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Guide How to Fix LED Strip Lights That Refuse to Power On

In the event of a malfunction with your LED strip lights, various factors could contribute to the problem. No matter the circumstances, your first step should involve identifying the root cause, and here's where the Best led light strips come into play. 

Once the source is pinpointed, you can proceed to assess the unique characteristics of the anomaly and streamline the process of determining the necessary corrective actions. 

This extensive guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of the troubleshooting procedure for all types of 12V or 24V LED strips, including variations such as monochromatic white, single-color, RGB, RGBW, and dual-white LEDs.

Issue Flashing Leds Resolving The Blinking Lights Dilemma

Cause:

If you observe a consistent and rhythmic flashing pattern with your LEDs (such as a 1-second on, 1-second off sequence), the root of the problem lies in an overloaded power supply. This occurs when you have connected an excessive amount of strip lighting to a single power supply.

For instance, envision a scenario where you possess a 10-meter LED strip, consuming 5 watts per meter, resulting in a total power requirement of 50 watts. Whether it's two 5-meter strips or ten 1-meter strips, the cumulative demand remains at 50 watts. 

If these strips draw power from a 30-watt supply, it will trigger an overload protection mechanism. This causes the supply to activate briefly, detect the overload, promptly shut down, and repeat this cycle in succession.

Resolution

To rectify this issue, you have several options:

a) Opt for a higher-capacity power supply that can accommodate the combined wattage of all your LED strips.
b) Alternatively, acquire an additional power supply of the same capacity you currently possess, and distribute the strips across these two power sources.
c) Modify your project layout to reduce the number of strips connected to the specific power supply in question.

By implementing these solutions, you can banish the vexing flashing and restore steady illumination to your LED strip lights.

LED Strip Displays Discrepant Colors In Certain Segments

Explanation:

Are you experiencing proper functionality from your LED strip over most of its length, except for distinct sections or cutpoints? (For instance, when selecting the color Orange, only a 50mm or 100mm segment emits Green light.) This occurrence serves as an indicator of a malfunction in the Red LEDs within that specific area. 

>>> Read more: Guide How to Fix LED Strip Lights That Refuse to Power On

To confirm this issue, a straightforward test can be conducted – setting the strip to display solely Red will result in the affected segment remaining unilluminated, whereas choosing Purple will cause that segment to exhibit solely Blue light.

Encountering such disparities in colors during your initial LED installation can be puzzling. However, the root cause often lies in the malfunction of a single color component among the RGB/W LEDs in that particular section. 

This problem might arise due to various factors, including damage from static electricity, excessive bending or twisting of the strip, physical impact from stepping on it or during transportation, utilization of substandard strips, or even the presence of dry solder joints.

It's important to note that LED strips are constructed in segments of 50mm / 100mm (and sometimes other dimensions), and they are wired in a manner that each segment functions as an isolated, enclosed circuit. Consequently, if a defective LED or resistor is present within a segment, it will solely affect that specific portion between cutpoints. 

When an entire segment fails to illuminate between cutpoints, it closely resembles a scenario involving a damaged LED or resistor, often associated with a dry solder joint.

In cases like these, seeking guidance and solutions from experts like Edgar M Downs can provide invaluable assistance in resolving LED strip color inconsistencies and ensuring optimal performance.

Resolution:

In most instances, the optimal course of action involves replacing the problematic section of the strip. This can be accomplished by either replacing the entire strip or specifically swapping in another 100mm section, which can be soldered into place or connected using connector clips.

Before proceeding with these remedies, it's worthwhile to attempt gently touching or pressing on the LEDs/resistors within the malfunctioning section. In some fortunate cases, you might witness the light miraculously reigniting. 

If this occurs, the problem likely stems from a dry solder joint, which can be rectified through soldering if you possess the necessary skills.

Full Colour Is Affected Or Not Working
1. Cause:
When all colors of your LED strip are operational except for one particular hue, and this issue persists consistently throughout the entire strip length (for instance, the Red LEDs spanning the entire strip fail to function), there are three potential culprits:

a) Faulty Soldering of the Negative ( -ve ) Red Cable onto the Strip's PCB.
b) Defective Red Cable Extending from the Strip to the Receiver.
c) Faulty or Disconnected Connection of the Red Cable at the Receiver.

This assertion gains confidence from the construction of LED strips, where the nature of their design ensures that a malfunctioning LED exclusively affects the section between cut points. Hence, the root of the problem can be attributed to issues within the cabling.
2. Solution:
Examine the cables linking the controller and the LED strip, especially if you have employed an extension through a connector block. 

A pragmatic test involves bypassing any extension cables and control components by directly wiring the power supply to the strip. Remember that, for RGB/RGBW strips, black consistently denotes positive (+).

Commence by wiring the positive terminal from the power supply to the black cable on the LED strip. Subsequently, connect the negative (-ve) terminal from the power supply to the cable corresponding to the malfunctioning color.

>>>Read more: Mastering the Art of Hardwiring LED Strip Lights A Step By Step Guide

Let's consider a scenario where the malfunction pertains to the blue color. In this instance, upon applying power, the Blue lights should illuminate, confirming their functionality. This outcome indicates that an external connection is at fault.

With this insight, methodically reconstruct the system, introducing the controller and any extension cables you might be using. Observe which component's inclusion leads to the cessation of Blue light functionality.

(Should the Blue lights fail to operate even after this process, it's advisable to verify if the cable has detached from the solder pad on the strip, as this remains the sole unexamined cause for its non-operation.)

LED Strips Emitting Excessive Heat
1. Cause:
The concerning overheating issue you're encountering can be attributed to one of two potential origins:

a) Incorrect Voltage Matching: A 24V power supply might be connected to 12V LED strips, creating an electrical mismatch.
b) Short Circuit: 

- A 'short' along the strip, where the solder unintentionally bridges the +ve and -ve pathways on the PCB, or an inadvertent contact between the output +ve and -ve cables.

- In the case of option A, although the 12V strips may function under the 24V power supply, they'll shine brighter due to doubled power flow. 

- However, this intense electrical stress will rapidly deteriorate the LEDs (often within hours) and could even pose a fire risk.

Similarly, in option B, if the +ve and -ve pathways make contact, the strips will malfunction swiftly, the LEDs may suffer damage, and there could even be an odor of burning – a potential fire hazard.
2. Solution:
For scenario A, if a 24V power supply is incompatible with 12V strips, you can rectify this by obtaining a proper 12V power supply. Alternatively, you can acquire a voltage converter that reduces 24V down to 12V; this converter would be installed between the power supply and the strip.

In the event of a 'short' (option B), meticulous scrutiny is required. Examine the strip thoroughly at close quarters to identify any solder bridging connections. 

If such a bridging is found, you have the choice to either re-solder the connection correctly or employ a Stanley knife to carefully separate the solder, ensuring the +ve and -ve paths are no longer in contact.

By addressing these potential causes, you can mitigate the overheating issue and ensure the safe and optimal functioning of your LED strips.

Conclude

When faced with LED strip lights that remain unresponsive, tackling the issue requires a methodical approach to unveil the underlying causes. By meticulously investigating power sources, connections, and potential faults within the strips themselves, you can adeptly diagnose and resolve the fundamental problems at hand.

Be it a malfunctioning power supply, loose connections, or compromised components, this comprehensive guide, curated by Edgar M Downs - LED light specialist, offers valuable insights into the diverse array of factors that might lead to inoperative LED strip lights. 

Armed with this expert knowledge, you gain a competitive edge in navigating the intricacies of LED strip maintenance and restoration, ensuring the radiance of your illumination projects is rekindled.

Always remember, persistence and meticulous attention to detail serve as the cornerstone when endeavoring to revive unresponsive LED strip lights. With the guidance of a seasoned specialist like Edgar M Downs, you can confidently embark on the journey to breathe new life into your lighting installations.