Lighting is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to make a statement and elevate the ambiance in any room. LED strip lights are an incredibly versatile option that can help you create all kinds of stunning lighting displays, suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Whether it’s ambient accent lighting or a more customized design with dynamic effects, LED strips open up a world of possibilities – and connecting them is easier than you think!
In this blog post, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to connect multiple led strip lights, so they work seamlessly as one unique system.
Benefits of Connecting Multiple Led Strip Lights
Connecting multiple LED strip lights has a lot of potential benefits, especially when designing an ambient lighting system. The benefits of connecting LED strips include the following:
- More even and consistent lighting:
Connecting multiple LED lights ensure that the light is spread evenly throughout the designated space, providing a more consistent lighting experience free of gaps and dark spots.
- Lighting with greater flexibility:
If you connect LED strips, it allows you to customize the length, brightness, and positioning of your lighting displays more precisely. This way, you can ensure your lighting system looks and feels exactly how you want it to.
- Cost savings:
Because using multiple LED strips together means you’re using fewer power resources, the cost of powering your lighting system is lower than if each LED strip was powered individually.
Interesting Read: Can LED Lights Cause A Fire?
Disadvantages of Connecting Multiple LED Strips Together
Despite the many benefits of connecting multiple LED strips, there are some potential drawbacks. These include:
- Shared power sources:
When connecting multiple LED strips, you’ll be sharing a single power source, which can cause problems with your lighting system if the power source is too weak.
- Extra wiring:
When connecting multiple LED strips, you’ll need more wiring and electrical components than if you were setting up a single LED strip. This can quickly become a tangled mess that’s difficult to manage.
Types of Connections in Led Strip Lights
The types of connections used in LED strip lights will vary depending on the model and manufacturer. Generally speaking, you’ll have two types of connections: Series and Parallel.
Series
A series connection connects the power source directly to each LED in order. This type of connection is best when you want to ensure that each LED receives the same power, making them an excellent option for illuminating long spaces.
Parallel
A parallel connection connects the power source to each LED strip separately. This type of connection allows you to customize the brightness and color of each LED strip as desired, making them the best choice when creating more dynamic displays.
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Types of Led Strip Lights Connectors
Identical to the types of connections, the type of connector used in LED strips will vary depending on the manufacturer. Standard connectors used for connecting multiple LED strip lights include:
- Gapless Pin Connectors:
These connectors connect two LED strips without any visible gap between them. They work by connecting the positive and negative pins of each LED strip.
- Screw Terminal Connectors:
These connectors are designed to connect multiple LED strips by clamping them in place with screws. This connector is great for permanent LED strip lighting installations and provides a secure connection.
These connectors work like barrel jacks and connect multiple LED strips with a single plug. They’re great for creating quick LED strip lighting systems that are easy to install and uninstall.
- Jumper Cord Connectors:
These connectors connect two separate LED strips with a single jump cord. They use a two-pin connection system and are great for connecting strips in tight spaces.
Interesting Read: How Long Do LED Strip Lights Last?
How Do You Connect Strip Lights
Having known the different types of connections and connectors for LED strip lights, here are the step-by-step instructions for connecting multiple strips:
Step 1: Determine the type of connection for your strips.
Step 2: Gather all the materials you’ll need to make the connections, including the LED strips, power source, connectors, and screws.
Step 3: Connect the positive and negative pins of each strip in a series or parallel configuration, depending on your chosen connection type.
Step 4: Secure the connections with your chosen connector (e.g., gapless pins, screw terminals, barrel connectors, or jumper cords).
Step 5: Connect the power source to your completed circuit and test the lights.
Step 6: Adjust each LED strip’s brightness, color, and length as desired.
What Is the Maximum Wattage That Can Be Used With a Connector
Connecting LED strip lights starts with understanding what wattage is best for your product. Connectors allow you to attach different types of lighting together, so it’s essential to know the total amount of watts used.
Typically, the maximum watts used with a connector is 15-20 watts.
It also helps to think about voltage since LEDs run on low voltage and are better maximized at 12 volts than 110 volts. Connector wattage should always be double-checked before purchasing additional lights to ensure your system works correctly and safely.
How Many Strip Lights Can Be Connected
To avoid any power issues, it is generally advised that three complete strips should only be connected end-to-end with the addition of a higher gauge power wire or extra power supply units to supplement the line.
That being said, if you make sure your connections are secure with quality parts, it’s possible to connect more – some people have been able to link 50+ strip lights together!
Connecting many strip lights can be challenging, but read the instructions before attempting this project.
Can Led Strip Lights Be Connected To Other Types of Light Fixtures
The answer is yes! Connecting LED strip lights to other types of light fixtures, such as fluorescent lighting or track lighting, is possible with a simple connector that takes power from the existing power source and provides a compatible base for the LED light strips.
However, these conversions must be done by a certified electrician using quality materials to ensure compatibility and safe operation – it’s the only way to be sure your project will work well now and in the future.
Conclusion
LED strip lights are a great way to add ambient lighting to any room. Knowing the different types of connectors and how to connect them can help you create a customized lighting setup that is perfect for your space. With the proper connectors and patience, you can create an impressive display with LED strip lights.
Always double-check wattages and use quality materials to ensure a safe connection.