Is it safe to cut off the excess from your LED light strips? This is a question that plagues many home decorators because of the difficulty in finding lights cut to the exact length needed. 

The fact is, that most LED light strips can be cut safely and used normally afterward. But with so many different brands and products on the market, it can be difficult to tell which ones you can cut and which ones you can’t. 

How To Tell If Your LED Light Strip Can Be Cut 

How can you tell if your particular LED light strip is safe to cut? Those that can safely be cut will have a “cut line”, which is marked by a “scissors” graphic. This indicates where the strip can be cut safely without causing damage. If your strip doesn’t have a cut line, it is best not to tamper with it. 

After you have determined that the light strip can be cut, you can proceed to the next step. 

Cutting LED Light Strips

Remember to unplug your light strip from the power source before cutting it. Neglecting to do so could result in severe and potentially life-threatening electrical shock. 

Follow the steps below for cutting your LED light strip: 

1. Measure the length of the strip you need. Decide how long you need your light strip to be and mark the appropriate length. It is better to have more than you need, so err on the side of caution. 

2. Find the “scissors” logo closest to the length you need. Look for the “scissors” logo closest to the mark you’ve made. Again, make sure you’re cutting to a length more than you’ll need. 

3. Make the cut with scissors. Make your cut with a sharp pair of scissors. Try to cut at a right angle to the length of the strip. If you cut diagonally, the light may no longer work.