Creating a beautiful lighting display with LED strip lights is a great way to add ambiance and accentuate any space. But when it comes to turning corners, many people find themselves stuck.
It’s actually quite simple! When it comes to turning corners with LED strip lights, there are two main options: using corner connectors or cutting the strips. To make sure you get the most out of your lighting display, let’s take a closer look at both options. With just a few tools and some patience, anyone can learn how to turn corners with LED strip lights in no time.
Can You Bend Led Strip Lights Around Corners?
Yes, you can bend LED strip lights around corners. However, bending LED strip lights too sharply can cause them to break and potentially short out, so it’s important to take care when turning a corner with LED strips.
Generally speaking, LED strips can be bent up to 90 degrees at a single point. If you need to create sharper turns or bends with your LED strips, consider using an accessory such as an LED strip light corner connector. Corner connectors enable you to make sharp turns in the strip without risking damage from excessive bending. Additionally, they provide a neat and secure connection between two sections of the strip that would otherwise have gaps due to the bend in the light.
This is especially important for creating uniform lighting effects on walls and ceilings since small gaps can be very noticeable. With corner connectors, you can easily turn corners with LED strip lights and create smooth light transitions around the room.
Overall, LED strips are a great way to add stylish lighting effects to any space, but it’s important to take care when bending them around corners or making sharp turns. While they can generally handle small bends at angles of up to 90 degrees, using an LED strip light corner connector is the best way to ensure that your strip will remain functional and secure for years to come. So if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to turn corners with your LEDs, look no further than an LED strip light corner connector!
How to Turn Corners With Led Strip Lights
1. Cut and Connect:
One common method is to cut the LED strip at the designated cut points (usually marked on the strip) and connect the cut ends using soldering or connectors to create a right-angle turn. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cutting and connecting LED strip lights.
It is important to ensure a seamless transition from one portion of the strip to the other. While soldering is the preferred method for creating strong and reliable connections, some manufacturers also offer special connectors that make it easier to create sharp turns with LED strip lights.
2. Bendable LED Strips:
Some LED strip lights are designed to be bendable, allowing you to easily turn corners without cutting or soldering. Simply bend the strip to the desired angle, following the manufacturer’s instructions. This type of LED strip is great for applications that require sharp turns, such as staircases or other areas with tight spaces.
To ensure your light is evenly distributed, use a power supply to ensure the adequate voltage is delivered. You may need to purchase multiple strips or combine them into one continuous strip in order to get the desired effect. For best results, use a 3M adhesive tape to secure the strips in place. This will help ensure your LED strip lights remain in place and won’t slip or move once installed.
3. Corner Connectors:
Corner connectors are specialized connectors that are designed to create a seamless right-angle turn with LED strip lights. These connectors usually have two or more slots where you can insert the LED strip ends, and they snap or clip into place to create a corner bend. Corner connectors are typically made of plastic, aluminum, or steel and come in various colors to match your LED strip lights.
When using corner connectors, make sure to measure the strip width and choose a connector that fits. Additionally, double-check your connections before powering up the LED strips to ensure everything fits securely. Corner connectors are a great way to make the perfect 90-degree corner with LED strip light, and they help create a professional look for your lighting project.
4. L-Shape Connectors:
L-shape connectors are another type of connector that can be used to create a 90-degree turn with LED strip lights. These connectors typically have two slots that allow you to insert the LED strip ends at right angles to each other, forming an L-shape. When using an L-shape connector, you can either use two strips of the same length or one long strip and a short piece.
You will want to be sure that the voltage of all pieces being connected is compatible before connecting them. Once you have connected the two strips, use electrical tape or heat shrink tubing to seal the connection. This will help ensure a secure and waterproof connection that won’t come undone over time.
5. T-Shape Connectors:
T-shape connectors are similar to L-shape connectors but have an additional slot that allows you to connect a third LED strip in a straight line, creating a T-shape configuration. These connectors are useful when you need to split the LED strip into multiple directions at a corner. These connectors are also perfect for creating unique lighting effects on staircases and other areas with multiple levels.
6. Solderless Connectors:
Some LED strip lights come with solderless connectors that allow you to connect the strips without soldering. These connectors typically have clamps or clips that secure the LED strip ends together, making it easier to create corners. To use solderless connectors, simply line up the ends of two strips and snap them together.
If you’re creating a corner or an angle, you’ll need to use an L-shape or a T-shape connector. You can also purchase color coded connectors that help make sure you’re connecting the correct strips for your project. Once connected, secure the clips or clamps to ensure a tight connection.
7. Heat Shrink Tubing:
Heat shrink tubing can be used to protect and secure the soldered connections when creating corners with LED strip lights. After soldering the LED strip ends together, simply slide the heat shrink tubing over the soldered joints and heat it with a heat gun to shrink and seal the tubing. This will create a professional, enclosed corner and helps to ensure that the LED strip lights are securely connected.
If heat shrink tubing is not available, electrical tape can be used to achieve a similar result. However, this should only be used in low-traffic areas as it is not as secure as heat shrink tubing. Additionally, corner connectors can be used to create corners with LED strip lights without the use of solder or heat shrink tubing. These connectors allow the LED strip lights to simply snap into place and create a secure corner.
8. Wire Extensions:
If the LED strip ends are not long enough to reach around a corner, you can use wire extensions to bridge the gap. Cut the LED strip at the desired cut point, and solder or use connectors to attach additional wires to extend the length of the LED strip.
Remember to leave extra length on the extension wires in case you need to make more turns down the line. When wiring an extension, make sure to match the polarities of the wires. Use heat shrink tubing to isolate connections and ensure your LED strip lights stay secure and protected for years to come. With these steps, you’ll be able to turn corners with LED strip lights like a pro.
9. Use LED Strip Channels:
LED strip channels are aluminum or plastic channels that can be installed on corners to hold and protect LED strip lights. These channels typically have a bendable design that allows you to create corners with LED strip lights while providing a clean and professional-looking installation.
LED strip channels are available in a variety of materials, shapes and sizes, offering flexibility when mounting LED lights to turn corners. Installing LED strip channels is fairly simple and requires only basic tools.
10. Plan Ahead:
Proper planning is crucial when turning corners with LED strip lights. Measure and mark the exact location where the LED strip will turn, and ensure that you have the necessary connectors, wires, and tools on hand before starting the installation.
This will help you achieve a clean and seamless corner bend with your LED strip lights. Additionally, be sure to leave a little extra slack in the strip just before the corner when adding adhesive for better flexibility. However, be careful not to use any more than is necessary.
Some Common Mistakes When Turning Corners With Led Strip Lights
1. Not Measuring the Distance Between Turns:
Before cutting your LED strip lights, it’s important to make sure that you have accurately measured the distance between each corner. Not leaving enough space between turns can cause a “bump” in your lighting design, which can affect the overall ambiance of your room.
2. Making Uneven Cuts:
When cutting LED strip lights to fit around corners, it’s important to make sure that you create a smooth and even cut for each side of the turn. If your cuts are uneven, then one side of the light will be brighter than the other, resulting in an off-balance appearance.
3. Not Securing Strips Adequately:
In order for your LEDs to properly stick to surfaces and securely turn corners, it’s important that you use high quality adhesive to ensure that it stays in place and doesn’t come loose. Poorly secured strips will look sloppy and can lead to a decrease in the quality of light.
By following these helpful tips and being mindful of common mistakes, you can easily achieve your desired LED strip lighting design with professional-level results. With practice and patience, turning corners with LED strip lights will become second nature!
Conclusion
Turning corners with LED strip lights can be a tricky task, but it doesn’t have to be. By taking the time to measure accurately and making sure your cuts are even, you’ll ensure that each corner looks professional and balanced. Additionally, make sure that you use high-quality adhesive so that your strips stay securely in place; this will help avoid any sloppy or uneven lighting designs.
With these tips on how to turn corners with led strip lights in mind, turning corners with LED strip lights becomes an easy process that yields beautiful results! So don’t let intimidating turns stop you from creating the perfect light design – take some extra steps upfront and enjoy a stunning end result!