Cutting and Splicing LED Rope Lighting

One of the main reasons people choose LED rope lighting over other forms of lighting is because it is so versatile. Not only can it be shaped to fit any area, it can be cut to fit and spliced with other pieces if a longer piece is needed.

It can also be sliced if you want a color combination to match your décor. It is important to know exactly what you are doing before you start cutting the rope or attempt to splice it. The following is a guide for cutting and splicing LED rope lighting:

– Cutting the Rope Lights – In order to cut these lights you need to have one of the following, a PVC pipe cutter, box cutter or heavy-duty scissors. It is advisable to have the pipe cutter because you get a straighter edge and there is less chance of cutting crooked. The entire pipe has slash marks on the pipe to show you where it can be cut. Do not cut anywhere that is not marked or you will end up ruining that piece of light rendering it useless. These slash marks run from either eighteen inches or thirty-six inches.

The two wire type is every eighteen inches and the three wire, or chaser lights, is every thirty-six inches. You should measure the area you want to cover carefully and choose the rope type according to how long the rope needs to be. If thirty-six inches is too long then you need to get the two-wire light. Make the cut cleanly and then trim off the excess copper wire from the end by bending the light to expose it. Once it is properly prepared, you need to add the connector kit or splice another color or length to the light.

– Splicing the Rope Lights – The first thing you need to know about splicing rope lights is that you cannot mix and match wattage or voltage. You have to splice the same with the same in order for the lights to work and not short out. What makes this process easy is the splice kit that comes with everything you need to connect the ropes. It is important to get the right kit for the type of lighting you are splicing. Once you have made your cuts, use the kit to connect the lights together. It is common to splice rope lights together to make them long enough for the lighting needs. Another reason is to create a dramatic effect with different colored tubing.

Before you attempt to cut or splice LED rope lighting, you need to know what you are doing to keep from ruining the lights. Cutting in the wrong spot or splicing the wrong lighting types can create aggravation. There are so many possibilities when splicing this type of lighting and people are finding that they can create unique looks for their home or business for less than other lighting types would cost the average consumer.