How to Easily Connect LED Strip Lights Together?

LED strip lighting are incredibly popular when it comes to LED lighting projects. They offer a multitude of uses and can instantly transform the mood of a room. However, sometimes a single LED strip may not be enough for your needs, and you find yourself wanting to connect multiple LED strip lights together.

So, how do you go about connecting LED light strips with a connector? Let’s walk through the process step by step

Step 1: Choose the Right Connector

The first and crucial step is to make sure you buy the correct connector for your LED strips. The connector should have the same number of pins as your strips and also be suitable for the location where the strips will be connected. You may need a straight connector, an angled connector for corners, or one with a wire in between.

Step 2: Open the Connector Clips

Once you have the right connector, open up the LED light strip clips on the connector.

Step 3: Insert the Light Strips

Carefully place the light strips into the connector, making sure that the pins of the LED strips touch the connector pins.

Step 4: Secure the Connection

Finally, close the connector clips to hold the two light strips securely in place.

In this guide, we’ll delve deeper into the following topics:

How to Connect Multiple LED Strip Lights Together

There are two main methods to connect LED strip lights together: using a connector or soldering the strips yourself. Using a connector is simpler, while soldering provides a higher-quality connection if done correctly.

Connecting Multiple LED Strips With Connectors

Connecting LED strip lights using a connector is a breeze. Simply clip each LED strip into each end of the connector. However, it’s important to choose the right connector that matches the number of pins on your strips.

Read more: How to Easily Connect LED Strip Lights Together?

For example, white LED strip lights typically have two copper connectors, while RGB lights have four. RGBW strips, which can create pure white, usually have five pins.

Different connector types cater to various connection needs. There are simple connector clips with pins for creating an invisible connection, connectors with clip pins and a cable in the middle for extending strips around corners or obstacles, and connectors with only one clip for connecting strips to a power supply unit or an RGB controller.

How to Connect LED Strips Without Connectors

If you have the necessary equipment and skills, you can solder multiple LED strip lights together. Soldering provides a stronger connection and higher efficiency. However, this method requires precision work, as the connecting pins are small. After soldering the corresponding pins on each strip together, it’s crucial to protect the connection with heat shrink or electrical tape.

Can You Connect LED Light Strips From Different Brands?

Ideally, it’s best to connect LED strip lights from the same brand to ensure compatibility and reliability. However, as long as the LED light strips have the same voltage, it is possible to connect different brands together. Just remember to align the polarity correctly, as different brands may wire their strips slightly differently.

How Many LED Strips Can You Connect Together?

The number of the best LED light strips you can safely connect together depends on the wattage capacity of your power supply. It is advisable not to exceed 80% of the power supply’s wattage capacity. For example, if you have a 60-watt power supply, you can connect up to 48 watts of strip lights safely.

To calculate the number of strips you can connect, consider the wattage per meter of each strip and the length of each strip. Distribute the load across multiple power supplies if you need more LED strip lights than a single power supply can handle.

FAQs

How to Reconnect Cut LED Strips Without Connectors?

If you don’t have a suitable connector, you can reconnect cut LED strip lights using solder. Ensure you align the pins correctly, checking the polarity, and then solder the exposed connectors together. Precise soldering is crucial to avoid any solder from nearby pins touching, which could cause a circuit failure.

Do RGB LED Strip Lights Require Special Connectors?

Yes, RGB strip lights have four copper connection dots labeled with corresponding RGB letters. In contrast, white strip lights have two connectors.

Read more: How to Easily Customize the Length of LED Strip Lights

Therefore, make sure to purchase a strip connector with four pins if you want to connect RGB strip lights together. RGBW strips, which have color and pure white capabilities, use five pins.

Is It Safe to Connect Multiple Strip Lights?

As long as you match the voltage and don’t exceed 80% of the wattage capacity of your power supply, it is safe to connect multiple LED light strips together. Ensure the LED light strips and power supply have compatible voltages to avoid overheating and potential fire hazards. Cheaper LED strips are particularly susceptible to high currents and fire risks.

Should You Connect LED Strips in Series or Parallel?

A parallel circuit, where each strip is wired directly to the power supply, is generally more reliable. It reduces the chance of voltage drop and allows the rest of the strips to continue working even if one fails.

However, for simple domestic setups, wiring LED lights in series can also be suitable, as long as you don’t exceed the wattage capacity of the power supply. In industrial or commercial spaces, using a parallel circuit is highly recommended.

Final Thoughts

Connecting multiple LED strip light doesn’t have to be a complicated task. Remember to consider the compatibility of the strips, choose the right connector or soldering method, and ensure your power supply can handle the load.

Whenever possible, connect LED strip lights from the same brand for convenience and reliability. Enjoy your LED lighting projects and don’t forget to check out other helpful guides like calculating the length of LED lights and how to install them securely.