If you want to join LED strip lights to increase the length, you have to solder them. And that’s where users usually struggle. We will take you through the step-by-step process of soldering strip lights. Even if you have never soldered anything before, you can join strip lights by following the simple steps.
Part 1. What You'll Need Before Soldering LED Strip Lights
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Soldering iron
- Solder
- Scissors
- Wire stripper
Optional items:
- Soldering flux: It’s better to use it as it offers excellent results. It removes oxidation from the copper pads, which makes soldering much quicker and hassle-free.
- Helping hand: You can use it to hold the LED strip, but you can also do the job without it.
Part 2. Understanding LED Strip Solder Pads
You can find different LED strip technologies. From a simple LED strip to RGB strips to RGBWs, there are various options available. Because of the difference in technologies, their solder pads also differ. And you should know about them to solder the right wire to the right pad.
Common Strip Types
Single-color LED strips: These are the simple LED strips that show only one color. You can easily solder them without any hassle.
RGB LED strips: They have RGB LEDs that are capable of creating a massive range of colors. They can produce any color you need. But you can pick one color for the whole strip.
RGBIC strips: These special LED strips have a separate integrated circuit (IC) for the LEDs. And because of the dedicated data line, it’s possible to control each LED separately. It means you can have multiple colors on the same strip.
What Are +, -, and Signal Pads
12V/24V LED Strip: In a simple 12V/24V LED strip, you have only two solder pads. One represents positive, while the other is ground. There are no signal pads.
RGB: RGB strip lights have four pads. One pad is for positive, and the remaining three are the ground channels for red, green, and blue.
RGBW: There are five solder pads. One is for positive, and the remaining are ground channels for red, blue, green, and white.
Part 3. How to Solder LED Strip Lights Step by Step
Source: Chris Maher
Perfect soldering requires experience and skills. But by following these simple steps, you will be able to solder LED strips without any hassle.
Step 1: To solder two LED strips, the first thing you need to ensure is to have a suitable length of copper pads. That’s why, while cutting the strip, you should pay attention to it. If there is not enough area of copper pads, it’s better to cut from another location.
Step 2: Turn on the soldering iron. Set it at a suitable temperature, depending on the solder you have. For lead-free solder, you can set the temperature between 350⁰C and 370⁰C. You can try to melt the solder and even check it on a test piece.
Step 3: Before you solder the wires, it is important to tin the copper pads. Clean the copper pads first, and then apply a little amount of solder with the help of the soldering iron. For better results, keep the tip on the pad for a second and then push the solder wire. You can also use a little amount of flux.
Step 4: After tinning pads, you should tin the ends of the wires. Take the wire you want to solder and strip it. Twist the ends of wires properly so that no strand comes out. Then, put the soldering iron on the wire for a second and apply a little amount of solder.
Step 5: Hold the LED strip with a helping hand or any heavy object. Place the tinned wire over the copper pad and melt the solder. Remove the soldering iron when the solder turns liquid. Hold the wire in place until the solder hardens.
By following the same steps, you can solder all wires, depending on the LED strip light you have.
Part 4. Recommended Soldering Temperatures
Selecting the right temperature is crucial for soldering LED strips. If you keep the iron on copper pads for too long, you will damage the strip. And if the temperature is too low, the solder won’t melt.
The ideal option is to go with a higher temperature to reduce the time to touch the copper pads. For leaded solders, 300⁰C to 340⁰C could work fine. If you have a lead-free solder, choose a temperature between 350⁰C and 370⁰C. You can figure out the best value in the range through testing and attempts.
| Solder Type | Temperature |
| Leaded Solder | 300⁰C to 340⁰C |
| Lead-free Solder | 350⁰C to 370⁰C |
Part 5. How to Solder Waterproof LED Strip Lights
If the LED strip lights are waterproof, you have to do a few extra things.
- Locate the copper pads and use scissors to cut the strip carefully. Make sure you leave enough copper pads on both sides.
- Carefully remove the silicone coating from the light. You have to remove it from the copper pad to uncover them. Make sure there is no silicone left.
- Prepare the wires for soldering. Keep them as short as possible to reseal without any hassle. Use a wire stripper to strip the ends.
- Solder the wires carefully. It’s better to use flux to have excellent soldering results.
- After soldering, you have to seal the area. For this, you can use a silicone glue. Apply to the area and let it dry. Once it is properly sealed, it won’t allow water to go in. You can also use a heat-shrink tubing. You have to insert the tubing in the strip before soldering, and then bring it over the soldered area. Finally, use a lighter to shrink it.
Part 6. Common LED Strip Soldering Mistakes
- Beginners try to solder the wire directly to the copper pad. But it makes soldering more difficult. It’s better to tin both the copper pad and the wire tip first.
- Applying too much solder will result in shorting copper pads and solder dripping. Just take a small amount of solder that can bury the wire.
- Putting the soldering iron for too long on the copper pad and trying to solder one connection repeatedly for better results are two common mistakes. The solder pads are delicate, and they can’t bear excessive heat for too long. Heat the copper pad for a second or two first and apply the solder.
- Beginners also forget to insert the heat-shrink tubing. It’s necessary to insert it in the strip before soldering. Otherwise, you will have to desolder what you have done and repeat the process.
- Cold joints are extremely common. They look grainy, rough, and textured. But the problem is that they do not make a tight connection. Plus, they could break anytime. It is necessary to pre-heat both the copper pad and the wire and then apply the solder. Do not move the soldering iron until the solder is completely melted.
Part 7. LED Strip Not Working After Soldering? How to Fix
Check the polarity: Make sure you have connected the wires correctly. Wrong polarity or connection won’t turn on the strip.
Ensure proper soldering: Check all solder joints. Make sure there are no shorts or weak joints. Sometimes, cold joints are an issue. You may try soldering again with flux.
Look for damage: Check if you have damaged the strip while soldering. Also, inspect for other damages within the strip.
Test the LED strip: It’s better to test the LED strip separately using a power supply. If it turns on, it means it’s fine, and you have to look at other things. But it doesn’t turn on, you have to change it.
Check the power supply/controller: If the LED strip is working fine on a separate power supply, the primary power supply or controller could be the issue.
Part 8. No Soldering Required: Best Connectable LED Strip Lights
Govee Strip Light 2 Pro: Bendable, Cuttable, Connectable
Govee Strip Light 2 Pro is equipped with 5-in-1 RGBIC+ technology. It’s a flexible strip light that can bend easily according to the space. You can cut it from the given marks and even connect more LED lights up to 16.4ft/32.8ft without soldering.
Govee RGBIC LED Strip Lights with Covers: Cuttable and Connectable
It’s an RGBIC strip light with covers for better diffusion. It’s suitable for bedrooms, studios, cabinets, and other places. You can cut the light from the marked position and use it directly. You can also increase its length by connecting more strip lights without soldering.
Shop more Govee Smart LED strip Lights >
FAQs About Soldering LED Strips
1. What solder to use for LED strip lights?
You can use lead-free solder to join LED strip lights. For better results, you can also use flux.
2. Can you solder LED strip lights after cutting them?
Yes, you can solder LED strip lights after cutting them. If the copper pads are on both ends, you can easily join them by soldering wires.
3. What temperature should I use to solder LED strips?
Use 300⁰C to 340⁰C for leaded solder and 350⁰C to 370⁰C for lead-free solder.
4. Why won't my LED strip turn on after soldering?
Check if the strip is working or not. If it is fine, then there could be an issue with the soldering or polarity. Make sure you have connected the right wire to the right solder pad and ensure perfect joints.
5. Can you solder waterproof LED strips?
Yes, you can solder waterproof LED strips. But after soldering them, you need to make the connected area waterproof as well. For that, you can use silicone glue or heat-shrink tubing.
6. How long does a soldered connection last?
If you have soldered perfectly, it will last a long time. There won’t be any issue, no matter how long you use the LED strip. Just make sure there is no pressure on the connection/joint.
7. Is it better to solder or use LED strip connectors?
For reliable connectivity and permanent setups, soldering is the best option. But if you want feasibility, you can go with LED strip connectors.
8. Why won't solder stick to my LED strip pads?
The solder won’t stick to the LED strip pads due to oxidation. Use flux along with the solder, and it will work fine. Secondly, make sure you have selected the right temperature.
9. How do you solder RGBIC LED strips without damaging the data line?
Cut the copper pads from the exact center to ensure there is enough area to solder. Then, clean the copper pads and apply a little bit of solder. Tin the wire and solder it to the copper pad. Just make sure to select the right temperature and do not keep the soldering iron on the copper pad or data line for too long.
10. Do I need flux to solder LED strips?
You do not need flux to solder an LED strip. Often, solder wires already have it. However, it is better to use a small amount of flux to remove oxidation. It also improves the solder flow and ensures a perfect joint.
Conclusion
Soldering a strip light is easy if you have the right tools and know the correct procedure to follow. All you need to do is apply solder on the copper pads, tin the wires, and then connect the wires to the pads. We have explained the complete process and some common mistakes to avoid. It will help you solder LED strip lights with perfection.
