How To Fix Strip Lights

Are you facing issues with your LED strip lights, such as a portion of the light not working, but you're not sure if they can be fixed? Well good news, if that answer is yes, repairing LED strip lights is achievable and relatively straightforward with the right tools and steps.

If you want to watch the video on this topic, check it out here.

Identifying the Problem

A usual issue with LED strip lights involves a section of the strip not lighting up. This usually occurs between soldering points and can be attributed to various causes such as shipping mishaps, accidental damage, or manufacturing defects. Fortunately, this is a common problem with a practical solution.

Tools You'll Need

Before you start the repair, ensure you have these tools at hand:

• A sharp pair of scissors: For precisely cutting the strip.
• Parallel jaw pliers: While other pliers can work, parallel jaw pliers are recommended for the best grip and minimal damage to the parts.
• Connectors: These are designed for easy attachment to the LED strips. The bite connector "bites" into the strip light, making a sturdy and permanent connection. You can find these connectors here on our website. Make sure you choose the connector that correlates with the strip light you are fixing.
• Extra length of the same LED strip light you have.

Step-by-Step Repair Guide

1. Power off: Safety first. Turn off the power to the strip light by unplugging or disconnecting it from its power source.
2. Cut out the damaged section: Locate the dead section of your LED strip. Using your scissors, cut out this segment precisely at the designated copper soldering pads.
3. Prepare the Connectors: Take your connectors that fit to the specific strip light you are repairing and slide the ends of the cut strip into each side of the connectors. If you’re unfamiliar with how these connectors work, we have a detailed guide available here. Use a Splice Connector for connecting two strip light ends. Use a Pigtail Connector to add wire leads to the end of your strip light. Use a Jumper Connector to add a wire jump between strip lights. Note: You can still only run the strip the same maximum run length.
4. Secure the Connection: Once the strip is in place, use your parallel jaw pliers to squeeze down and secure the connectors. This action ensures a tight and secure electrical connection.
5. Add Extra Strip (if needed): Should you need to maintain the original length of your strip light, cut a suitable piece from your extra strip light and repeat the process of attaching it with another connector.

Testing and Troubleshooting

After all the connections are secure and the strip light is reassembled, it's time to test. Power on your strip light and observe if the previously non-functioning section now lights up. In most cases, following the steps above should restore the functionality of your LED strip lights effectively.

In Conclusion

Fixing an LED strip light might seem daunting at first, but it's a relatively straightforward process that can extend the life of your lighting considerably. By cutting out the non-functioning portion and using quality connectors to add in a good segment, you can maintain the aesthetic and functional value of your LED strip lights. If you encounter any further issues or need professional advice, don’t hesitate to contact our team of LED experts at aspectLED. We’re here to help ensure your LED lighting experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.