will be exposed at the cut end
For mid-length connections:
- Carefully cut away a small section of silicone on the edge
- Expose the solder points without cutting through the flex
- Keep the main body intact - only remove edge silicone
Step 3: Solder the Connections
Soldering process:
- Pre-tin the exposed copper pads with solder
- Strip and tin the ends of your connection wires
- Hold wire against the pad and apply heat
- Allow solder to flow and create a solid joint
- Observe polarity markings (+ and -) if present
- Let connections cool completely before handling
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Don't overheat the pads - apply heat for just 2-3 seconds to avoid damaging the LEDs
Step 4: Insulate the Connections
Finishing the joints:
- For indoor use: Cover solder joints with electrical tape or heat shrink tubing
- For outdoor use: Apply silicone sealant over connections for waterproofing
- Use end caps on any exposed cut ends to seal the flex
- Allow any sealants to cure fully before installation
✅ PRO TIP: Test your connections with a multimeter before final installation to ensure proper continuity
Step 5: Final Testing
Before permanent installation:
- ✓ Check all solder joints are solid and shiny (not dull/cold)
- ✓ Verify polarity is correct throughout
- ✓ Test with appropriate voltage power supply
- ✓ Ensure no exposed conductors are touching
- ✓ Confirm all sections light evenly
🔌 Choosing the Right Voltage
| Voltage | Best For | Max Run Length | Shop Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12V | Shorter runs, automotive, small signs | Up to 10m | View 12V Options → |
| 24V | Long runs, commercial, architectural | Up to 50m | View 24V Options → |
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Always check product specifications before purchasing. Most of our LED Neon Flex requires 24V, but some strips only need 12V. Using incorrect voltage will damage your installation!
🌈 RGB LED Neon Flex Special Instructions
RGB LED Neon Flex follows similar connection steps but has important bending limitations you need to know about.
Standard Neon Flex
Bending capabilities:
- ✅ 90-degree angles
- ✅ 180-degree curves
- ✅ 360-degree knots
- ✅ Any direction
RGB Neon Flex
Limited bending:
- ⚠️ Only lateral bending
- ⚠️ 90-degrees minimum
- ❌ No tight knots
- ❌ Follow copper wire direction
💡 RGB TIP: Plan your design with gentle curves rather than sharp angles. For complex RGB installations, consider using corner connectors instead of bending the strip.
🛡️ Safety Tips & Best Practices
Critical Safety Checklist
❌ NEVER:
- Cut anywhere except designated marks
- Operate with voltage higher than specified
- Connect with exposed wires showing
- Work on live circuits
✅ ALWAYS:
- Test connections before final installation
- Use proper waterproofing for outdoor use
- Allow heated connections to cool fully
- Double-check voltage requirements
Popular LED Neon Flex Applications
✨ Custom neon signs
🏢 Building outlines
🎪 Event decorations
🍺 Bar & restaurant lighting
🏠 Cove lighting
🎨 Art installations
🏪 Retail displays
🎭 Stage design
🛍️ Shop LED Neon Flex by Type
🤔 Need Help With Your Neon Flex Project?
Our technical team provides FREE consultation for custom neon signs and installations
Email: sales@weloveleds.co.uk
Or call: 0113 418 2920
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