Are LED light strips connected in series or in parallel?

As a common lighting product, LED light strips have two common connection methods, namely series connection and parallel connection. Common LED light strips are connected in series.

These two connection methods have different application scenarios and characteristics in lighting design, so the correct selection of the appropriate connection method is crucial to achieve the expected lighting effect.

LED strip light series circuit

Series connection method:
In a series connection, the positive pole of the LED strip is connected to the negative pole of the next LED strip, and so on. The characteristics of a series connection are as follows:

Same current flow: In a series connection, the current flow is the same for all LED strips because they are all in the same circuit. If one of the light strips is damaged, it may cause the other light strips in the entire series loop to fail.

Voltage superposition: The voltage of each LED strip is superimposed, so the total voltage will increase as the number in series increases. When designing a series connection, you need to ensure that the power supply can provide enough voltage to meet the needs of all LED strips.

Simple connection: Series connection is relatively simple, just connect the positive and negative poles of the light strip correctly.

led light strip parallel circuit

Parallel connection method:
In a parallel connection, the positive pole of the LED strip is connected to the positive pole, and the negative pole is connected to the negative pole. The characteristics of parallel connection are as follows:

Current shunting: In a parallel connection, the current will be shunted into each LED strip, so the current of each strip is relatively small. If one of the light strips is damaged, it will not affect the work of the other light strips.

Same voltage: In a parallel connection, all LED strips have the same voltage because they are all connected to the same power source.

Complex connection: Parallel connection is more complicated, and you need to pay attention to the correct connection of the positive and negative poles of each LED strip.
 
Choose the appropriate connection method:

Choosing a series or parallel connection depends on your specific needs and lighting design. If you need multiple strips to work on the same circuit, and each strip needs the same brightness and color, a series connection may be more suitable. And if you want each light strip to work independently, and the failure of one light strip does not affect other light strips, then a parallel connection may be more suitable.

In practical applications, some situations may require the use of series and parallel connections at the same time, and a reasonable combination can be made according to the specific situation.

Series and parallel connections are two common connection methods in LED strip lighting design. A series connection is simple and the strip currents are the same, while a parallel connection is complex but has the advantage that the strips work independently. Correctly choosing the connection method that suits your needs will bring better effects and experience to your lighting design. Be sure to follow the correct installation steps when making connections to ensure that the power supply meets the requirements, thereby ensuring the stable operation and lifespan of the LED strip