This guide covers the four questions installers ask most about LED strip: where you can cut it, how to join it, how to connect it to power and how to fit it so it looks right. It uses Sensio's 24V flexible strips, but the principles apply to most low-voltage strip.
Can you cut LED strip lights?
Yes. Our flexible LED strips can be cut to length, but only at the marked cut points. The cut marks are shown on the strip, and the spacing depends on the strip. Cutting anywhere else will stop that section of the strip working.
| Strip | Cut every | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Neutron™ | 25mm | Single colour, 3.5mm wide |
| Delta™ | 25mm | Single colour, silicone, three-sided light |
| Polar Pro™ | 31mm | CCT, COB |
| Razor™ | 31mm | Edge-lit for handleless kitchens |
| Viva 3™ | 50mm | Single colour, IP54 |
| Sigma 2™ | 50mm | Single colour, bends round flat corners |
| Radiant Pro™ | 50mm | CCT, diffused silicone |
| Ion 5™ and Ion 8™ | 50mm | CCT |
| Primo 2™ and Dart™ | 100mm | Single colour |
| Flux™ | 142.5mm | RGB and CCT colour changing |
Strips with closer cut marks, such as Neutron, let you cut nearer to the exact length you need, which reduces dark spots at the ends of a run.
How to cut LED strip
- Measure the run and find the nearest cut mark to that length.
- Cut straight across the middle of the cut mark with sharp scissors.
- Keep the offcut. On many of our strips it can be used again (see joining below).
- Where the strip comes with end caps, such as Radiant Pro, fit one to the cut end for a clean finish.
Rather have it cut for you? Our TrueFIT bespoke cutting and soldering service supplies strip cut to length and ready to fit.
How to join LED strip and get round corners
You can use the whole reel without waste. Cut sections of Ion 8, Primo 2, Dart and Sigma 2 can be reused with the matching joining clips and interconnecting leads, sold separately. Viva 3 can be cut once and the cut-off section reused with a connector clip and interconnecting lead.
Several strips, including Neutron, Polar Pro, Razor, Ion 5 and Radiant Pro, have driver connection cables pre-soldered at both ends, so you can cut the reel and power both pieces as two separate runs.
For corners, use the corner connectors made for each strip, or choose Sigma 2, which has a zig-zag board that bends around 90 degree flat corners without a corner cable. Silicone strips such as Radiant Pro and Delta bend around curves on islands and cabinetry.
How to connect LED strip to power
Our flexible strips run at 24V and connect to a Sensio 24V driver, which converts mains power to 24V.
- Single colour strips connect to our 2-pin drivers.
- CCT strips, such as Polar Pro and Ion 5, use 4-pin connectors.
- RGB and CCT strips, such as Flux, use the RGBCCT receiver or Titan RGBCCT smart driver.
- Viva 3 needs the 2500mm driver connection cable (SE10314), sold separately unless bought in a kit.
Choose a driver large enough for the total length of strip on it. Use the driver calculator to work out the size, and browse the 24V driver range. Because the strip runs at 24V, long runs keep an even light without fading. Any work on mains wiring should be carried out by a qualified electrician. Our guide to choosing an LED driver explains each option.
How to fit LED strip
- Make sure the surface is clean, dry and free of dust before you stick the strip down.
- Peel back the VHB (Very High Bond) tape on the back of the strip a little at a time and press it firmly into place.
- For a neat, diffused line of light, fit the strip into an aluminium profile. Check each strip's page for the profile ranges it suits.
- Radiant Pro pushes into a recess for a flush finish, or can be surface mounted with its brackets. Razor fits into a narrow routed channel made with a simple saw cut.
Dimming and control
Single colour strips dim with a Sensio single-colour receiver. CCT strips work with the CCT receiver and remote, or the Titan Smart Kinetic Driver to control, zone and dim the lights. See our guide to Titan smart drivers. Setup videos: single colour receiver, CCT receiver and RGBCCT receiver.
Frequently asked questions
Can you cut LED strip lights and still use them?
Yes, as long as you cut on the marked cut points. Both pieces can be used where the strip has connection cables at both ends, or with joining clips and leads.
What happens if I cut between the cut marks?
The section you cut through will not light. Always cut across the middle of a marked cut point.
How do I connect two pieces of LED strip?
Use the joining clip and interconnecting lead made for that strip, sold separately. Check the strip's product page for the matching accessories.
What size driver do I need?
It depends on the total length and wattage of strip on the driver. Use the driver calculator.
Can LED strip go round corners?
Yes, with a corner connector, or with Sigma 2, which bends around 90 degree flat corners. Silicone strips bend around curves.
Do I need a profile?
Not always. Silicone strips such as Delta give a diffused line of light without a profile. For most other strips, a profile gives a neater finish and hides the LED dots.
Need help with a project? Get in touch with our technical team, or find a distributor.
