Understanding LED Strip Light Lengths
LED strip lights feature visible cut zones along their length, providing flexibility in customization. These cut zones are typically spaced between 1.5 cm and 10 cm apart. However, it is crucial to consider performance and power supply when determining the appropriate length for your LED strip lights. Neglecting to utilize the designated cut zones can have a detrimental impact on the efficiency of the unit.
Cutting LED Strip Lights
Cutting LED strip lights is a simple process thanks to the incorporated cut zones. By using scissors, you can safely alter the length of your strips. Look for the highlighted cut zones located between groups of LEDs to identify the appropriate cutting points.
Different LED strips offer various distances between cut zones. Here’s a breakdown of the distances and the corresponding number of LEDs per meter:
- 100 mm between cut zones = 30 LEDs per meter
- 50 mm between cut zones = 60 LEDs per meter
- 25 mm between cut zones = 120 LEDs per meter
- 15 mm between cut zones = 240 LEDs per meter
>>> Read more: How to Customize LED Strip Lights: A Complete Guide
Avoid Cutting in the Wrong Place
LED strips come in various lengths, and cut zones are spaced evenly along the strip. These cut lines exist within designated zones for a significant reason. Each zone provides a connection point to complete the electric circuit. Cutting outside of the designated cut zone effectively interrupts the circuit, resulting in unlit LEDs between the last cut zone and the incorrect cut.
To ensure all LEDs on your strip remain lit, always use the designated cut zones.
Connecting Your LED Strip
After cutting your LED strip to the desired size, you need to connect it to a power supply. There are two options for this:
Clip-on Connector
Using a clip-on connector to power your LED strip offers convenience, as no additional tools are required. Professional LED strips often come with a clip-on connector. This connector consists of an input socket that attaches to the LED driver and a thumb-sized clip that connects to the LED strip.
To connect the strip correctly, align the LED strip’s “plus” copper touchpoint with the visible red wire inside the clip-on connector. The black wire should meet the “minus” side of the strip. Close the clip, give it a small tug to ensure a secure connection, and you’re ready to power your LED strip.
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Soldering Your Connection
Soldering your LED strip to the connector ensures a secure and durable connection. Simply solder the red wire part of the connector to the “plus” copper touchpoint on the LED strip, and solder the black connector wire to the “minus” copper touchpoint on the strip.
Connectors typically come in standard 8mm and 10mm widths. If your LED lights doesn’t fit the connector, consult a specialist LED supplier for sizing advice.
Choosing the Right Power Supply
When selecting a power supply for your LED strip, it is recommended to follow the 20% rule. For instance, if you have a 48W LED strip, calculate 20% of 48W, which equals 9.6W. Adding this to the original wattage, the total power supply requirement for a 48W LED strip would be 57.6W. Therefore, a 60W power supply is ideal, although a higher wattage will also work.
Additionally, the maximum strip length is determined by the voltage of your tape. For a 12V strip, the maximum recommended length is 5 meters to maintain optimal brightness and efficiency. For a 24V strip, the maximum recommended length is 8 meters.
By cutting your LED strips according to these recommendations, you can ensure optimum performance.
Remember, customizing LED strip lights can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. With the right techniques and considerations, you can achieve the perfect lighting setup for any space. Experiment and unleash your creativity!
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