LED Tutorials - Cutting and Soldering RGB Neon Strips
Our RGB Neon strip is a one of a kind product but requires a little bit of soldering and technical skills in order to cut, reconnect and reseal to keep an IP66 waterproof rating. Follow the steps below for best results when cutting and soldering our 24V RGB Neon Strips.
Click Here to see our RGB Neon Strip Light Click Here to see our Waterproof RGB Controllers
On the bottom of the RGB Neon Strip there are black marks that represent the products cut lines. If you cut outside of the cut lines that section of LED strip will fail to work. Determine the best cut point for your strip first off. DO NOT CUT UNTIL READING STEPS 2 AND 3!!!
Due to the high density of this strip light the conductive copper pads are very small. In order to cut the strip with enough room to solder to it is best to first expose the cut line on the strip. To do this use a sharp razor blade and small snipping tool to cut a wedge out of the silicon cutting above the cut line. Disregarding this step can lead to a dead and non-conductive section of LEDs.
Using a sharp pair of scissors cut the strip light, directly down the cut line leaving enough room on the copper pads to solder. If the cut is off or your scissors are too dull it may make that section of LED strip unusable.
Now that the strip is cut you must cut back the silicon housing enough to solder your wires to the copper pads. This is done easily with a sharp razor blade and snipping tool. Do not cut too far back to where the end cap will not cover the strip light.
Once your strip light is ready to be soldered, tin the copper pads on the strip. Then use the extra wire lead with end cap to solder to the strip. Be sure to use the end with the small wire leads, you do not want your wires contacting each other after the end cap is applied. If you are not confident in your soldering skills be sure to test the connection before gluing the end cap.
After testing your connection you can now glue on your end cap. To make a proper seal and retain the IP66 rating use an outdoor rated, clear drying silicon adhesive.
With the end cap applied and connected firmly you can now wipe any excess silicon adhesive and gum the commissure to your liking.
For good measure test your connection again and then let your adhesive set and dry before installation. It is best practice to hang the strip light so that gravity forces the adhesive into the cap while setting.
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