Quick answer: Yes. Most LED strip lights can be cut, but only at the cut marks printed on the strip. Free-cut strips, such as the Sensio X range, can be cut anywhere along their length. After cutting, the spare length can be reconnected and used with the right clips or leads.
Cutting LED strip to fit the run is one of the most common jobs on an installation, under kitchen cabinets, along plinths or inside wardrobes. This guide shows where you can cut, how far apart the cut points are on our strips, and how to use the piece you cut off.
Where can you cut LED strip lights?
A standard LED strip is made of short sections joined end to end. You can only cut between sections, at the marks shown on the strip. Cutting anywhere else stops that section from working. The gap between cut marks depends on the strip:
| LED strip | Where you can cut |
|---|---|
| Polar X, Polar X Pro, Polar X Duo, Polar X IP65 | Anywhere (free cut) |
| Razor X 2mm, Razor X 4mm, Razor X Pro | Anywhere (free cut) |
| Primo X, Radiant X | Anywhere (free cut) |
| Razor, Polar Pro | Every 31mm |
| Viva 3, Sigma 2, Ion 5 | Every 50mm |
| Primo 2 | Every 100mm |
The cut interval for every strip is in the specification on its product page. See all LED strip lights or just the free-cut LED strips.
What is free-cut LED strip?
Free-cut strip can be cut at any point, so the light runs the full length of the cabinet or plinth with no gap at the end. The Sensio X range, including Polar X and Razor X, is free cut. Polar X is also a COB strip, so it gives a continuous line of light with no visible LED dots.
How to cut LED strip lights
- Turn off the power. Never cut strip that is connected to a powered driver.
- Measure the run. Measure where the light will go and mark the strip at the nearest cut point that fits, or at the exact length if it is free cut.
- Cut cleanly. Cut straight across at the mark.
- Seal it if it is waterproof. For IP65 strip such as Polar X IP65, reseal the cut end or fit an end cap to keep the IP65 rating.
- Connect it. Plug the strip into the driver with its driver connection cable, then reconnect the power.
Connecting the driver to the mains should be done by a qualified electrician.
Can you use the piece you cut off?
Usually, yes. Many Sensio strips have connection cables at both ends, so both pieces can be used. On the free-cut X range, an extra driver connection cable (sold separately) lets you use the cut-off lengths. Other strips reconnect with their own joining clips, connector clips and interconnecting leads, with no soldering. Watch how it works below.
Watch: how to connect LED strip lights
More help: how to cut, connect, fit and wire LED strip lights, how to connect LED strip lights and what size LED driver do I need?
More videos: watch the LED strip lighting video playlist on YouTube, or see all our video guides.
Frequently asked questions
Can you cut LED strip lights anywhere?
Only free-cut strip, such as the Sensio X range, can be cut anywhere. Other strips must be cut at the marked cut points, or the section you cut through will not light.
What happens if you cut LED strip in the wrong place?
The section you cut through stops working. The rest of the strip up to the last cut point still lights.
Do cut LED strips still work?
Yes. Both pieces work if they are cut at a cut point and connected to a driver with the right cable or lead.
Can you cut waterproof LED strip?
Yes. Polar X IP65 can be cut anywhere, but reseal the cut end or fit an end cap to keep it IP65 rated.
Do I need to solder LED strip after cutting?
No. Sensio strips connect with plug-in driver connection cables, clips and leads, so no soldering is needed. For larger projects, our TrueFIT service can cut and solder strip to your exact lengths before delivery.
Still not sure? Contact our technical team and they will help you choose the right strip.
