Voltage and Wattage
First, you need to check the operating voltage of your LED strip. The most common operating voltages are 12V or 24V. You must ensure that the operating voltage of the LED strip is the same as the output voltage of the power supply.
Second, you need to calculate the total power of the LED strip. The calculation method is to multiply the power of one meter of LED strip by the total length of the strip.
Finally, according to the 80% rule, you need to ensure that 80% of the power supply power is greater than or equal to the total power of the LED strip. This will help extend the lifespan of the power supply.
Power Supply with DC Connector
The LED strip has a DC female connector, and the power supply has a DC male connector.
This type of power supply is also called a power adapter.
LED Strip with DC Connector
If the LED strip happens to have a DC female connector and the power supply has a DC male connector, you need to plug in both the DC female and DC male connectors.
LED Power Adapter 2
LED Strip with Exposed Wiring
If the LED strip only has exposed wiring, you need to purchase an accessory to convert the wire to a DC connector before connecting it.
LED Power Adapter
LED Strip Without Wires After Cutting
How to connect an external power source after cutting an LED strip?
You can connect the LED strip using a solderless connector or a soldered DC female connector.
Simply plug the AC power plug of the power adapter into a socket to power the strip. This is convenient and suitable for small projects.
Power Supply with Exposed Wires
Power supplies with exposed wires are usually waterproof.
LED Strip with Open Circuit
You can hardwire the LED strip's wires to the power cable.
Twist the two red wires together, then cover and tighten the wire nut. Do the same for the black wire.
Note that you must connect red wires to red wires and black wires to black wires. If the connection is incorrect, the LED strip will not work.
Connecting the LED Strip to the Power Supply with a Wire Nut
Another option is to use a solderless connector to connect the wires.
Wire Connector
LED Strip Without Wires After Cutting
For LED strips without any wires, you can solder wires to the LED strip or use a solderless LED strip connector. Then connect the strip to a power source using the method described above.
LED Strip Connector Wireless Power Supply
Power supplies without wires are generally non-waterproof power supplies with terminal blocks.
You will need a screwdriver to work with this power supply, as the terminals are secured to the wires with screws.
Step 3: Unscrew the screws on the terminal blocks with a screwdriver.
Step 3: Insert the LED strip wire into the corresponding position.
Step 3: After inserting the LED strip wire, tighten the screws with a screwdriver and pull them to check for tightness.
Step 3: Connect the AC plug in the same way.
