How to Safely Cut COB LED Strips? Professional Advice

COB LED strip lights are gaining popularity due to their soft and uniform illumination, making them a preferred choice for primary lighting solutions. However, the process of cutting COB LED strips can be a source of concern for many. In reality, cutting COB LED strips is a straightforward task. Today, ZBL Lighting is here to provide you with a detailed guide on how to cut COB LED strips.

Tools and Materials Needed:

1. COB LED strip lights
2. Ruler or tape measure
3. Pencil or marker
4. Sharp scissors or fine-toothed saw
5. Wire strippers
6. Soldering iron and solder (optional)
7. Heat shrink tubing (optional)
8. Electrical tape

Steps:

1. Safety Preparations: Before you begin, make sure to turn off all power, disconnect the COB LED strip from the power source to ensure safe operation.

2. Measurement and Marking: Use a ruler or tape measure to measure the desired length of the COB LED strip, and mark it with a pencil or marking tool. Ensure precise measurements to avoid material wastage.

3. Cutting the Strip: Use a small saw or cutting tool to cut the COB LED strip along the marked line. Make sure to cut in a straight line to achieve a clean edge.

4. Wire Stripping: Once the cutting is complete, you may need to strip the insulation layer from both ends of the COB LED strip to expose the metal wires. These wires will be used for connections to the power source and other components.

5. Insulating Treatment: Use insulating adhesive tape to wrap the wire ends of the cut COB LED strip. This helps prevent short circuits and protects the wires.

6. Connect to Power: Once the insulating treatment is done, connect the wires of the cut COB LED strip to the appropriate power source following the manufacturer's guidelines for wiring. Ensure correct connections for positive and negative wires.

7. Testing: Before restoring power, make sure to test the COB LED strip to ensure everything is functioning correctly. This helps identify potential issues like wiring errors or damaged wires.

8. Restore Power: Once everything is confirmed to be working correctly, reconnect the power, turn on the COB LED strip, and enjoy your customized lighting effect.

Please note that cutting COB LED strip lights is a task that requires careful handling. If you are unsure or lack the necessary skills, it's best to have a professional complete this task to ensure safety and optimal results. Additionally, follow the manufacturer's guidelines and warnings to ensure proper use and installation of COB LED strip lights.

Precautions for Cutting COB LED Strip

Always turn off and disconnect the power to the COB LED strip before cutting. Make sure the power is completely disconnected to prevent electric shock and other potential hazards.
If the protection level of the strip is higher than IP67 or IP68, please do not cut the strip to prevent it from reaching the corresponding protection level after cutting. If you have to cut it, please consult your COB LED strip manufacturer.