SuperLightingLED · wiring diagrams

LED Strip Wiring Diagrams: Every Length, Voltage and Controller, Explained by Our Engineers

We answer LED strip wiring questions all day, and after 14 years the same 97 situations keep coming up: a 5 m reel that dims at the end, a 20 m run that needs a second feed, an addressable LED strip that stays dark because it was fed from the wrong end. So we drew them all. Each diagram says when it applies, how to wire it step by step, which parts we would put in the cart and what usually goes wrong. And if you would rather not wire anything, tell us the lengths and we cut, solder and pair the parts before shipping.

97 diagrams
single colour, CCT, RGB, addressable (single / dual signal / breakpoint resume), high voltage, DMX, DALI, 0-10 V
Step by step
wire order, feed points, supply size
Parts linked
every scenario lists what to order
Pre-wired option
we solder and pair it for you
Quick chooser

How many feed points does my LED strip run need?

This is the table we keep taped to the wall in the workshop. Standard 14.4 W/m strip, one feed point per section. Constant-current and 24 V addressable LED strips need fewer; see sections 2 and 5.

Strip type5 m10 m20 m30-50 m
Single colour / CCT 12 V1 feed, 90 W2 feeds (parallel), 180 W4 feeds, 2 x 180 WUse 24 V or constant-current LED strip
Single colour / CCT 24 V1 feed, 90 W1 feed both ends, 180 W2 feeds, 350 WFeed every 10 m, or constant-current LED strip (S6)
RGB / RGBW / RGB+CCT 24 VController onlyParallel from controller (R2)Amplifier every 10 m (R3)Amplifier + supply per 10 m (R5)
Addressable 5 V (WS2812B)Inject both ends (A2)Inject every 5 m (A3)Inject every 5 m, 2-3 suppliesSwitch to 24 V addressable (A4)
Addressable 12 V / 24 V1 feed1 feed (24 V)2 feeds (24 V), amplifier (A6)Feed every 10-20 m, amplifier every 10 m
High voltage 110 / 220 V1 plug1 plug1 plug1 plug up to 50 m (H3)

Watts shown are the supply size with 25 % headroom for 14.4 W/m strip. For other densities multiply length x W/m x 1.25.

1 — Basics · 6 diagrams

LED strip basics: polarity, voltage, power supply size

Read these before anything else. Nine out of ten support emails we answer trace back to one of them: wrong polarity, a 12 V strip that should have been 24 V, or a power supply that is too small.

B1
Anatomy of a strip: cut marks, pads, polarity
Wiring diagram: Anatomy of a strip: cut marks, pads, polarity
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Before you cut or connect anything.
  1. Find the cut mark: a line with a scissors symbol every 3 LEDs (12 V) or 6 LEDs (24 V); only cut there.
  2. The copper pads either side of the line are the connection points. On a 2-pin strip they are marked + and -.
  3. Red wire to +, black wire to -. Reversed polarity does no harm but the strip stays dark.
  4. The arrow or "IN" mark on addressable LED strips shows signal direction; plain strips can be fed from either end.
Watch out: COB LED strips have the same pads but they are narrower; use the dedicated COB connectors.
B2
12 V vs 24 V: why 24 V runs further
Wiring diagram: 12 V vs 24 V: why 24 V runs further
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Deciding between 12 V and 24 V before you order.
  1. At the same wattage a 24 V strip draws half the current, so the copper on the strip loses half the voltage and the far end stays bright.
  2. Rule of thumb from one feed point: 12 V up to 5 m, 24 V up to 10 m; beyond that add a feed point (see section 2).
  3. Everything on one circuit must be the same voltage: strip, controller and power supply.
Watch out: 12 V still makes sense for short runs, boats, campers and anything fed from a battery.
B3
Sizing the power supply (watt calculation)
Wiring diagram: Sizing the power supply (watt calculation)
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Every installation, to pick the power supply size.
  1. Multiply the length by the watts per metre printed on the reel: 5 m x 14.4 W/m = 72 W.
  2. Add 20-30 % headroom so the supply is not running flat out: 72 W x 1.25 = 90 W, so choose a 100 W supply.
  3. Check the amps as well: 90 W / 24 V = 3.75 A. The controller and the wire must carry that current too.
Watch out: Never size the supply below the strip wattage; it will overheat and switch itself off.
B4
AC mains to DC: plug-in adapter vs enclosed driver vs Mean Well
Wiring diagram: AC mains to DC: plug-in adapter vs enclosed driver vs Mean Well
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Choosing which kind of power supply fits the space.
  1. Plug-in adapter (up to about 60 W): plugs into a socket, DC barrel jack on the other end, good for one 5 m strip.
  2. Enclosed metal supply (100-600 W): screw terminals, wire the mains L, N and earth yourself or have an electrician do it; put it in a ventilated cupboard.
  3. Waterproof driver (IP67): sealed cables both ends, for outdoors or damp rooms; no earth terminal needed but keep the plug end dry.
Watch out: Mains wiring inside an enclosed supply is a job for a qualified electrician in most countries.
B5
Wire gauge vs run length (12 V and 24 V charts)
Wiring diagram: Wire gauge vs run length (12 V and 24 V charts)
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Choosing cable between supply and strip, or between sections.
  1. The chart is for the feed cable from the power supply to the first pad of the strip (one-way length), not for the strip itself; strip length limits are in B2.
  2. Find the current: total strip watts divided by volts. 60 W at 12 V is 5 A, the same 60 W at 24 V is 2.5 A.
  3. Read the chart for that voltage: the cell is the longest cable on that gauge that keeps the drop inside 5 % of nominal (0.6 V at 12 V, 1.2 V at 24 V), copper, two conductors, 20 C.
  4. 24 V allows about four times the cable of 12 V at the same watts: half the current and twice the volts to spare. When in doubt go one gauge heavier.
  5. A dash means that gauge cannot carry the current safely at all, whatever the length: 22 AWG tops out around 3 A.
Watch out: Thin cable drops volts before the strip even starts; the strip then looks under-powered and warm-white turns yellow. Connector and terminal losses come on top of the chart.
B6
Multimeter check: where the voltage is lost on an LED strip run
Wiring diagram: Multimeter check: where the voltage is lost on an LED strip run
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: The far end is dim or the colour is off and you want to know which part of the run is losing the volts.
  1. Set the meter to DC volts and measure across V+ and V- at four points with the strip at full brightness: power supply output, controller output, LED strip start, LED strip end.
  2. Supply to controller start should lose almost nothing (24.0 to 23.8 V here). A bigger step means thin feed cable or a loose terminal.
  3. Controller to strip start (23.8 to 23.2 V) is the run cable: upsize the gauge or shorten it (see B5).
  4. Strip start to strip end (23.2 to 21.9 V) is the copper on the strip itself: that is normal, and a second feed at the far end fixes it.
Watch out: Measure under full load; an unloaded strip reads full voltage everywhere and hides the problem.
2 — Single colour · 14 diagrams

Single colour LED strip wiring: 5 m, 10 m, 20 m, 50 m and 100 m

The same 2-wire LED strip, wired twelve different ways depending on the length and on where you can get a power cable to. This is the section we point most customers to first.

S1
5 m single colour: one power supply, one end feed
Wiring diagram: 5 m single colour: one power supply, one end feed
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: One reel, one room: the standard 5 m installation.
  1. Power supply output V+ to the strip + pad, V- to the - pad, using a 2-pin clip connector or solder.
  2. Plug the supply in only after the strip is connected; test, then stick the strip down.
  3. Add a dimmer between supply and strip if you want brightness control.
Watch out: 5 m of 14.4 W/m at 12 V needs a 90 W supply; at 24 V the same strip is fine on 60-100 W depending on the reel.
S2
10 m single colour as 2 x 5 m in parallel
Wiring diagram: 10 m single colour as 2 x 5 m in parallel
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Two 5 m reels in one room, especially at 12 V.
  1. Do not join the second reel to the end of the first: 10 m end-to-end at 12 V is dim at the far end.
  2. Run a separate pair of wires from the power supply terminals to the start of each reel (parallel).
  3. Size the supply for both reels: 2 x 72 W x 1.25 = 180 W.
Watch out: A splitter cable does the parallel job neatly when both reels start near the supply.
S3
10 m one continuous run with feed at both ends
Wiring diagram: 10 m one continuous run with feed at both ends
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: One long continuous strip (10 m at 12 V, 15-20 m at 24 V) that must have no joint in the middle.
  1. Connect the supply to the start of the strip as usual.
  2. Run a second pair of wires (18 AWG or heavier) from the same supply terminals along the back of the strip to the far end and connect them there.
  3. Both ends now see full voltage, so the middle only drops half as much.
Watch out: This is the cheapest fix for a dim far end; it does not raise the supply size, only the wire.
S4
20 m: two supplies or one big supply, four feed points
Wiring diagram: 20 m: two supplies or one big supply, four feed points
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: 20 m or more of standard single colour LED strip: a long corridor, a whole-room cove.
  1. Split the run into 5 m (12 V) or 10 m (24 V) sections; each section gets its own feed pair from the supply.
  2. One 24 V 300-350 W supply with four feed pairs, or two 150 W supplies each feeding two sections. Keep the supply near the middle to shorten the wires.
  3. Join the sections physically with a connector so the light is continuous, but keep the feeds separate.
Watch out: Above about 300 W use two supplies rather than one giant one; it halves the cable size and gives you a spare.
S5
Single colour with a dimmer between supply and strip
Wiring diagram: Single colour with a dimmer between supply and strip
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: You want dimming on a single colour LED strip.
  1. Supply output into the dimmer IN terminals, strip on the OUT terminals; polarity marked on the box.
  2. RF remote, wall panel or push switch pairs with the dimmer; nothing changes at the strip.
  3. The dimmer amps must cover the strip current (a 5 m 72 W 24 V strip is 3 A; most dimmers are 8-30 A).
Watch out: For more than one strip on one dimmer see S7.
S6
Long run without voltage drop: 20-50 m constant-current LED strip
Wiring diagram: Long run without voltage drop: 20-50 m constant-current LED strip
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: A single run of 15-50 m where you cannot get wires to the middle: stair walls, cornices, long shelves.
  1. Use a constant-current (built-in IC) strip: the driver on the strip keeps each section at the same brightness regardless of the length.
  2. One feed point at the start; 24 V; supply sized for the whole length.
  3. Cut marks are further apart (typically every 10-20 cm) so plan the end point.
Watch out: SuperLightingLED stocks 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 m rolls of this type; nothing to splice on site.
S7
Two strips on one dimmer using an amplifier (repeater)
Wiring diagram: Two strips on one dimmer using an amplifier (repeater)
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Two or more strips on one dimmer, or a run longer than the dimmer output can carry.
  1. Dimmer feeds strip 1 as normal.
  2. At the end of strip 1 connect an amplifier: its IN takes the dimmed signal from strip 1, its OUT feeds strip 2.
  3. The amplifier needs its own power supply input (V+/V-) so the current for strip 2 does not pass through strip 1.
Watch out: Amplifiers work for single colour, CCT and RGB; match the channel count to the strip.
S8
Amplifier parallel: one dimmer, several branches
Wiring diagram: Amplifier parallel: one dimmer, several branches
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Several branches that must dim together from one dimmer, in different directions.
  1. Dimmer output goes to the signal input of each amplifier in parallel (thin wire is fine, it carries no load).
  2. Each amplifier gets its own supply and drives its own strip.
  3. All branches follow the dimmer at once; add more amplifiers as needed.
Watch out: Series (S7) passes the signal strip to strip; parallel keeps each branch independent so one fault does not darken the rest.
S9
RF sync: many receivers, one remote, no signal wire
Wiring diagram: RF sync: many receivers, one remote, no signal wire
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Runs in different rooms or on different circuits that should act as one.
  1. Each run gets a small RF dimmer receiver and its own supply, wired like S5.
  2. Pair every receiver to the same remote or wall panel; they respond together.
  3. Nothing is wired between the receivers; the RF link replaces the signal cable.
Watch out: Group control lets one remote address several zones separately as well as all at once.
S10
Floor-plan layout: where the supplies go in a large room
Wiring diagram: Floor-plan layout: where the supplies go in a large room
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Planning a large room before buying anything.
  1. Draw the perimeter and mark where the mains sockets are.
  2. Split the strip into runs of 5 m (12 V) or 10 m (24 V); place a supply and dimmer near the middle of each run.
  3. Add the cable lengths to the plan and check them against the wire chart (B5).
Watch out: Send us the plan and we return it with the parts marked on it.
S11
100 m corridor: constant-current LED strip in 50 m sections
Wiring diagram: 100 m corridor: constant-current LED strip in 50 m sections
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Very long corridors, car parks, warehouse eaves.
  1. Use constant-current LED strip in 50 m sections; each section is fed once from its own 24 V supply.
  2. Join the sections physically so the light is continuous.
  3. One RF remote paired to all receivers switches the whole corridor.
Watch out: Constant-current LED strip stays even from the first LED to the fiftieth metre; ordinary strip cannot do this.
S12
1-2 m short strip from a plug-in adapter
Wiring diagram: 1-2 m short strip from a plug-in adapter
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: A shelf, a picture, a display case.
  1. Cut the strip to length at a cut mark; solder or clip a DC barrel jack lead to it.
  2. Plug the lead into a 12 V or 24 V plug-in adapter; an inline switch or a mini dimmer goes between.
  3. Adapters up to 60 W cover about 4 m of standard strip.
Watch out: Match the adapter voltage to the strip; a 24 V adapter on a 12 V strip burns it out.
S13
Central 24 V supply with a fused distribution block for four LED strip runs
Wiring diagram: Central 24 V supply with a fused distribution block for four LED strip runs
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: One big supply feeding several separate LED strip runs in a cabinet, ceiling or display.
  1. Wire the supply V+ and V- into a DC distribution block that has one fuse per output.
  2. Fuse each output at about twice the run current: a 24 W run at 24 V draws 1 A, so a 2 A fuse.
  3. Run a separate 18 AWG pair from each fused output to the start of its LED strip; never daisy-chain the runs off one fuse.
  4. Size the supply for the total: four 24 W runs = 96 W, so a 150 W supply leaves headroom.
Watch out: Without branch fuses a short on one strip pulls the whole supply into shutdown and every run goes dark at once.
S14
Two supplies, two LED strip sections: where one supply ends and the next begins
Wiring diagram: Two supplies, two LED strip sections: where one supply ends and the next begins
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: A run too long for one supply, split into two LED strip sections with a supply each.
  1. Cut the run at a cut mark where the first supply reaches its limit; the second section gets its own supply.
  2. Supply 1 V+ and V- to section 1 only, supply 2 to section 2 only. Do not join the two V+ lines and do not join the two V- lines.
  3. Mains side both supplies can share the same circuit; the DC sides stay separate.
Watch out: This is for plain single-colour LED strip. Addressable LED strip shares a data signal across the boundary and then the GNDs must be common (see A3).
3 — Tunable white · 4 diagrams

Tunable white (CCT) LED strip wiring

Three pads instead of two, a CCT controller, and what changes when the run gets long or when you want two rooms on one remote.

T1
CCT (dual white) strip: 3-wire connection to a CCT controller
Wiring diagram: CCT (dual white) strip: 3-wire connection to a CCT controller
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Any 3-pad warm/cool white strip.
  1. Supply into the CCT controller; controller outputs V+, WW and CW to the three pads (order printed on the strip).
  2. V+ is common; the controller mixes warm and cool by varying the two negative channels.
  3. Pair the remote or wall panel; set 2700-6500 K and brightness from there.
Watch out: 2-wire dim-to-warm strips use a plain dimmer instead: the colour shifts with brightness automatically.
T2
CCT LED strip, 10 m two zones from one remote
Wiring diagram: CCT LED strip, 10 m two zones from one remote
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Two rooms or two cabinets you want to control together or separately.
  1. Each strip gets its own CCT controller and supply, wired as in T1.
  2. Pair both controllers to one multi-zone remote: zone 1 and zone 2 on the remote, or link them so they act together.
  3. No wire runs between the two zones; the link is RF.
Watch out: Up to 4 or 8 zones per remote depending on the model.
T3
CCT LED strips over 10 m: amplifier chain
Wiring diagram: CCT LED strips over 10 m: amplifier chain
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: CCT runs over 10 m, or more than one reel per controller.
  1. Controller drives the first reel.
  2. At the end of reel 1 add a 3-channel (WW/CW) amplifier with its own supply; its output feeds reel 2.
  3. Repeat every reel; the colour temperature stays in step all along the chain.
Watch out: Use a 3-channel amplifier; a 2-channel one will only carry one of the whites.
T4
CCT LED strip on a DMX decoder
Wiring diagram: CCT LED strip on a DMX decoder
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Tunable white on a DMX system.
  1. DMX master or console into a 2-channel DMX decoder.
  2. Decoder outputs WW and CW to the CCT LED strip; 24 V supply into the decoder.
  3. Assign two DMX channels: one for warm, one for cool; mix them from the desk.
Watch out: Some decoders offer a CCT mode with one channel for colour temperature and one for brightness; check the manual.
4 — RGB family · 11 diagrams

RGB, RGBW and RGB+CCT LED strip wiring

Controller pinouts, running two reels off one controller, and where the amplifiers go on runs of 10 to 50 m. The mistakes here are almost always a wrong pad order or a controller with too few channels.

R1
RGB 5 m: controller pinout R G B V+
Wiring diagram: RGB 5 m: controller pinout R G B V+
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: One 5 m RGB reel with a remote.
  1. Supply into the RGB controller (V+/V-).
  2. Controller outputs V+, R, G, B to the four pads, in the order printed on the strip; a 4-pin clip connector keeps the colours straight.
  3. Pair the remote, test all three colours, then stick the strip down.
Watch out: If one colour is missing, one pin is not seated; reopen the clip and reseat the strip.
R2
RGB 10 m: 2 x 5 m in parallel from one controller
Wiring diagram: RGB 10 m: 2 x 5 m in parallel from one controller
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Two RGB reels from one controller.
  1. Wire both reels to the controller output in parallel (a 4-wire splitter cable, or two cables to the same terminals).
  2. Check the controller rating: 2 x 5 m of 14.4 W/m at 24 V is 6 A total, 2 A per channel; most controllers are 6 A per channel.
  3. Size the supply for both reels plus headroom.
Watch out: At 12 V keep each branch at 5 m; at 24 V each branch can be 10 m.
R3
RGB 20 m: controller + amplifier every 5-10 m
Wiring diagram: RGB 20 m: controller + amplifier every 5-10 m
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: RGB runs of 15-30 m: perimeters, long bars, facades.
  1. Controller feeds the first 5-10 m.
  2. At the end of that section connect an RGB amplifier: IN from the strip, OUT to the next section, plus its own supply.
  3. Repeat every 5-10 m; the colour signal passes down the chain, the power comes in locally so nothing dims.
Watch out: Put one supply per amplifier, or one big supply with a cable to each; never feed 20 m through a single strip.
R4
RGBW 5-pin and RGB+CCT 6-pin controller wiring
Wiring diagram: RGBW 5-pin and RGB+CCT 6-pin controller wiring
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: RGBW (5 pads) or RGB+CCT (6 pads) strips.
  1. RGBW: controller outputs V+, R, G, B, W to a 5-pad strip. Use a 5-pin connector.
  2. RGB+CCT: outputs V+, R, G, B, CW, WW to a 6-pad strip. Use a 6-pin connector.
  3. Both use one common V+; every other pad is a switched negative channel. Match the controller to the pad count, not just the colour name.
Watch out: RGBW controllers cannot drive an RGB+CCT LED strip properly; it has one more channel.
R5
RGB 30-50 m: zoned layout with one supply per 10 m
Wiring diagram: RGB 30-50 m: zoned layout with one supply per 10 m
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Large RGB perimeters (30-50 m) such as a shop ceiling or a roofline.
  1. Divide the perimeter into 10 m segments; each segment has its own 24 V supply and an amplifier at its start.
  2. One master controller at the first segment; the signal daisy-chains through the amplifiers.
  3. All supplies share the mains circuit; the DC sides stay separate except for the signal wire and V+ reference.
Watch out: Draw the plan first; send it to us and we will size supplies and count amplifiers for you.
R6
Choosing between amplifier and parallel feed
Wiring diagram: Choosing between amplifier and parallel feed
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Not sure whether to use an amplifier or just parallel wires.
  1. Total length up to 10 m and all reels start near the controller: parallel wiring, no amplifier.
  2. Any reel that starts more than 3-4 m from the controller, or total length above 10 m: amplifier at that reel.
  3. Amplifier plus local supply is also the answer when the controller is rated too low for the total current.
Watch out: Both methods can be mixed on one job.
R7
RGBW amplifiers in series and in parallel
Wiring diagram: RGBW amplifiers in series and in parallel
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: RGBW runs over 5-10 m, or several reels.
  1. Series: controller -> reel 1 -> 4-channel amplifier -> reel 2, each amplifier with its own supply.
  2. Parallel: controller signal to several amplifiers side by side, each with a supply and a reel.
  3. Either way the colours stay synchronised; only the power is local.
Watch out: Match the amplifier to the strip: 4 channels for RGBW, not 3.
R8
RGB+CCT 6-channel amplifier for long runs
Wiring diagram: RGB+CCT 6-channel amplifier for long runs
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: RGB+CCT runs longer than one reel.
  1. Controller -> 5 m strip -> 6-channel amplifier (V+, R, G, B, CW, WW) -> next 5 m strip.
  2. Each amplifier takes its own 24 V supply.
  3. Keep the six wires in pad order at every joint; a 6-pin clip connector helps.
Watch out: A 5-channel RGBW amplifier drops one of the whites; use the 6-channel type.
R9
RF multi-zone RGB: two receivers, one remote
Wiring diagram: RF multi-zone RGB: two receivers, one remote
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Two rooms or two features on RGB, controlled together or apart.
  1. Each strip gets its own RGB receiver and supply.
  2. Pair both receivers to one multi-zone remote as zone 1 and zone 2.
  3. No wire between the two; the remote addresses each zone or all zones.
Watch out: Remotes come in 4-zone and 8-zone versions.
R10
1-2 m RGB accent from a plug-in kit
Wiring diagram: 1-2 m RGB accent from a plug-in kit
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: A short RGB accent behind a TV or a shelf.
  1. Cut the strip at a cut mark; use a 4-pin clip to the mini controller lead.
  2. Mini controller into a 12 V plug-in adapter.
  3. IR or RF remote pairs to the controller.
Watch out: Plug-in kits are limited to about 5 m; beyond that go to R1.
R11
Power injection on an analog RGB LED strip: take it from the controller output, never the supply
Wiring diagram: Power injection on an analog RGB LED strip: take it from the controller output, never the supply
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: A long analog RGB run (usually 12 V) that dims at the far end.
  1. Take the injection feed from the RGB controller output terminals: V+, R, G and B, four wires.
  2. Land them on the matching pads mid-strip or at the far end so that section still follows the controller.
  3. Never connect the power supply V- straight to an R, G or B pad: that bypasses the controller PWM and locks the channel fully on.
  4. Injecting only the common V+ from the supply is fine on its own, but it does not fix dim colours; the channel lines need injecting too.
Watch out: If the controller cannot supply the extra current, use an RGB amplifier (R3) instead of injecting past it.
5 — Addressable · 19 diagrams

Addressable (pixel) LED strip wiring: single signal, dual signal, breakpoint resume

Data direction, power injection, 5 V versus 24 V, the three signal types and how to keep a common ground. Half of the wiring questions we get are about this section, so it is the longest.

A1
WS2812B 5 V: data direction and the arrow on the strip
Wiring diagram: WS2812B 5 V: data direction and the arrow on the strip
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: WS2812B, WS2811, SK6812 and other 5 V / 12 V one-wire strips.
  1. Controller DATA (DO) to the strip DIN pad, controller GND to strip GND; the strip V+ can come from the controller or straight from the supply.
  2. Feed the strip at the end marked IN or with the arrow pointing away from you; data only travels one way.
  3. Keep the data wire short (under 1-2 m) or use a signal amplifier.
Watch out: Connecting to the OUT end is the number-one reason an addressable LED strip stays dark.
A2
5 m addressable with power injected at both ends
Wiring diagram: 5 m addressable with power injected at both ends
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: A single 5 m 5 V strip that goes red-brown at the far end.
  1. Feed V+ and GND at the start as usual.
  2. Run a second pair of wires from the supply to the far end of the strip and connect them to V+ and GND there.
  3. Data still enters only at the start. Use 18 AWG or heavier for the injection wires.
Watch out: 5 V strips lose voltage fast; even 3 m benefits from feeding both ends.
A3
20 m WS2812B/WS2811 with power every 5 m
Wiring diagram: 20 m WS2812B/WS2811 with power every 5 m
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: 10-20 m of 5 V or 12 V addressable LED strip.
  1. Chain the reels for data: DOUT of reel 1 to DIN of reel 2, with GND.
  2. Give every 5 m reel its own V+/GND pair from the supply (or a supply per reel). Do not pass power through the reels.
  3. All GNDs, including the controller GND, must be joined.
Watch out: 5 V WS2812B at 60 LED/m is 18 W/m: 20 m is 360 W, 72 A at 5 V. Two or three supplies are normal.
A4
24 V addressable (WS2815 / 24 V IC) 10-20 m single feed
Wiring diagram: 24 V addressable (WS2815 / 24 V IC) 10-20 m single feed
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Long addressable runs where you cannot inject power every 5 m.
  1. Choose a 24 V addressable LED strip (WS2815-24, or a 24 V IC strip): one feed point covers 10-20 m.
  2. Wire it like A1: DATA and GND from the controller, V+ from the supply.
  3. WS2815 has a backup data pad (BI); connect it in parallel with DI so one dead pixel does not stop the chain.
Watch out: SuperLightingLED also makes 10-40 m no-drop addressable rolls; ask for the length you need.
A5
SPI controller + DC power supply: shared ground
Wiring diagram: SPI controller + DC power supply: shared ground
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Every SPI controller installation.
  1. Supply V+ and GND into the controller power input.
  2. Controller DATA and GND to the strip; strip V+ from the supply (through the controller only if it is rated for the current).
  3. The GND wire must be common to the supply, the controller and the strip: three GNDs joined.
Watch out: A floating GND gives random colours and flicker.
A6
Signal amplifier / repeater for long data runs
Wiring diagram: Signal amplifier / repeater for long data runs
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Data cable longer than 3 m, or more than 5-10 m of strip on one controller.
  1. Put an SPI signal amplifier where the previous section ends: signal IN from the strip, OUT to the next.
  2. Power the amplifier from the local supply.
  3. One amplifier every 5-10 m keeps the signal clean along 50 m.
Watch out: Use a twisted pair or shielded cable for long data runs.
A7
Addressable neon, pixel tubes and panels off one controller
Wiring diagram: Addressable neon, pixel tubes and panels off one controller
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Mixing strip, neon tube and pixel panel on one show.
  1. Chain them for data in the order you want the effect to travel.
  2. Each item gets local power sized for its wattage.
  3. Set the controller pixel count to the total; a 5 m 60 LED/m strip is 300 pixels, a panel may be 256.
Watch out: All items in the chain must use the same IC family and voltage.
A8
Music / phone app controller (SP series) basic hookup
Wiring diagram: Music / phone app controller (SP series) basic hookup
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Small addressable projects controlled from a phone.
  1. SP-series controller: DC 5-24 V in, 3-pin JST out to the strip.
  2. Plug the JST into the strip IN end; power the controller from the strip supply.
  3. App pairs by Bluetooth or WiFi; set the IC type and LED count in the app.
Watch out: For music sync put the controller within microphone reach or use the line-in model.
A9
Single-signal strip (WS2812B, WS2811, SK6812): 3 pads
Wiring diagram: Single-signal strip (WS2812B, WS2811, SK6812): 3 pads
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: WS2812B, WS2811, SK6812 and any strip with three pads.
  1. Pads: 5 V (or 12/24 V), DIN (data in), GND. The arrow on the strip points away from the input.
  2. Controller DATA to DIN, controller GND to GND; strip V+ from the supply.
  3. Data goes one way: if you connect to the DOUT end nothing lights.
Watch out: Single-signal means one data line: if a pixel dies, everything after it goes dark (see A11).
A10
Dual-signal strip (APA102, SK9822, WS2801): data + clock
Wiring diagram: Dual-signal strip (APA102, SK9822, WS2801): data + clock
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: APA102, SK9822, WS2801, HD107 and other four-pad strips.
  1. Pads: V+, CLK (clock), DAT (data), GND.
  2. Controller must have both CLK and DAT outputs (SPI 4-wire); wire them to the matching pads.
  3. Common GND between controller, supply and strip as always.
Watch out: Clocked strips run faster and have no timing problems, but need a 4-wire controller; a 3-wire WS2812B controller will not drive them.
A11
Breakpoint-resume LED strip (WS2815, WS2813, SK6813): how the backup line works
Wiring diagram: Breakpoint-resume LED strip (WS2815, WS2813, SK6813): how the backup line works
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Installations where one dead pixel must not black out the rest: signs, facades, anything hard to reach.
  1. Breakpoint-resume LED strips (WS2815, WS2813, SK6813) have four pads: V+, DI, BI (backup in), GND.
  2. Each pixel receives data on DI and also a copy from the pixel before last on BI.
  3. If one pixel fails, the next pixel reads the copy on BI and the chain keeps running.
Watch out: The strip only skips one failed pixel at a time; two dead pixels in a row still stop the signal.
A12
Breakpoint resume, method 1: 4-pin input connector (DI to data, BI to GND at the first pixel)
Wiring diagram: Breakpoint resume, method 1: 4-pin input connector (DI to data, BI to GND at the first pixel)
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Wiring a breakpoint-resume LED strip with a 4-pin connector.
  1. Use a 4-pin clip or a 4-wire lead: V+, DI, BI, GND.
  2. Controller DATA goes to DI; the BI pad of the first pixel is tied to GND, which is what the WS2815 datasheet application circuit shows.
  3. V+ from the supply, GND common with the controller.
Watch out: Leaving BI floating at the input is what the datasheet warns against; grounding it keeps the first pixel from picking up noise on its backup input.
A13
Breakpoint resume, method 2: 3-pin JST lead with a BI-to-GND jumper
Wiring diagram: Breakpoint resume, method 2: 3-pin JST lead with a BI-to-GND jumper
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Your SPI controller only has a 3-pin JST lead.
  1. Cut the strip at a cut mark so the four pads are exposed.
  2. Solder a short jumper from the BI pad to the GND pad at the input.
  3. Connect the JST: V+ to V+, DATA to DI, GND to GND.
Watch out: The backup line still works exactly as with a 4-pin connector; from the second pixel on, BI is fed by the previous-but-one pixel on the strip itself.
A14
SPI controller and strip on different voltages (5 V strip, 24 V controller)
Wiring diagram: SPI controller and strip on different voltages (5 V strip, 24 V controller)
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: The controller wants 12-24 V but the strip is 5 V (or the other way round).
  1. Give the controller its own supply at its rated voltage.
  2. Give the strip its own supply at the strip voltage; strip V+ never comes from the controller.
  3. Join the GND of both supplies, the controller and the strip; DATA from controller to strip.
Watch out: Without the shared GND the data has no reference and the strip shows random colours.
A15
65 ft (20 m) addressable from one large supply with injection wires
Wiring diagram: 65 ft (20 m) addressable from one large supply with injection wires
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: One big supply for a long 5 V or 12 V run instead of several small ones.
  1. Size the supply for the whole run: 20 m of 5 V WS2812B at 18 W/m is 360 W, 72 A.
  2. Run a pair of heavy wires (10-12 AWG) along the strip; tap V+ and GND into the start of every 5 m section.
  3. Data still chains from section to section; only power is injected.
Watch out: At 72 A a single injection point melts the pads; the tap every 5 m is not optional.
A16
SPI multi-channel amplifier: one controller, many long branches
Wiring diagram: SPI multi-channel amplifier: one controller, many long branches
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Runs over 20 m, star layouts, or more pixels than one output can refresh smoothly.
  1. Controller DATA into the input of a multi-channel SPI amplifier.
  2. Each amplifier output drives its own strip section; each section has its own supply.
  3. All sections show the same effect in sync; long data cables between them are fine.
Watch out: One amplifier output per 5-10 m keeps the refresh rate high.
A17
Programmable controller with SD card (T-300K / K-1000C) for large installations
Wiring diagram: Programmable controller with SD card (T-300K / K-1000C) for large installations
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Large installations programmed offline: facades, ceilings, stage sets.
  1. Create the effect in LedEdit on a PC and copy it to the SD card.
  2. T-300K: 8 outputs, each feeding a strip section with its own supply; K-1000C: single output for smaller jobs.
  3. Controller power separate from strip power; GND common.
Watch out: Each output has a pixel limit (typically 1024-2048); split the run accordingly.
A18
Art-Net / DMX to SPI decoder for stage and facade shows
Wiring diagram: Art-Net / DMX to SPI decoder for stage and facade shows
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Live shows, DJ booths, anything driven from a lighting desk or Art-Net software.
  1. Console or PC into an Art-Net / DMX-to-SPI decoder (network cable or XLR).
  2. Decoder DATA output to the addressable LED strip; 24 V supply into the decoder.
  3. Map DMX channels to pixel groups in the decoder settings.
Watch out: A DMX-to-SPI decoder lets ordinary WS2812B strip run from a DMX console.
A19
Why a dead pixel kills a single-signal strip
Wiring diagram: Why a dead pixel kills a single-signal strip
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Deciding between a cheap single-signal strip and a breakpoint-resume one.
  1. On a single-signal strip every pixel repeats the data to the next; a dead pixel stops the chain, all pixels after it go dark.
  2. On a breakpoint-resume LED strip the next pixel reads the backup line and carries on.
  3. For anything you cannot easily reach after installation, pay the little extra for WS2815 or SK6813.
Watch out: WS2815 also runs on 12 V, which halves the power-injection work of 5 V WS2812B.
6 — High voltage · 5 diagrams

110 V and 220 V high-voltage LED strip wiring

No power supply, 50 m from one plug, and how to dim them. This is mains voltage, so read the safety notes and get an electrician for the plug end if your local rules require it.

H1
110/220 V single colour LED strip: plug, rectifier, end cap
Wiring diagram: 110/220 V single colour LED strip: plug, rectifier, end cap
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: 110 V / 220 V single colour LED strip: gardens, rooflines, long runs with no low-voltage supply.
  1. Cut only at the 50 cm or 100 cm mark printed on the strip.
  2. Push the 2-pin plug into the cut end, fit the inline rectifier and mains plug; press the end cap on the far end and seal it.
  3. Plug in; no separate power supply is needed.
Watch out: Mains voltage: switch off at the socket before touching the strip, and keep the plug end indoors or in a weatherproof box.
H2
110/220 V RGB LED strip with high-voltage controller
Wiring diagram: 110/220 V RGB LED strip with high-voltage controller
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: 110 V / 220 V RGB LED strip.
  1. Mains plug into the high-voltage RGB controller; 4-pin plug from the controller into the strip.
  2. The controller contains the rectifier, so no other box is needed.
  3. Pair the remote; the whole run changes colour together (no amplifier needed up to the controller rating, usually 50 m).
Watch out: High-voltage RGB is not addressable; for chasing effects use a low-voltage pixel LED strip.
H3
50 m high-voltage run from one feed
Wiring diagram: 50 m high-voltage run from one feed
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Very long runs from one point: fences, building outlines, warehouse eaves.
  1. One plug, one strip, up to 50 m (some types 100 m) with no visible drop because the current is so low at 220 V.
  2. Support the strip every 50 cm with clips; do not let the plug end hang on its own weight.
  3. Run the mains cable to the start through a weatherproof junction box.
Watch out: High-voltage neon flex wires the same way and is the neater option outdoors.
H4
Dimming a 220 V strip: TRIAC (phase-cut) dimmer in the mains line
Wiring diagram: Dimming a 220 V strip: TRIAC (phase-cut) dimmer in the mains line
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Dimming a 220 V strip from a wall dimmer.
  1. The strip must be marked TRIAC dimmable or use the RF high-voltage dimmer box.
  2. Wall TRIAC dimmer in series with the live wire, then the rectifier, then the strip.
  3. Set the dimmer minimum so the strip does not flicker at the bottom of the range.
Watch out: Non-dimmable high-voltage LED strips flicker or buzz on a TRIAC dimmer; check the label.
H5
High-voltage DMX: decoder driving 110/220 V RGB LED strip
Wiring diagram: High-voltage DMX: decoder driving 110/220 V RGB LED strip
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: DMX control of 110/220 V RGB LED strips on facades and long runs.
  1. Mains into the high-voltage DMX decoder; console into DMX IN.
  2. Decoder outputs to the 220 V RGB LED strip through its 4-pin plug.
  3. Chain decoders on the DMX line, terminate the last one.
Watch out: Mains-side wiring is for a qualified electrician.
7 — Pro dimming · 17 diagrams

LED strip wiring for 0-10 V, DALI, DMX, TRIAC and smart control

Wiring for building-control and stage systems, plus the app-and-wall-switch combination most home projects end up with. If your electrician or lighting designer specified one of these, this is the section to send them.

P1
0-10 V dimmer to a 0-10 V decoder and 24 V strip
Wiring diagram: 0-10 V dimmer to a 0-10 V decoder and 24 V strip
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Commercial fit-outs with a 0-10 V dimming panel or building control.
  1. 0-10 V wall dimmer: two thin wires (DIM+ and DIM-) to the dimming input of a 0-10 V decoder or driver.
  2. Decoder power: 24 V from the supply; decoder output to the strip.
  3. Several decoders can share one dimmer signal; keep polarity of the DIM wires consistent.
Watch out: 1-10 V and 0-10 V are compatible for LED strips; the strip goes fully off at 0 V only on 0-10 V.
P2
DALI: bus power supply, DALI dimmer and strip
Wiring diagram: DALI: bus power supply, DALI dimmer and strip
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Buildings with a DALI bus.
  1. DALI bus needs its own bus power supply (DALI PSU) and two wires DA+/DA-, polarity-free.
  2. Each strip gets a DALI dimmer (or a DALI dimmable driver) on the bus; the dimmer also takes 24 V from a normal supply and feeds the strip.
  3. Address each dimmer from the DALI master; up to 64 addresses per line.
Watch out: For RGB or CCT on DALI use a multi-channel DALI dimmer (DT8).
P3
DMX512: console -> decoder -> RGB LED strip, with termination
Wiring diagram: DMX512: console -> decoder -> RGB LED strip, with termination
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Stage, bar and facade lighting run from a DMX console or software.
  1. Console XLR out to the decoder DMX IN; decoder DC 24 V from the supply; decoder RGB out to the strip.
  2. Chain DMX OUT of one decoder to DMX IN of the next; set each decoder start address (1, 4, 7 for RGB).
  3. Fit a 120 ohm terminator in the last DMX OUT.
Watch out: DMX cable is 120 ohm data cable, not microphone cable, for runs over 20 m.
P4
DMX wall washers and linear bars in a daisy chain
Wiring diagram: DMX wall washers and linear bars in a daisy chain
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: DMX wall washers and linear bars along a facade.
  1. Each fixture has DMX IN and OUT (3-pin or 5-pin): daisy-chain in line; power cable separate from the DMX cable.
  2. Set addresses so each fixture occupies its own channels (RGB = 3, RGBW = 4).
  3. Console or DMX master at the start of the chain; terminator at the end.
Watch out: High-voltage washers take mains power directly; low-voltage ones need a driver near each group.
P5
DMX signal distributor / splitter for 4 branches
Wiring diagram: DMX signal distributor / splitter for 4 branches
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: More than 32 devices, or branches running in different directions.
  1. Console into the DMX splitter (1 in, 4 or 8 out).
  2. Each output feeds a separate branch of decoders or fixtures, up to 32 devices per branch.
  3. Terminate the end of every branch.
Watch out: A splitter also isolates branches, so one fault does not take the whole show down.
P6
TRIAC dimmable 24 V driver + strip (mains dimmer)
Wiring diagram: TRIAC dimmable 24 V driver + strip (mains dimmer)
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: You want to keep a normal wall dimmer with a 24 V strip.
  1. Wall TRIAC dimmer in the mains line feeding a TRIAC-dimmable 24 V driver.
  2. Driver output to the strip; no extra controller.
  3. Match driver wattage to the strip; check the dimmer minimum load.
Watch out: For CCT or RGB LED strips a TRIAC driver only dims; colour still needs its own controller.
P7
Zigbee / WiFi / Tuya controller with push switch
Wiring diagram: Zigbee / WiFi / Tuya controller with push switch
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: App, voice and physical switch on the same strip.
  1. WiFi or Zigbee controller between supply and strip (single colour, CCT, RGB or RGB+CCT versions).
  2. Optional momentary push switch on the PUSH input: short press on/off, hold to dim.
  3. Pair in the Tuya / Smart Life app; add to Alexa or Google Home from there.
Watch out: Zigbee versions need a hub; WiFi versions connect directly to the router (2.4 GHz only).
P8
0-10 V panel dimmer to a 0-10 V driver
Wiring diagram: 0-10 V panel dimmer to a 0-10 V driver
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Offices and shops with a 0-10 V wall panel and a dimmable driver.
  1. Panel dimmer output DIM+ / DIM- to the driver dimming input.
  2. Mains into the driver, 24 V out to the strip.
  3. Several drivers can share one panel signal.
Watch out: Keep DIM+ and DIM- polarity the same on every driver.
P9
0-10 V dimmer with DC input (decoder between supply and strip)
Wiring diagram: 0-10 V dimmer with DC input (decoder between supply and strip)
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: You already have a plain 24 V supply and want to add 0-10 V dimming.
  1. Supply 24 V into the 0-10 V dimming decoder.
  2. Wall dimmer DIM+ / DIM- into the decoder; decoder output to the strip.
  3. The decoder does the PWM; the wall dimmer only sends the level.
Watch out: Rated current of the decoder must cover the strip.
P10
DALI bus topologies: line, star, tree
Wiring diagram: DALI bus topologies: line, star, tree
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Planning a DALI bus for a building.
  1. DALI is a two-wire bus, polarity-free, that can be run as a line, a star, a tree or a daisy chain.
  2. One DALI bus power supply per line, up to 64 addresses.
  3. Every strip has a DALI dimmer or driver on the bus plus its own mains or 24 V supply.
Watch out: Do not loop the bus into a ring.
P11
DMX decoder for a single colour LED strip (1 channel)
Wiring diagram: DMX decoder for a single colour LED strip (1 channel)
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: A single colour LED strip on a DMX system.
  1. DMX master or console into a 1-channel constant-voltage DMX decoder.
  2. 24 V supply into the decoder, decoder output to the strip.
  3. Set the start address on the decoder display; one channel = brightness.
Watch out: For several strips use a multi-channel decoder and one channel each.
P12
DMX decoder for RGB (3 ch), RGBW (4 ch) and RGB+CCT (5 ch)
Wiring diagram: DMX decoder for RGB (3 ch), RGBW (4 ch) and RGB+CCT (5 ch)
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Colour strips on DMX: RGB, RGBW, RGB+CCT.
  1. Choose the decoder by channel count: 3 for RGB, 4 for RGBW, 5 (or 6) for RGB+CCT.
  2. Decoder outputs to the strip pads in order; 24 V supply into the decoder.
  3. Chain DMX IN/OUT between decoders; addresses 1, 4, 8, 13... so channels do not overlap.
Watch out: RGB+CCT on a 5-channel decoder uses a CCT channel; on a 6-channel decoder warm and cool are separate.
P13
DMX512 strip driven directly (4-pin and 5-pin DMX strips)
Wiring diagram: DMX512 strip driven directly (4-pin and 5-pin DMX strips)
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: True DMX512 pixel LED strips (each pixel has a DMX address).
  1. DMX strip pads: V+, DATA+, DATA-, GND (4-pin) or with a separate clock (5-pin).
  2. DMX controller such as the K-1000C drives the strip directly; strip power from its own supply.
  3. Address the pixels once with the controller; no decoders needed.
Watch out: DMX strips are for professional installs; for home use SPI strips are simpler.
P14
DMX wall controller as master for several decoders
Wiring diagram: DMX wall controller as master for several decoders
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: DMX without a console: a wall panel drives the decoders.
  1. Wall-mounted DMX master panel outputs DMX512 on its own.
  2. Chain the decoders from the panel; each decoder feeds a strip with a supply.
  3. Scenes and colours are picked on the panel.
Watch out: Good for restaurants and lobbies where nobody will run a console.
P15
TRIAC + 0-10 V two-in-one dimmable driver
Wiring diagram: TRIAC + 0-10 V two-in-one dimmable driver
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: One driver that accepts either a wall TRIAC dimmer or a 0-10 V panel.
  1. TRIAC dimmer in the mains live wire, or 0-10 V panel on the DIM input; both terminals are on the driver.
  2. Mains into the driver, 24 V out to the strip.
  3. Use one method per installation, not both at once.
Watch out: The 5-in-1 type also takes 1-10 V and PWM inputs.
P16
PWM dimmer between supply and strip
Wiring diagram: PWM dimmer between supply and strip
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Simple dimming without any wall wiring.
  1. 24 V supply into the PWM dimmer; dimmer output to the strip.
  2. Knob, touch or RF remote sets the level.
  3. PWM keeps the colour temperature constant while dimming.
Watch out: This is what most "LED dimmers" are; TRIAC and 0-10 V are the mains-side alternatives.
P17
WiFi / RF TRIAC dimmer with dimmable drivers
Wiring diagram: WiFi / RF TRIAC dimmer with dimmable drivers
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Retrofit: keep existing dimmable drivers but add app and remote control.
  1. Wireless TRIAC dimmer module in the mains line before the dimmable drivers.
  2. Each driver feeds its own strip.
  3. Phone app or RF remote sets the level; a wall dimmer can stay in the circuit too.
Watch out: Only for TRIAC-dimmable drivers; a plain supply will flicker.
8 — Connectors · 13 diagrams

LED strip connectors, soldering and waterproof joints

Strip-to-wire, strip-to-strip, wire-to-wire, and how to keep water out of every joint. Most of the strips that come back to us for warranty failed at a joint, not in the middle of the reel.

C1
Solderless clip connector: strip to wire
Wiring diagram: Solderless clip connector: strip to wire
Diagram from our wiring guides on the blog.
Use this when: Connecting a strip to wires without soldering.
  1. Cut the strip cleanly at the cut mark; peel the last 5 mm of cover on waterproof types.
  2. Open the clip, slide the strip in until the pads sit under the metal teeth, close the clip firmly.
  3. Match wire colours: red to +, then the channel colours in pad order.
Watch out: Use the connector made for the strip width (8 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm) and pad count.
C2
Strip to strip: L, T and + corner connectors
Wiring diagram: Strip to strip: L, T and + corner connectors
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Going round corners and splitting to two runs.
  1. L connector: two clips at 90 degrees for inside or outside corners.
  2. T connector: one input, two outputs, when a run branches.
  3. + connector: four ways; keep total current within the connector rating.
Watch out: Corner connectors are for the same strip type only; do not mix voltages.
C3
Wire to wire: T-tap and lever (push-in) connectors
Wiring diagram: Wire to wire: T-tap and lever (push-in) connectors
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Joining wires in a ceiling void or behind a cabinet.
  1. T-tap: press the tap onto the main wire, insert the branch, close; no stripping.
  2. Lever connector: strip 10 mm, lift the lever, insert, close; two to five ways.
  3. Choose the size for the wire gauge printed on the connector.
Watch out: Both are rated for low voltage DC; use a certified junction box for mains.
C4
Soldering wires to the pads (when connectors will not fit)
Wiring diagram: Soldering wires to the pads (when connectors will not fit)
Diagram from our wiring guides on the blog.
Use this when: Tight spaces, narrow strips, permanent joints.
  1. Tin the pads and the wire ends with a little solder.
  2. Hold the wire on the pad and touch the iron for one second; do not overheat the strip.
  3. Cover the joint with heat-shrink or a drop of silicone.
Watch out: A 30-40 W iron with a fine tip is enough; keep it under 3 seconds per pad.
C5
Waterproof IP67 connector and cable gland
Wiring diagram: Waterproof IP67 connector and cable gland
Diagram from our wiring guides on the blog.
Use this when: Any outdoor joint, garden runs, docks, facades.
  1. Use IP67/IP68 male-female plug connectors with the O-ring seated; hand-tighten the nut.
  2. Cables entering a box go through a PG gland sized to the cable.
  3. Leave a drip loop so water runs away from the connector.
Watch out: A "waterproof" strip is only as waterproof as its joints.
C6
Outdoor: sealed end caps, silicone, junction box
Wiring diagram: Outdoor: sealed end caps, silicone, junction box
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Where the strip ends and where the cable joins the supply outdoors.
  1. Slide the end cap on, fill with neutral-cure silicone, let it cure before exposing to rain.
  2. Put connectors and the driver inside an IP65 junction box; cables through glands.
  3. Mount the box above the strip so cables slope away from it.
Watch out: Silicone-sleeved (IP68) strips can be cut and re-sealed on site with the sealing kit.
C8
2-pin, 3-pin, 4-pin, 5-pin and 6-pin strips: which connector
Wiring diagram: 2-pin, 3-pin, 4-pin, 5-pin and 6-pin strips: which connector
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Buying connectors for a strip you already have.
  1. Count the pads at the cut mark: 2 (single colour), 3 (CCT or addressable), 4 (RGB or dual-signal), 5 (RGBW), 6 (RGB+CCT).
  2. Check the strip width: 8 mm, 10 mm or 12 mm connectors are not interchangeable.
  3. Pick strip-to-wire, strip-to-strip or corner type as needed.
Watch out: COB LED strips need the COB connector even at the same width; the pads are narrower.
C9
Plug-in adapter with DC barrel jack: strip with wires / strip without wires
Wiring diagram: Plug-in adapter with DC barrel jack: strip with wires / strip without wires
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Plug-in power for a small strip, with or without factory wires.
  1. Strip with wires: push the wires into a DC female jack terminal, plug it into the adapter.
  2. Strip cut bare: use a clip-to-DC-jack connector, then the adapter.
  3. Check +/- on the jack; centre pin is + on our adapters.
Watch out: Adapter watts must exceed the strip watts by 20 %.
C10
Hardwired supply: wire nuts and screw terminals
Wiring diagram: Hardwired supply: wire nuts and screw terminals
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Joining strip leads to a supply that has bare wires or screw terminals.
  1. Bare wires both sides: twist together and cap with a wire nut, or use a lever connector.
  2. Screw terminals: strip 8 mm of insulation, insert, tighten, tug to check.
  3. V+ to V+, V- to V-; on the mains side L, N and earth exactly as marked.
Watch out: Mains terminals inside a metal supply are for a qualified electrician.
C11
Splitter cable: one supply, several strips
Wiring diagram: Splitter cable: one supply, several strips
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Several short strips from one adapter.
  1. 1-to-2, 1-to-4 or 1-to-8 DC splitter into the adapter.
  2. Each strip on its own branch; total watts within the adapter rating.
  3. All strips switch and dim together.
Watch out: A splitter shares power, not control; for separate control use separate controllers.
C12
Cutting IP65, IP67 and IP68 LED strips
Wiring diagram: Cutting IP65, IP67 and IP68 LED strips
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Waterproof LED strips need cutting.
  1. IP65 (silicone coat): cut at the mark with scissors, peel the coating off the last pad.
  2. IP67 (silicone sleeve): cut, slide the sleeve back to expose the pads.
  3. IP68 (filled tube): cut, then re-seal the new end with the end cap and silicone.
Watch out: Every cut on a waterproof LED strip is a new joint that has to be sealed.
C13
Connecting IP67 LED strips: strip-to-wire and strip-to-strip
Wiring diagram: Connecting IP67 LED strips: strip-to-wire and strip-to-strip
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Connecting IP67 LED strips without soldering.
  1. Strip-to-wire: push the exposed pads into the IP67 clip, close it, run the wire.
  2. Strip-to-strip: both strip ends into the double clip.
  3. Seal the clip with the supplied silicone cap or heat-shrink.
Watch out: Match the pin count and the 10 mm / 12 mm width.
C14
COB LED strip: cut, connect and power after cutting
Wiring diagram: COB LED strip: cut, connect and power after cutting
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: COB LED strips after cutting.
  1. Cut only at the printed mark (every 25-50 mm).
  2. Clip the COB connector onto the bare end; or tin the pads and solder wires.
  3. Connect to the supply or dimmer as with any single colour LED strip.
Watch out: COB pads are small; a fine soldering tip and short contact time.
9 — Layouts · 8 diagrams

LED strip layouts for real rooms

Where the power supply goes and where the feeds go in a kitchen, a cove, a staircase, a mirror and a sign. These are the layouts we draw for customers every week.

L1
Kitchen: under-cabinet run with supply hidden in one cabinet
Wiring diagram: Kitchen: under-cabinet run with supply hidden in one cabinet
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Under-cabinet task lighting in a kitchen.
  1. One strip under each wall cabinet in a profile; feed wires up through the cabinet back into the corner cabinet.
  2. Supply and dimmer live in the corner cabinet; a splitter cable feeds each strip in parallel.
  3. Keep the strip 5-10 cm back from the front edge so it is not visible from the room.
Watch out: Use CCT LED strip if the kitchen is used both day and night.
L2
Room perimeter cove: 4 sides, where to put the feeds
Wiring diagram: Room perimeter cove: 4 sides, where to put the feeds
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Cove or crown-moulding lighting round a whole room.
  1. Measure the perimeter; 4 x 5 m = 20 m is common.
  2. Supply in one corner; feed the two runs that start there directly, and run a feed wire along the cove to the opposite corner for the other two.
  3. Same strip, same voltage, one dimmer; amplifier only if the dimmer cannot carry the full current.
Watch out: 24 V and a feed at two opposite corners keeps all four sides the same brightness.
L3
Stair kit: sensor top and bottom, controller, one strip per step
Wiring diagram: Stair kit: sensor top and bottom, controller, one strip per step
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Motion-sensor stair lighting.
  1. One short strip under each tread, cut to width, plugged into the numbered outputs of the stair controller.
  2. PIR sensor at the top and at the bottom, on the two sensor inputs.
  3. Controller and its supply under the stairs or in the cupboard; set the on-time and the sweep direction.
Watch out: Our stair kits arrive with every tread strip pre-cut and pre-wired; see L6.
L4
Mirror backlight: strip loop behind the mirror
Wiring diagram: Mirror backlight: strip loop behind the mirror
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Backlit bathroom or dressing mirrors.
  1. Strip runs round the back of the mirror in a rectangle, 3-5 cm in from the edge, using L connectors at the corners.
  2. One feed at the bottom corner nearest the cable exit.
  3. Use IP65 LED strip in bathrooms; supply outside the wet zone.
Watch out: A CCT LED strip lets the mirror switch between warm and daylight.
L5
Neon flex sign: power feed, end cap, letters joined behind
Wiring diagram: Neon flex sign: power feed, end cap, letters joined behind
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Neon-style signs and curves.
  1. Thread the strip into the silicone sleeve (or buy pre-made neon flex); feed wires exit at the start of each letter.
  2. Bring every feed to one supply behind the panel; letters are wired in parallel.
  3. Cap and seal the far end of each piece.
Watch out: Bend radius minimum 10 cm; never bend flat-wise.
L6
Pre-wired plug-and-play kit from SuperLightingLED
Wiring diagram: Pre-wired plug-and-play kit from SuperLightingLED
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: You would rather not wire anything.
  1. Send us the lengths, colours and where the power point is.
  2. We cut the strip, solder the leads and connectors, pair the controller and pack it with the matching supply.
  3. On site you plug 1 into 2 into 3.
Watch out: Standard reels ship within 1-2 business days; pre-wired kits usually add one day.
L7
Stair kit wiring: sensors, controller, numbered outputs
Wiring diagram: Stair kit wiring: sensors, controller, numbered outputs
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: Motion-sensor stair lighting wired from a kit.
  1. One strip under each tread plugs into a numbered output on the controller (1 = bottom step).
  2. PIR sensor at the top and at the bottom on the two sensor inputs.
  3. Supply into the controller; set the on-time and the direction sweep.
Watch out: Kits come with tread strips pre-cut and pre-wired.
L8
DMX show layout: console, splitter, decoders, strips
Wiring diagram: DMX show layout: console, splitter, decoders, strips
Drawn by our engineers for this guide; wire colours follow our house convention (red V+, black V-/GND, green data).
Use this when: A bar, a club or a stage on DMX.
  1. Console at the desk; DMX cable to a splitter near the stage.
  2. Each splitter output feeds a group of decoders on one wall; each decoder has a strip and a local supply.
  3. Terminator at the end of every branch; addresses planned so nothing overlaps.
Watch out: Draw the plan first; we can address the decoders before shipping.
Skip the wiring

Three ways we wire your LED strip kit for you before it ships

Cut and soldered to length

Tell us the run lengths in the order notes. We cut at the right marks, solder leads and connectors and label each piece. Any length, no minimum.

Ultra-long, no-drop strips

10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 m constant-current and 24 V addressable rolls that need one feed point. Fewer joints, fewer supplies, nothing to inject.

Plug-and-play kits

Strip, supply, controller and connectors matched and pre-paired. Stair kits, cabinet kits and custom room kits from a sketch. See custom lighting services.

LED strip wiring not on the page? Send us a sketch

A photo of the room, the lengths and where the socket is. One of our engineers replies with the wiring plan, the parts list and a link to a filled cart, usually the same working day.

Safety: low-voltage (5-24 V DC) wiring is safe to do yourself. Anything on the mains side (110-240 V) should be done by a qualified electrician where your local rules require it.