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LED strip lights are all the rage right now, but when it comes to cutting and installing them by yourself, things can get a little tricky.
Lamomo offers single-color LED strip lighting options for bedrooms, cabinets, staircases, and outdoor spaces. With the right tools and a few simple steps, you can create a polished look that fits your space and matches your style.
This guide walks you through how to cut, link, install, and use Lamomo single-color LED strip lights from start to finish.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you do anything, gather the tools you need for cutting, connecting, sealing, and mounting your lights. These include:
- Heavy-duty scissors for cutting the strip at the marked points.
- A utility knife for exposing the solder pads after cutting.
- A soldering iron and soldering tin wire for connecting cut sections.
- A silicone end cap and silicone glue for sealing the connection.
- 20 AWG two-core cable for linking cut sections.
- Mounting clips and screws for securing the strip.
- A suitable power supply for your specific LED strip model.
How To Cut LED Strip Lights
To get the right length, you must first measure the area you want to cover and identify the nearest cutting mark. Make sure you test the strip first, then disconnect it from the power source before making any cuts.
Only use heavy-duty scissors to make the cut, then check the cutting interval for your specific model:
- The waterproof single color LED strip light has cutting marks every 0.39 inches (1 cm).
- The dimmable LED strip light 16.4Ft size has cutting marks every 2.5 cm (0.9 to 0.98 inches).
Cuts must only be made along the marked line. Cutting elsewhere can damage the circuit or prevent part of the strip from working. Cutting distances differ by strip length. Check the spec sheet for each model to find the exact numbers.
How To Link LED Strip Lights After Cutting
Sometimes, you may need to connect two cut sections to continue the lighting around a space or make use of a leftover piece. In such cases, solder the sections together and seal the connection to keep it protected.
The same method works for both Lamomo models.
- Use a utility knife to carefully remove enough of the silicone coating to expose the solder pads.
- Tin the exposed solder pads with soldering tin wire.
- Place the silicone end cap over the connection area, then prepare the 20 AWG two-core cable.
- Match the red and black wires to the correct polarity, then solder them to the exposed pads.
- Apply silicone glue around the connection and end cap to seal the joint and protect it from moisture.
- Test the strip again to make sure the connection works before moving on to installation.
How To Install LED Strip Lights
If you’re wondering how to install LED strip lights once they’re cut and connected, the process is fairly straightforward.
Lamomo’s silicone LED strip lights don’t have self-adhesive backing, so you’ll need mounting clips and screws to keep them securely in place.
- Plan the layout and mark where you want the mounting clips to go.
- Screw the mounting clips into the marked positions.
- Press the LED strip into the clips, making sure it sits securely along the planned route.
- For outdoor or wet-area installations, keep the power supply, end tails, and connection points protected from moisture.
- Check the entire setup before connecting it to power.
How To Use Lamomo Single-Color LED Strip Lights
Once you’ve installed your LED strip lights, how you use them depends on the model and the type of lighting you want.
Each model offers features suited to different lighting needs.
Waterproof Single-Color LED Strip Lights
The waterproof model is designed for decorative lighting in outdoor and moisture-prone areas. You can use it around pathways, outdoor features, and other spaces where the strip may be exposed to wet conditions.
Dimmable Silicone LED Strip Lights
The dimmable model gives you more control over the brightness, making it useful when you want your lighting to change with the setting.
- Short-press the touch controller to turn the lights on or off.
- Long-press the controller to adjust the brightness from 10% to 100%.
For either model, connect the LED strip lights to the appropriate power supply before plugging them into an outlet. If you are using them outdoors, be sure to keep the power supply and connection points protected, as the waterproofing only applies to the strip itself.
FAQ
1. Can you cut LED strip lights without soldering?
Yes. If you’re only cutting LED strip lights to fit your space and don’t need to connect the remaining section, you don’t need to solder anything. Soldering is only needed when you want to connect cut sections together.
2. Can I use the leftover piece after cutting LED strip lights?
Yes. If the remaining section is still useful for your project, you can connect it to another cut section using the soldering method described above. Make sure the connection is properly sealed before use, especially in outdoor spaces or humid areas.
3. What power supply do Lamomo LED strip lights need?
The required power supply depends on the model. The waterproof single-color strip uses a 12V DC 3A to 5A power supply, while the dimmable model uses a 24V 60W power supply.
4. What should I do if I cut my LED strip lights at the wrong point?
If you cut outside the marked line, the circuit may be damaged, or part of the strip may stop working. Check the cutting marks carefully before making another cut, and test the strip to see whether the remaining section still works.
Conclusion
Cutting and installing LED strip lights is not all that complicated when you know what to expect. From measuring your space to making clean cuts and securing the finished strip, each step brings you closer to the look you want.
Lamomo’s single-color LED strip lights come in options designed for different spaces, lighting needs, and levels of brightness control. Explore the different models to find the right option for your next project.
