Is Soldering Better Than LED Strip Connector for Strip Light?

Flexible LED strip lights are a convenient linear lighting solution. The reason is that it can be trimmed at every SMD group (normally 3 or 6 SMDs) along the scissors mark across the soldering pad. But it is another thing when it comes to connection for a project. What are the ways to connect? Soldering or LED strip connector?

The answer seems clear as we all agree soldering is the most reliable way of electrical connection. But we also know the fact that not everyone is skilled enough to operate a soldering iron; what’s worse is that the soldering pads of LED tape light are small, especially when it is a RGB, RGBW or even RGBWW version. Things become more complicated in commercial projects, since more factors should be considered. They are reliability, convenience, maintenance, learning curve and cost.

Is soldering really better than LED strip connector for strip light? Here is our view.

Reliability

There are some critical applications in which even a temporary break is not allowed. In these applications, soldering would be a better option:

1. In ambiences with great temperature differences. The thermal difference may lead to expansion and contraction in the plastic.

2. In ambiences with strong acid, strong alkali or strong oxidizing agents. The conductor is normally made of copper, which may rust.

3. On vibrating objects. If the strip light is intended to be fixed on surfaces that vibrate often, consider soldering rather than a connector, because in theory vibration can make contact loose and soldering is way more stable.

Despite the above 3 situations, LED strip connectors are acceptable and perform very well.

Convenience

You can not always have a soldering iron on hand or several soldering irons in your team to work at the same time. Normally we prefer fewer devices, as long as we can finish the work in time. Compared with soldering devices, LED strip connector is much easier to carry and allows multiple people to connect different parts at the same time.

Maintenance

There is a possibility of defects on LED strip light due to SMD bad soldering, bad heat dissipation, resistor defect, bad LED chips, etc. Replacement should be done in this situation. If connection is done by connector, you can easily replace the defective section by just opening the connector and inserting a new strip light. But soldering connection will need you to send an experienced electrician taking a soldering iron there.

Learning Curve

Learning to solder is not that easy if you are not an electrician. But using connector is so easy that you don’t even have to LEARN. No need to worry about wrong polarity because you can just easily disconnect and fix the issue, no need to worry about scalding (the temperature of working soldering iron is as high as 300℃ / 570℉), no need to worry about the bad smell produced by rosin.

Cost

An LED strip connector costs 1 USD at max in end market and mostly less. But cost of soldering is higher because it requires a soldering iron, a professional electrician, longer working hours and has risk of health. All those issues need money to fix.

Conclusion

We made the below table listing the comparison.