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Cutting an LED strip

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Old Jul 17, 2009 | 09:59 PM
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KZN185W's Avatar
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Cutting an LED strip

If i cut an LED strip, will the remaining LEDs still light up? I'm need to cut off two LEDs at the ends. If the remaining LEDs won't light up anymore, what do i need to do to make the remaining LEDs light up? Thanks!
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Old Jul 18, 2009 | 08:51 AM
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See if you can determine how the LEDs are wired. If they are in parallel, then cutting a few off should cause no problems, provided you insulate/seal the cut ends. Parallel wiring has all the "+" sides wired together and all the "-" sides together. The other way it may be wired is in series, with one LED feeding the next. If that is the case, then you need to restore the cut circuit.
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Old Jul 18, 2009 | 09:57 AM
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Some led's have a specific number to create the correct voltage/resistance. ie. 5 in series to create a 7.5v draw. Like 4crawler says, it's just how there are wired.
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Old Jul 18, 2009 | 01:16 PM
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Originally Posted by James Dean
Some led's have a specific number to create the correct voltage/resistance. ie. 5 in series to create a 7.5v draw. Like 4crawler says, it's just how there are wired.
If this is the case it is possible to calculate the size of resistor you need to add to the cut end to restore the necessary "load" to the circuit.
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Old Jul 18, 2009 | 03:18 PM
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a lot of em r like christmas tree lights.... one bulb out, they ALL go out. same idea.
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Old Jul 25, 2009 | 11:44 PM
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Thanks for the replies.
the circuit is parallel but there are a pair of resistors at every other LED. will it cause a burnout or a fire if I don't restore the circuit after cutting it?
Thanks again!
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Old Jul 26, 2009 | 12:32 AM
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i do led tailights a lot i RECOMMEND SOLDERING ALL CONNECTIONS if you cut off a t the end one of two things will happen the whole strip will quit or lots of 5 will quit there is a resistor every 5 led if it is a 3m adhesive strip cut before the resistor and silicone everything as leds do not like moisture
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Old Jul 26, 2009 | 01:30 AM
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If they're the LEDs I'm thinking of, they're wired in groups of 3.



These LEDs are 4V LEDs so they have to be wired 3 in series with an LED. Each of these groups of LEDs is wired in parallel with the rest so you can cut them at every group of three.

If you can get a pic of your LED strip close up it would really help us help you.
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Old Aug 23, 2010 | 10:24 PM
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hmm i vote spammer
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