How to Cut Flexible LED Strips

Electromechanical Optoelectronics
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Flexible LED strips are the universal choice for almost any accent lighting or task lighting application. One of the main advantages of flexible LED tape over rigid panels is the ability to cut these strips into custom lengths. One of flexible LED strips is Inspired LED’s 12V Ultra Bright Flexible Strip Lights (Part Number: 12V-UB-PW-12M). This 12V flexible LED strip lights are simple and constant voltage strips (These strips operate under a 12V power supply).

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When combined with Inspired LED’s patented solderless TigerPaw® connectors, this provides a convenient lighting solution that can be easily adjusted on site. In order to make the LED light bar, please follow the simple steps below to cut to length.

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  1. Measure the required length of your flexible LED strip. For under cabinet applications, it recommends subtracting about 3” from the total available space to make room for
    connectors (1 ½” on each side).

  2. Identify the closest “cut point” to your desired measurement. These can be identified by two copper ovals (called solder pads), located every 3 LEDs on Normal, Super, or Ultra bright, and
    every 6 LEDs on Mega bright strips.

  3. Using a sharp pair of scissors, cut the strip to length along the copper solder pads only. Failure to cut in the proper location will cause some of the LEDs in series to fail, and will make it difficult to make connections with solderless connector.

  4. If cutting a strip which already has an end connector on one side (trimming to length) then you
    may stop here. There is no need to terminate the bare ends of LED flex unless you need to make a
    connection.

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  1. If you do need to add a connector, follow the steps on the specification sheet included with your solderless Tiger Paws®, or, if you are handy with a soldering iron, you can make your wire connections directly.

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  1. In either case, be sure to identify the proper polarity, as marked along the LED strip, before making your connections.

If it would like to dim Inspired LED’s 12V Ultra Bright Flexible Strip Lights, it should consider to use a constant voltage (CV) driver. As these are primarily targeted for under cabinet lighting one of the more popular options is finding a driver that is compatible with TRIAC (leading edge) dimmers which are fairly standard application dimmers for MLV/Incandescent lights.

To learn more how to install Tiger Paws® LED connectors. please click here.

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