When you want to connect two RGBW led tape lights together, it is important that you understand how to do this correctly. This will ensure that your lights work properly and will not cause any issues in the future.
Clipping vs Soldering
The most common way to connect two LED strips is with clips. This method is easy and convenient to use. You simply need to cut the strip in the desired length, remove the covering to expose the strip, and clip it down onto the other end.
You can also solder the two ends of the LED strip together. This is a more complicated process that can be messy and require some practice to do correctly. It is not for everyone and requires specialized machinery to complete properly.
Clipping and Soldering both have their advantages, but there are some things you need to keep in mind before making a decision on which method you will use.
First, you need to determine whether the LED strip you want to connect uses separate chips or a single chip for all of its diodes. When you use a single chip, all of the diodes are on one chip and therefore fewer lights can be packed into a length of tape.
Secondly, you need to determine whether the LED strips you plan to connect have copper pads on their ends that will accommodate wires. If they do, then you will need to connect the positive (red) of the power supply’s DC output to the (+) copper pad on one end, and the negative or ground (black or white) of the power supply’s DC output on the other end.
If the LED strips you’re connecting have copper pads on their ends but do not come with wires, then you will need to connect the LED strips to each other using soldering. This is not recommended for all projects, but it can be useful if you have access to a professional soldering machine or want a more permanent connection.
Wiring Multiple RGBW Led Tape Lights
If you’re planning to wire two or more LED strips together, then it is essential that you use a multichannel RGBW receiver. This will allow you to control all of your LED strips with just a single receiver.
In addition to the four colors of red, green, blue and white, these receivers also include a “W” for warm white. This allows you to have a wider range of colours and produces a much warmer light than normal RGB or color changing LED strips.
Another advantage of this type of receiver is that it allows you to power multiple LED strips with just a single wire. This is an excellent option if you’re not sure how many LED strips you need, and will save you time and money in the long run.
Finally, if you’re planning to install your LED strips in lengths longer than 5 meters, then you should consider wiring them back to a transformer. This will reduce the voltage drop across long distances, which can result in a reduction in brightness.