How to Cut Led Strip Lights

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LED strip lights are designed to be easy to cut apart with a pair of scissors. Each LED has a pair of copper dots at the end. As long as you cut between the dots, all of the LEDs will work. From there, you can connect the LEDs to a power source either through a quick connector or by soldering. If they are connected correctly, all of the LEDs should light up in a colorful display.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Cutting Apart LED Strips

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  1. The LEDs come in 1 long strip. You can cut off individual LEDs when you need them, but they have to be cut at specific points to work properly. Determine how long your LED strip needs to be before cutting off any lights. [1]
  2. Look for a pair of copper dots on the back of the LED strip. The copper dots indicate where each light connects to the next one on the strip. You will see a dotted cut line running between the copper dots. Choose the line closest to the LED length you measured earlier.
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  3. A pair of scissors will do the job. Hold the lights still and cut along the dotted line. You should be cutting between the copper dots. Line up the cut carefully to avoid damaging the LEDs.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Securing LEDs to a Quick Connector

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  1. Quick connectors can be purchased along with LED lights and are hassle-free ways of completing the electrical circuit. The LED will have a + and - printed on the back. Line up the connector’s black wire with the - and the red wire with the +. [3]
  2. Hold the connector in 1 hand. Find the small plastic bar, usually colored black, at the end. Pull this bar forward to open the connector. Be careful, as the connector is delicate.
  3. Pull the backing off the LED just enough to expose the copper terminals at the end. If your LEDs don’t have this backing, you will have to cut the plastic off of the terminals. [4]
    • Use a box cutter or knife to cut into the plastic and scrape it away to expose the terminals. Don’t cut all the way through the LED.
  4. Slide the LED’s end directly into the quick connector. Make sure the wires line up properly. The black wire should connect to the +, while the red wire should connect to the -. [5]
  5. Pull the plastic bar back onto the LED to hold it in place. The LED should not budge when you let go of it. This also protects the connection from damage.
  6. Use a terminal wire connector from a home improvement store. Plug the wires into the connector, then turn the connector’s screws clockwise to hold the wires in place. Plug the power supply cord into the terminal’s other end. [6]
    • If the LEDs don’t light up, check the connections. Mixing up the + and - wires may be the problem. Otherwise, you may have cut the LEDs in the wrong place.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Soldering LEDs Together

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  1. Use a sharp knife or box cutter. Cut into the plastic right above the copper dots at the end of the LED. Remove enough plastic to expose the copper dots, then scrape the blade along them to clear off any plastic debris.
  2. Solder metal on top of the copper terminals. Heat up a soldering iron and hold metal solder wire over the LED. Melt the solder wire directly onto the copper dots. Use enough solder to form small puddles of metal that cover the copper completely.
  3. Get a plastic end cap from a home improvement store. Use the knife or box cutter to pierce the cap’s closed end. Scrape away the plastic until the opening is wide enough to fit wires through it.
  4. You will need a black and red wire, which align with the LED’s terminals. Measure out the length of wire you need to connect the LED to your power source. Leave a little extra length, about 1 ⁄ 2  in (1.3 cm), on the end of each wire.
    • Slide the wires through the small hole you cut into the cap earlier, not the larger opening.
  5. Strip the wires with wire strippers. Strip about 1 ⁄ 2  in (1.3 cm) of casing off the ends of the wires. Clamp the wire strippers to the wire’s end. Press down on the handles to cut through the wire casing.
  6. Work on 1 wire at a time. Twist the end of the wire to wrangle all the frayed strands together. Heat the soldering iron again, then melt the solder onto the exposed wire. Do this for each wire.
  7. Match the polarity, aligning the black wire with the LED’s - and the red wire with the +. Touch the soldering iron to the solder on the LED to liquefy it, then attach the wires. Hold the wires in place until the solder solidifies again.
    • Once the solder has cooled, pull on the wires to make sure they are soldered in place.
  8. Plug the other end of the wires into the power source. You may need to twist the wire ends and cover them with shrink tube or an end cap before testing the electrical circuit.
    • You can also repeat the steps to solder the wires to another LED.
  9. Get another plastic end cap. Fill it halfway full with silicone glue. Then, push the cap onto the free end of the LED strip. Make sure the LED reaches the cap’s back.
  10. Flip the switch on the power source. All of the LED lights should activate. If they don’t, the wires might not be placed correctly. Check that the colored wires match the correct terminal on the LED. Also make sure the wires are securely soldered to the LED.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I shorten LED strip lights?
    Ricardo Mitchell
    Electrician & Construction Professional, CN Coterie
    Ricardo Mitchell is the CEO of CN Coterie, a fully licensed and insured Lead EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Certified construction company located in Manhattan, New York. CN Coterie specializes in full home renovation, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, cabinetry, furniture restoration, OATH/ECB (Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings/Environmental Control Board) violations removal, and DOB (Department of Buildings) violations removal. Ricardo has over 10 years of electrical and construction experience and his partners have over 30 years of relevant experience.
    Ricardo Mitchell
    Electrician & Construction Professional, CN Coterie
    Expert Answer
    Look for the part where there isn't a connection and you don't see the wires inside the lights. That's the part you have to cut. If you cut where the connection is, the lights won't work. Just be sure the lights are disconnected from the power before you cut them.
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      Tips

      • Only cut LEDs in spots specified by the manufacturer. Look for the dotted line or the copper dots.
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      Warnings

      • Be careful when using a soldering iron. Avoid placing it on a flammable surface and unplug it when you're done.
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      Things You’ll Need

      Cutting Apart LED Strips

      • LEDs
      • Scissors

      Securing LEDs to a Quick Connector

      • Quick connector
      • Box cutter or knife

      Soldering LEDs Together

      • Box cutter or knife
      • Soldering iron
      • Metal solder wire
      • Plastic end caps
      • Wire strippers
      • Silicone glue

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      References

      1. ↑ https://commons.princeton.edu/epics/about-2/2019-2/lights/
      2. ↑ Ricardo Mitchell. Electrician & Construction Professional, CN Coterie. Expert Interview. 28 January 2021.
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTRLt-fzTwg&feature=youtu.be&t=220
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Tv-0p4hbD8&feature=youtu.be&t=47
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTRLt-fzTwg&feature=youtu.be&t=232
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTRLt-fzTwg&feature=youtu.be&t=316

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Cutting LED strip lights is easy as long as you cut them in the right place. Always cut your strip on the line between 2 sets of copper dots so you can easily connect it to another strip or a power source. Measure the space you want to attach the strips to and cut your strip to the nearest cut line between the copper dots. To connect strips, use a quick connector. All you need to do is pull the small plastic bar of the connector back, peel the adhesive backing from the end of the strip to expose the copper terminals, plug the strip into the connector, and close the plastic bar again. For more tips, including how to connect LED strip lights with wire and solder, read on!

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