5 Easy Steps to Extend Your Govee LED Strip Lights

Introduction to LED Light Strips

LED light strips are super flexible and thin. They can add color and ambiance to any space in your home. There are different types, like traditional, waterproof, and smart home versions. Brands like Govee offer affordable options with remote controls and smart home apps.

Uses of LED Light Strips

Decorative Lighting

You can use LED light strips behind wall plaques, portraits, or mirrors to create cool silhouettes. They're great for glass tables, coffee tables, and light boxes to enhance room ambiance.

Outdoor Lighting

LED light strips are perfect for patio lighting, pathway lighting, and illuminating planters and trees. They add a beautiful touch to your outdoor spaces without the hassle of traditional lighting setups.

Indoor Lighting

LED light strips are useful for cabinet lighting, stair lighting, and shelving units. You can place them along headboards, ceilings, and under furniture for a unique glow that adds character to any room.

Extending LED Light Strips

Sometimes the standard length of LED light strips isn't enough for your space. Extending them can help achieve a continuous lighting effect without gaps.

Why Extend LED Light Strips?

You might need to extend them if the standard length isn't enough for your space.

Methods for Extending LED Light Strips

Using Connectors

For non-smart LED strips, you can cut them at marked points and use connectors or quick connector kits to extend them. Make sure the section cut contains a power source or is connected to one.

Soldering

Another method is soldering, which requires some technical expertise but can connect strips securely. Use a soldering iron and ensure terminals are exposed and free of plastic coatings.

Series vs. Parallel Extension

Series Extension

Connect all strips in one long series with the power source at the end. This setup is more streamlined but might have voltage drop and reduced brightness.

Parallel Extension

Connect strips with the power source between them. This setup ensures more even power distribution but increases the risk of electrical issues if one strip malfunctions.

Special Considerations

Smart LED Strips

Smart LED strips, especially those with IC chips, cannot be cut or extended without damaging them. These strips require specific controllers and amplifiers to maintain signal consistency.

Voltage and Power Issues

Be cautious of voltage drop and power issues when extending strips. Strategically place power supplies at intervals to maintain consistent brightness.

Alternative Solutions

Choosing the Right Length

Measure your space and select LED light strips that fit your needs. If too short, arrange them to cover the space with evenly sized gaps for a stylish look.

Using Multiple Strips

Run multiple strips adjacent to each other for a similar effect. Double up strips for a more intense lighting effect. This method ensures that your space is well-lit without the need for extensive extensions.

Tools and Materials Needed

When extending your Govee LED strip lights, you'll need the right tools and materials to ensure a smooth and safe installation process. Here are the essential items you'll need:

• Wire Cutters

  • For cutting the LED strips at the marked points. This is crucial if you need to trim your strips to fit specific spaces or extend them by joining segments together.

• Connectors

  • Specific to your LED strip type for easy connections. These connectors come in various forms, such as male/female DC connectors, crimp-on wire terminals, and solderless connectors. Make sure to choose connectors that match the specifications of your LED strips.

• Soldering Iron

• For soldering connections if you prefer that method. Soldering can provide a more permanent and reliable connection, especially if you're dealing with longer runs of LED strips.

• Insulated Gloves and Safety Glasses
  • For safety when working with electrical components. Always prioritize your safety by wearing insulated gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from electrical shock and other hazards.

Common Brands and Options

When it comes to extending your LED strip lights, you have several brands to choose from, each offering different features and options. Here are some common brands and their offerings:

• Govee

  • Offers affordable LED light strips with various control options. Some Govee models can be extended, while others cannot, so it's important to check the specifications of your particular model before attempting to extend it.

  • Tenmiro and LE

    • Other budget brands that offer extendable LED light strips. These brands are available on Amazon and offer good value for the price. They often provide flexible and durable options that can be easily extended to meet your lighting needs.

Final Tips

Extending your Govee LED strip lights requires careful planning and execution. Here are some final tips to ensure a successful extension:

• Measure Carefully

  • Ensure precise measurements to avoid unnecessary extensions. Measure the space where you plan to install the LED strips and compare it with the length of the strips you have. This will help you determine if you need to cut or join segments.

• Choose Quality Components

  • Use high-quality connectors and power supplies to maintain reliability and consistency. Cheap or low-quality components can lead to voltage drop, overheating, or other issues that might affect the performance of your LED strips.

• Consider Aesthetic Continuity

• Ensure the extended strips maintain a seamless and fluid lighting effect. This means paying attention to how the light flows from one segment to another. You might need to adjust the brightness or color temperature of each segment to achieve a cohesive look.

By following these tips and using the right tools and materials, you can successfully extend your Govee LED strip lights to meet your specific lighting needs.

Can Govee light strips be extended?

Yes, Govee LED light strips can be extended. However, the method depends on the specific type of strip you have. For classic RGB LED strip lights controlled via remote, you can safely cut them and attach them to another strip using pin or quick connector kits. For more advanced smart LED strips, soldering might be required, but this method is more technical and requires expertise.

Can I extend my LED strip lights?

Yes, you can extend your LED strip lights. For non-smart budget brands like Tenmiro, it is possible to extend them by cutting and connecting them. For Govee LED strips, you can use pin or quick connector kits for the classic RGB strips, or soldering for more advanced smart strips.

Can you cut and extend Govee RGBIC?

Yes, you can cut and extend Govee RGBIC LED strip lights. For the classic RGB strips, you can safely cut them and use pin or quick connector kits to extend them. For more advanced RGBIC strips, soldering might be necessary, but this requires technical expertise.