LED strip lights are both flexible, cuttable and can be modified to suit any application. Soldering LED strip lights allows for extended length, multi-strip connection, and secure bonding.
This blog features easy step by step instructions on how to cut and solder LED strip lights to reach the most suitable length for your target application.
How To Cut And Solder LED Strip Lights:
- Cut the strip
- Remove the covering
- Pre-tin the strip
- Pre-tin the wire
- Solder the strip and wires together
- Test the solder
1. Cut The Strip
Firstly, decide where you want the LED strip light to be cut. Once you know this, use scissors or side cutters to cut across the strip.
2. Remove The Covering
To do this you can use a carpet knife, but notice that it does not cut through the whole strip since it is a copper circuit board. Ensure all the covering is peeled off from the area where you will be soldering.
3. Pre-Tin The Strip
Pre-tin the strip. Solder a small blob of solder onto each contact point.
4. Pre-Tin The Wire
After you pre-tin the strip, pre-tin the end of the wire.
5. Solder The Strip And Wires Together
Finally, individually place the wire to the contact point and then place the soldering iron over both in order to heat up each solder enough to melt and become one. Be sure to hold it long enough to not create a “cold joint.”
Cold solder joints occur when only one of the solder joints is heated and connected while the other is still cold. They will not carry electrical current.
Learn more about how to prevent a cold solder here.
6. Test Your Solder
Once dry, connect your freshly soldered LED Strip light to a proper power source and test your connection.
How To Solder Two Strip Lights Together:
To solder two strip lights together, follow the first 2 steps mentioned above, and then do the following:
3. Solder Onto Each Contact Point On One Strip
Solder a small blob of solder onto each contact point on one strip.
4. Align And Apply Heat
Align the non-tinned strip segment over the newly tinned pads and apply heat. Hold the soldering iron in place until the solder re-melts and begins to flow. A small portion of solder may be added to the top pad for stable connection and to improve visual appearance.
5. Test Your Solder
And there you have it! You now know how to effectively cut and solder flexible led strip lights.
At Ledapt, we provide bespoke linear lighting solutions to the commercial, hospitality, residential, office, arts, retail, public and sports and leisure sectors. Shop our bespoke linear lighting solutions on our website or get in touch to discuss your next project.
Written by Kate, for Ledapt.
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