ConnectLEDLights

How to Easily Connect LED Lights Together​

LED light strips have become increasingly popular due to their affordability, simplicity, and versatility. Whether controlled by a remote, in-line switch, or smartphone, these lights offer a convenient way to customize your lighting experience. One of the most appealing features is the ability to easily adjust the length of the strip to fit your needs.
There are various types of LED light strips available in the market. Some are single-color, offering options like red, white, or blue. Others are RGB, allowing you to choose from a wide range of colors and even select different modes like fade or flash. However, many people often find themselves in a situation where they have multiple sets of lights from different brands or even a single brand with incompatible connectors, making it difficult to connect them together.
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Can Multiple LED Strip Lights Be Connected Together?​

The answer is yes, but there are a few factors to consider. Let’s delve into them:

  • If you want to reconnect LEDs to the same strip after cutting it, you don’t need to worry about anything else. Simply follow one of the solutions we’ll discuss below to continue using the extended LED strip lights.
  • However, if you have an RGB LED strip and a single-color LED strip, these two types are not compatible with each other and cannot be connected.
  • If you have LED strips from different brands, you can connect them if they are interoperable, meaning they have the same design and are rated for the same voltage.
  • Voltage is another crucial factor to consider before connecting LED lights together. Some strips run on 5V DC, while others run on the more common 12V DC. It’s essential to ensure that the voltage requirements of the strips match to avoid any complications.
Now that we understand the basics, let’s explore the different methods for connecting LED light strips together.

Use Connectors​

Gapless Pin Connector​

One effective way to create a continuous string of LED lights without any noticeable gaps is by using gapless pin connectors. These connectors come in various pin counts depending on the brand and design of your LED strip lights. The width and size of your strip light are also essential factors to consider, typically ranging from 3/8″ or 10mm. Make sure to check the specific requirements of your brand.
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Jumper Cord Connectors​

Jumper cord connectors, unlike gapless pin connectors, create a small wired gap between each segment of the strip light. This feature is useful for slanted turns around corners or fitting into tiny openings beneath kitchen cabinets.

Solder Two Strips​

Soldering two LED strips together can be a bit more challenging, requiring some soldering skills and the necessary tools and equipment. If you’re comfortable with soldering, this method can provide a secure connection.
Before soldering, ensure the orientation of the copper pads on the LED strips. For a single-color LED strip, there will be two pads: one for the positive terminal and another for the negative supply. Connect the positive of one strip to the positive of the next and vice versa. Apply small amounts of solder to each copper pad, ensuring the strips are aligned correctly.
Connecting an RGB LED strip to another RGB LED strip requires more attention, as these strips often have four copper pads compared to the two on single-color strips. Soldering may be slightly more challenging due to the reduced size of the pads. However, following the same principles of compatibility and proper alignment will lead to a successful connection.

Step-by-Step Guide to Connecting Multiple Strip Lights​

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to help you connect multiple strip lights:
  1. Start by unplugging your strip lighting.
  2. Take accurate measurements, as precision is key. Remember the saying, “Measure twice, cut once.”
  3. Use regular craft scissors to cut the copper part along the marked cut line. Each strip light has copper sections spaced out every few inches.
  4. Ensure you have an equal number of copper sections left for each strip of lighting. This is necessary for the connector pins to function correctly.
  5. Peel back any adhesive backing to provide a clean connection and have your gapless/jumper connector ready.
  6. Gently insert each segment of the light strip into the connector.
  7. Secure the strip lights in place using the clamps on the connector.
  8. Double-check that the correct direction is pointing out on both sides of the strip light. Proper polarity is essential for voltage flow.
  9. After plugging in your strip lights, check for lights on both sides of the connector.
  10. If the new part of the strip light isn’t producing any light, check the voltage and invert the strip if necessary.
  11. To control the lights, connect them with a switch. For a detailed guide on wiring a light switch, check out our article on the topic.
By following these steps, you can easily connect multiple LED strip lights together, creating a seamless and customized lighting experience.
Remember, always prioritize safety when working with electrical components, and if you’re unsure about any step, consult a professional.
Now, go ahead and enjoy the creativity and flexibility that LED light strips bring to your space!
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