The first time I installed LED strip lights under my shelves, I made one small mistake—I cut them in the wrong place. The entire strip stopped working. I had no idea LED strips were only cuttable at certain points. That lesson cost me both time and money.
If you’re wondering whether you can cut LED lights to fit your space better, the answer is yes—but only if you do it right. Cut in the wrong place, and you could render the strip useless. But with a little know-how, cutting and reusing LED strips can be a simple DIY win.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to cut LED strip lights the safe way, explain what happens if you mess up, and teach you how to reconnect the pieces—even in different rooms. Whether you’re a DIY beginner or LED enthusiast, this guide will give you everything you need.
Yes, you can cut LED strip lights—but only at very specific points. These strips are designed with built-in “cut lines” that indicate where it’s electrically safe to make a cut without damaging the circuit.
Cut anywhere else, and you risk breaking the electrical flow, causing sections of the strip to stop working—or worse, burning out the power supply.
LED strip lights consist of a flexible circuit board with small LEDs soldered at regular intervals. Power flows through copper pads along the strip, and each section is connected in parallel. That’s why you can safely cut them between segments, as long as it’s where the copper pads are.
Most LED strips have a scissor icon printed every few inches. That’s the spot you’re supposed to cut.
No. While most flexible LED strips are designed to be cut, some cheaper or integrated types may not support cutting or reuse.
✅ Cuttable LED strips:
❌ Not recommended or uncuttable strips:
📰 How to Tell if Your LED Strip Can Be Cut – LED Info Club
Before you start cutting, make sure you have the right tools on hand. The good news is, most of them are simple household items. But if you plan to reconnect or extend your LED strips, a few extra tools will make the job much easier—and safer.
🔗 External Reference:
📰 Beginner’s Guide to LED Strip Connectors – LEDSupply
▶️ How to Use LED Strip Connectors (Video)
Cutting LED strips isn’t complicated—but doing it incorrectly can ruin the entire roll. Here’s exactly how I do it every time to make sure the strip stays functional and safe to use.
Always disconnect the LED strip from its power source before handling. Cutting a powered strip can cause short circuits or shocks—even on low-voltage systems.
Look for the scissor icon or the copper contact pads printed on the strip. These appear every 3 to 6 LEDs depending on the type of strip.
✅ Only cut directly on the marked line, between the copper pads.
Use sharp scissors or wire cutters to make a straight, clean cut across the line. Avoid tearing or nicking the strip material.
If you plan to reconnect or reuse the strip segment:
Reconnect the strip to a power source and test functionality:
▶️ Watch: How to Cut and Reconnect LED Strip Lights – YouTube
Let’s be honest—mistakes happen. I’ve accidentally cut LED strips in the wrong place before, and the results aren’t pretty. But don’t worry, I’ll walk you through what actually happens and what you can do to fix it.
If you cut outside the designated copper pad section:
It’s like cutting a power cable in the middle—nothing flows past that point anymore.
Yes, in most cases—but it takes some effort.
Option 1: Cut Again Properly
If you have enough extra strip length, cut again at the nearest correct copper pad.
Option 2: Repair With Soldering
Carefully expose the copper traces where the cut was made and reconnect using a soldering iron and jumper wires. Then insulate with heat shrink tubing.
Option 3: Use it as a shorter strip
Sometimes I just use the working segment as a new mini-strip for accent lighting in smaller areas.
📰 Fixing LED Strips After Incorrect Cutting – HitLights Blog
Once you cut an LED strip, you don’t have to throw the leftover part away. I’ve reused dozens of LED segments in creative and functional ways—and so can you.
Here are some real-life situations where I gave cut strips a second life.
I had a leftover 40 cm RGB strip after trimming my desk setup. Instead of tossing it, I installed it under a bookshelf using a clip-on connector and a separate mini power adapter.
Why it worked:
After cutting a long strip for a bedroom setup, I used the other piece for the closet.
How I did it:
📰 How to Power Multiple LED Strips – Waveform Lighting
One time I cut a strip wrong, fixed it with a soldering iron, and reused it behind my TV.
Tips I learned:
▶️ How to Reuse LED Strips After Cutting – YouTube
Over time, I’ve learned that cutting LED strips correctly is only half the story. The other half is making sure you don’t need to fix anything later. These are the exact habits I now follow on every install to prevent headaches down the line.
Measure twice, cut once. Before you even plug in the strip, sketch out your setup and check where cuts are needed.
📰 LED Strip Planning Guide – LEDSupply
This might sound obvious, but I’ve seen it happen: cutting live LED strips can short the power supply and damage the board.
Always unplug before cutting. Always.
Copper traces can crack near bend points, especially close to cuts. Instead of folding:
🔗 Internal Link: How to Connect LED Strips at Corners
Not all clips fit all strips. RGB, RGBW, and waterproof strips often require specific connectors.
If unsure, look at the pin count and voltage rating before buying.
Cut → reconnect → test → then install. It’s much easier to fix a strip on the table than when it’s glued to your wall.
Can you cut LED strip lights and still use them?
Yes, as long as you cut on the designated copper pad lines. You can reuse the cut pieces by reconnecting them with solderless connectors or a soldering kit.
Can you cut any LED strip light?
Not all LED strips are cuttable. Look for copper pads and scissor icons. If your strip doesn’t show any cut points, it’s not designed to be trimmed.
Can I cut RGB or smart LED strips like Govee?
Yes—many RGB and Govee strips are cuttable, but you need to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Smart strips often require special connectors or may lose features if cut improperly.
📰 Govee Official Guide – How to Cut LED Strip Lights
Do LED strip lights still work after being cut?
They will, as long as the cut is made correctly. Each segment is a self-contained circuit, so cutting at the right spot preserves functionality.
What happens if I cut LED lights in the wrong place?
Cutting outside the copper pad line may break the circuit, causing part or all of the strip to fail. It might be repairable with soldering, but not always.
Can you use cut LED strips in different rooms?
Yes! You can install cut pieces in separate areas using individual power sources or by wiring them through an LED splitter or multi-zone controller.
▶️ Watch: How to Reuse LED Strip Lights – YouTube
Cutting LED strip lights might sound risky, but once you understand where and how to cut, it becomes a simple and empowering DIY task. I’ve trimmed, reused, and repaired dozens of LED strips over the years, and now I rarely worry about making a mistake.
As long as you cut at the right spots and take a little time to test your setup, there’s no reason to fear ruining your lights. Whether you’re customizing for under-cabinet lighting, gaming desks, or smart home setups, cutting gives you flexibility without compromise.
👉 Explore High-Quality LED Strip Lights at Elstar
👉 Learn How to Connect Multiple LED Strips Safely
👉 Discover Creative LED Lighting Ideas
From smart lighting solutions to flexible connectors, Elstar LED helps you get the perfect fit—cut, customized, and connected.
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