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09 · Fabrication

Cutting: Cut Length & Free Cutting

The cut interval is a hard constraint you inherit from the product. Check it against the finished dimension before ordering, not on site.

Cut length is the minimum interval at which a strip can be safely cut. The smaller the step, the more precisely a run can be fitted to millwork, profiles, and niches.

On a standard-cut strip, you cut only at the marked lines — cutting between marks kills that segment. Free-cutting strips can be cut anywhere along their length, which makes exact-length installs possible without designing around the cut grid.

When a run must land flush inside a cabinet or a trimless channel, check the cut step before anything else — a 4.9 in (125 mm) interval can leave a dark gap that no diffuser will hide.

Typical cut steps
0.39 in
10 mm
0.79 in
20 mm
1.3 in
33 mm
1.6 in
41 mm
4.9 in
125 mm

Smaller steps fit joinery more precisely; free-cutting removes the constraint entirely.

See fine-cut & free-cutting strips →

Questions on this topic

Can LED strip be cut to length on site?

Yes, at the marked cut points only. Standard strip cuts every 2 to 4 inches depending on LED density and voltage; free-cutting strip cuts as often as every half inch. Cutting between marked points breaks the circuit for that segment, so always confirm the cut interval against the finished dimension before ordering.

How do you connect LED strip after cutting it?

Either solder leads to the copper pads at the cut, which is the most reliable joint, or use a solderless connector made for that strip's width and pad layout. Match polarity (+ to +), and on waterproof strip reseal the joint with an end cap or heat shrink and silicone.

How do you turn a corner with LED strip?

Cut the strip at the nearest cut point before the corner and join the two pieces with a short soldered jumper wire or an L-shaped corner connector. Flexible strip can also be bent gently on its flat face, but folding it sharply on edge can crack the circuit board. In a channel, use mitered corner pieces made for that profile.