Are you looking for a way to add some extra light to your home or shop without spending a fortune? LED lights are a great option, and they’re relatively easy to connect together. Here’s a quick guide on how to do it.
Tools and Materials Needed
In order to connect your LED lights together, you will need the following tools and materials:
- Wire strippers
- Wire cutters
- A roll of 19 or 22 gauge solid core wire
- Needlenose pliers
- Crescent wrench (optional)
- Tape measure (optional)
First, use the wire strippers to strip about 3/4″ of insulation from the end of each wire. If you are using stranded wire, you will need to twist each strand tightly together. Next, use the wire cutters to cut each wire to the desired length.
Now you are ready to connect the wires together. There are several ways to do this, but the simplest way is to twist each wire around another one and then twist a third wire around both of them. Make sure that the connection is tight so that it does not come loose. You can also use needlenose pliers to hold the connection while you twist the third wire around it.
If you are connecting more than three wires together, you may want to use a crescent wrench to hold the first two wires while you twist on a third. This will give you more leverage and make it easier to get a tight connection.
Once all of your wires are connected, use tape or electrical tape to cover all of the connections. This will prevent them from coming loose and will also help to protect against electrical shocks.
Preparing the LED Lights
Before you begin connecting your LED lights together, it is important to prepare the lights themselves. Make sure that each light is properly rated for the voltage that you will be using. Most low-voltage LED lights are rated for 12 volts; however, some are rated for 24 volts. If you are not sure, consult the documentation that came with your lights or check the label on the light itself.
Once you have ascertained the proper voltage, connect each light to its power source using the appropriate type of wire. Most low-voltage LED lights can be connected with a speaker wire, telephone cord, or even thin electrical wire. Be sure to use wire that is rated for the same voltage as your lights; using a wire that is too thin can cause fires, and using a wire that is too thick can cause damage to your lights.
With the lights prepared and wired, you are now ready to begin connecting them together.
Connecting the LED Lights
You can connect your LED lights in one of two ways: in series or in parallel.
When you connect your LED lights in series, you are connecting them so that the voltage flows through each light one after the other. The advantage of this is that you can use lower voltage lights, which means that your power consumption will be lower. The downside is that if one of the lights goes out, then all of the lights in that section will go out.
When you connect your LED lights in parallel, you are connecting them so that each light has its own circuit. The advantage of this is that if one light goes out, then the others will stay on. The downside is that you need to use higher voltage lights, which means that your power consumption will be higher.
Testing the Connection
Before you permanently connect your LED lights, it’s important to test the connection to ensure that the wires are properly connected and that the lights will work as intended.
To test the connection, you will need a power source (such as a battery), a switch, and some form of resistors to protect the LEDs from drawing too much current. Once you have all of your materials, follow these steps:
- Connect one end of the resistor to the positive lead of your LED light.
- Connect the other end of the resistor to the positive terminal of your power source.
- Connect the negative lead of your LED light to the negative terminal of your power source.
- Close the switch to complete the circuit and test your connection.
- If your LED light does not turn on, check your connections and make sure that they are secure. If everything appears to be in order, try using a different power source or switch.
Tips and Tricks
If you want your LED lights to last as long as possible, it’s important to connect them correctly. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get the best possible connection:
- Use the correct type of wire. For most applications, 22-gauge stranded copper wire will work just fine. However, if you’re running a lot of lights or using them in high-voltage applications, you may need to use a heavier wire.
- Make sure your wires are properly insulated. This will help to prevent shorts and protect your wires from the elements.
- Use butt connectors or other similar devices to make your connections. This will help to ensure a good connection and prevent the wires from slipping out.
- Solder your connections for the best possible electrical connection. This may not be necessary for low-voltage applications, but it’s always a good idea for high-voltage applications.
Following these tips will help you get the most out of your LED lights and ensure that they last as long as possible.
Troubleshooting
If you have followed these steps above and still are having problems getting your LED lights to work properly, here are a few helpful solutions:
- First, check your power supply. If you are using an AC adapter, make sure that it is properly plugged into an outlet and that the adapter is not loose.
- Next, check your connections. Make sure that all of your LEDs are properly connected in the correct order.
- If you are using a DC power supply, make sure that the polarity is correct. LEDs will only work if they are connected in the correct polarity.
- Finally, check the specifications of your LEDs. Some LEDs have a forward voltage that is different from other LEDs. Make sure that you are using the correct power supply for your LEDs.
In Closing
Now that you know how to connect LED lights together, you can tackle other projects that use them. This includes custom lighting panels, task lights, and safety lights for bikes or hiking gear. Just remember to follow these instructions and focus on safety.
NEXT UP: How Hot Do LED Lights Get?
