If you’re looking to cut and reconnect light strips, there are a few things you should know before doing so. These include how to protect your LED strip lights from flammable materials and liquids, and how to create a solder joint.
Connecting LED strip lights to a power source
There are many factors to consider when connecting LED strip lights. Can you cut led lights first; you need to determine the length of the strip. Then, calculate the wattage needed. In addition, the power supply you use needs to be compatible.
Using the wrong power supply could destroy your strip. It’s also important to remember that you shouldn’t use an AC power source. The strip lights must be connected to a low voltage DC power supply.
The best way to know if a power supply is compatible with your strip is to check the specifications and the symptoms of a bad power supply. You can use a multimeter to test. It’s also a good idea to buy an adapter if you’re going to be powering different strips.
There are different types of connectors for LED strips. Some types are spring-fit, and others are contact-fit. You can use the spring-fit type if you want to be able to move the LED tape once it’s in place.
When using a contact-fit connector, the LED tape should be secured in place before connecting it to the connector. This will avoid the possibility of misaligning the contact points. It’s also a good idea to cover the connection area with electrical tape.
Connecting multiple LED strip lights
If you want to connect multiple LED strip lights, there are a number of ways to do it. You can use wire connectors to join the strips together or you can solder them. You can also join them with a chain or by hot glue.
The first thing you need to do is cut your LED strip lights to the length you need. You should not try to cut them too closely because you can damage them. You should also test each strip to make sure it is working properly.
Next, you’ll need a power supply. You should choose one that is rated for the total wattage of your strips. This will ensure that the total wattage doesn’t exceed your power source. If your power supply doesn’t have enough power to light all your strips, they won’t work.
Once you have your power supply, you’ll need to connect your LED strips. If you have a series connection, you need to make sure you have all of the positive and negative wires in the correct order. You should also use the correct polarity for each strip.
Creating a solder joint
If you’re new to soldering, the best way to learn how to make a solder joint is to watch an introductory video. There are several excellent soldering tutorials on YouTube.
In order to get a good connection, you must use a clean tip. It’s also important not to use too much heat. It is best to work on one side of a connection at a time.
If you are working with a long strip, you may need to cut in half before you can make a solder joint. You need to know what each part is before you start. You should write down its value and identify each component. It is also a good idea to buy spare parts.
If you are working with a pixel, you can use hot glue to create waterproof connections. You can also add heat shrink to cover the joint.
Ensure that the wires are tinned at each end. If they aren’t, it can cause a grainy solder joint.
Protecting your LED strip
When using LED strip lights in your home, it’s a good idea to take extra precautions to ensure that they don’t get contaminated with flammable materials or liquids. A common practice is to waterproof the lights. However, this can reduce their lifespan. It also affects their efficiency, so it’s important to choose the right type of waterproofing.
One of the most common types of waterproofing for LED strips is epoxy resin. This material is cheap and has a good price-to-performance ratio. Its drawback is that it cannot withstand high and low temperatures. Moreover, it will yellow easily after a few months of use. It also has a fatal flaw in its molecular structure.
Another option is to use heat shink tube. The heat shink tube can be wrapped with a hollow silicone casing and then sealed with silicone end caps. It’s slim and can be used in wet areas, although it’s not recommended for outdoor use. Its IP65 protection translates to a safe degree of dust-proof and touch-protection.
