What Are LED Strip Lights and How Do They Work?

Before diving into the cutting process, let’s break down how LED strip lights work.

1. What Are LED Strip Lights?

LED strip lights consist of multiple small light-emitting diodes (LEDs) placed along a flexible circuit board. They come with an adhesive backing for easy installation and are available in various designs:

Single-color LED strips – Emit a fixed light color (e.g., warm white, cool white).
RGB LED strips – Allow you to switch colors and control brightness.
Smart LED strips – Can be controlled via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home.

2. The Role of Cut Marks

Each LED strip contains predefined cut marks, typically indicated by a scissor icon or dashed lines. These marks separate small electrical circuits, ensuring that the strip remains functional even after cutting.

Cutting anywhere outside these marks can break the circuit, causing some sections to stop working.