How to Fix a Broken LED Light Strip in 2023?
LED light strips have become one of the most popular types of home lighting in recent years. They’re affordable, efficient, and can be installed almost anywhere. But what happens when your LED strip stops working?
In this article, we will explore what causes a broken led light strip and how to fix it. We’ll also tell you about some of the risks associated with repairing your own led strip.
5 Reasons that Cause Broken LED Strip
1. Damaged LED Chips
The most common cause of a broken LED strip is damaged LED chips. These chips can be damaged by physical impact, static electricity, or manufacturing defects. If you see any cracks or breaks in the LEDs, chances are that’s the problem.
2. Poor Soldering Joints
If the solder joints between the LEDs and the PCB are poor, they can cause the strip to fail. This is usually caused by moisture or heat damage. You may be able to spot this problem if you see discoloration around the joints.
3. Improper Power Supply
Another common cause of a broken LED strip is an improper power supply. The wrong power supply can damage the LEDs or the PCB. Make sure you’re using the correct power supply for your LED strip.
4. Wrong Polarity
If you connect the power to your LED strip backward, it will damage the LEDs. This is because the LEDs are only designed to work with one polarity of the voltage. Make sure you double-check the polarity before connecting the power.
5. Excessive Voltage
Applying too much voltage to an LED will damage it. This is why it’s important to use a regulated power supply that can’t output more than the maximum voltage rating of your LED strip.
How to Fix a Broken Led Strip?
- Determine the area of damage
- Unplug the light strip
- Detach adhered lights with the blade if possible
- Use scissors along the copper markings to cut out the damaged section
- Cut a new section of the same light strip from a new or leftover roll
- Attach back-to-back pin connectors to each section of the light strip
- Be sure to use the proper number of connector pins (2-pin, 4-pin, or 5-pin)
- Test your lights and re-apply them to the surface.
The best way to fix a broken led strip is to replace the damaged chips or solder joints. This can be done with a soldering iron and some basic electronic knowledge. If you’re not comfortable soldering, there are led strip repair kits available that will do the job for you.
Be aware that repairing your own LED strip can be dangerous. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you could end up causing more damage to the strip or even hurting yourself. We recommend that you consult with an experienced electrician before attempting any repairs.
Risks of Fixing a Broken Led Strip
There are some risks associated with fixing a broken led light strip. These include:
- Damage to the LED chips: If you try to replace the LED chips without proper training, you could end up causing more damage.
- Poor soldering joints: If you don’t know how to properly solder, you could end up with poor joints that can cause the strip to fail.
- Improper power supply: If you use the wrong power supply, you could damage the LEDs or the PCB.
- Wrong polarity: If you connect the power to the LED strip backward, you could damage the LEDs.
We recommend that you consult with an experienced electrician before attempting any repairs. They will be able to properly assess the damage and make the necessary repairs.
Also read: 10 Reasons and How to stop LED light flickering
Conclusion
If your LED strip has stopped working, don’t panic! There are several things you can do to try and fix it. If all else fails, there is always the option of replacing the damaged chips or solder joints. Be aware that repairing your own LED strip can be dangerous, so we recommend consulting with an experienced electrician before attempting any repairs.
