Cutting, connecting and installing LED strips
How to Cut, Connect & Install LED Strip Lights (UK Guide)
LED strips are the perfect solution for creating custom lighting in any space - from accent lighting in homes to professional installations in showrooms and venues.
Think of it like this: LED strips are like lighting Lego blocks - you can cut them to size, connect them together, and build exactly the lighting setup you need.
📋 WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE:
⏱️ Quick jumps: 01:20 cutting alignment • 02:45 using clip connectors • 03:45 troubleshooting dim ends
✂️ Cutting LED Strips
LED strips can be trimmed to fit your exact measurements - but there's a right way and a wrong way to do it.
⚠️ CRITICAL: Only cut at the marked cut points (copper pads with scissors icons). Cutting anywhere else will damage the strip permanently.
Where Can You Cut?
🔍 Identifying Cut Points:
- Look for: Copper pads with scissors symbols
- Frequency: Usually every 3 LEDs (50mm for most strips)
- Visual cue: Wider copper sections between LED segments
Cut points are marked every 50mm (3 LEDs) on most strips
Simple 4-Step Cutting Process:
- Disconnect power (always work with power OFF)
- Lay strip flat (on a clean, stable surface)
- Find cut point (look for copper pads with scissors symbol)
- Cut straight across (use sharp scissors for clean edge)
Sealing Exposed Ends
❌ COMMON MISTAKE: Leaving cut ends exposed can cause short circuits or electrical hazards. Always seal exposed copper pads with electrical tape or end caps.
🔌 Connecting LED Strips
Whether you're extending a run or working around corners, connecting strips properly ensures consistent brightness and reliability.
Solderless Connectors
Perfect when:
- ✅ Quick installation needed
- ✅ No soldering skills/tools
- ✅ Temporary setups
- ❌ Limited by connector size
Soldering
Best when:
- ✅ Custom angles needed
- ✅ Tight spaces
- ✅ Permanent installation
- ❌ Requires skill & equipment
💡 PRO TIP: Match your connector to your strip width AND type: 6mm • 8mm • 10mm • 12mm strips each need specific connectors. RGB/RGBW strips need multi-pin connectors.
Connection Limits & Voltage Drop
📐 Maximum Run Lengths:
| Voltage | Max Single Run | Solution for Longer |
|---|---|---|
| 5V | 2-3 metres | Power injection every 2m |
| 12V | 5-8 metres | Parallel feeds |
| 24V | 10-15 metres | Parallel feeds |
🔧 Installing LED Strips
Pre-Installation Checklist
1️⃣ Clean the Surface
→ Remove dust, grease, and moisture for strong adhesion
2️⃣ Test Before Installing
→ Connect to power and verify all sections work
3️⃣ Plan Your Route
→ Map corners, power points, and connector locations
🏠 Kitchen Cabinet Installation
Best for: Under-cabinet task lighting
- Use aluminium channels for professional finish
- Position 100-150mm from cabinet front edge
- Hide drivers above cabinets or in void spaces
Real Example: 3m kitchen needs 2x 1.5m strips + corner connector + 60W driver
🔍 Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. Strip Won't Light After Cutting
You may have cut off the copper pads or misaligned the connector.
✅ Solution: Check cut was made at marked point, verify connector alignment (+ to +, - to -)
2. Dim LEDs at End of Strip
Voltage drop causing reduced brightness on long runs.
✅ Solution: Use higher voltage strips (24V), add power injection points, or run parallel feeds
3. Flickering or Unstable Light
Usually indicates insufficient power supply or loose connections.
✅ Solution: Check driver wattage (add 20% headroom), secure all connections
📐 Quick Power Calculator
Simple 3-Step Formula:
- Check watts per metre (found on product page)
- Multiply by total length (in metres)
- Add 20% headroom (for driver longevity)
📐 Real Calculation Example:
Strip: 14.4W per metre
Length needed: 5 metres
5m × 14.4W = 72W
72W × 1.2 (20% headroom) = 86.4W
→ Choose 100W driver
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🤔 Still Not Sure?
Our technical team provides FREE consultation for any project size
Email: sales@weloveleds.co.uk
Or call: 0113 418 2920
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