Connecting LED Strips in Series versus Parallel

You have chosen to utilize LED strip lights for your upcoming project, or you may be prepared to commence the wiring process. If you possess multiple runs of LED strip and intend to connect them to a single power source, you may be contemplating whether to connect them in series or in parallel.
The LED strips feature marks indicating the appropriate connections for the positive and negative (ground) wires, facilitating a straightforward connection of a single LED segment to the associated power supply wires of matching color. If you possess two or more LED strip segments and are contemplating their connection method, go reading to discover whether to link LED strip lights in "series" or "parallel."
Disclaimer: The labels "series" and "parallel" are technically inaccurate from an electrical standpoint. We employ these terms in this essay for simplicity, however enclose them in quote marks for precision. Kindly refer to the conclusion of the article for a thorough elucidation.

Instructions for Connecting LED Strips in Series

The concept of linking two LED strip segments in "series" is arguably the most rational and uncomplicated approach. It can be conceptualized as merely connecting one end of an LED strip to the subsequent segment of the LED strip. If a brief distance is required, solderless connectors may prove useful; alternatively, copper wires can be utilized, trimmed to the precise length necessary for longer spans. During extended runs, it is essential to monitor voltage drop; however, the primary requirement is to establish an electrical connection between the positive and negative copper pads of adjacent LED strip sections. This method is efficient and straightforward, as it eliminates the need for an additional wire connection to the power supply. You are merely facilitating a "jump" between two segments of LED strip.
The disadvantage is that this may result in increased voltage drop, causing reduced light output in the LEDs located farthest from the power supply. The rationale is because connecting the LED strips in "series" permits only a singular pathway for the electrical current to go. The initial segments of an LED strip installation must conduct the whole electrical current, potentially creating a bottleneck that diminishes the voltage and current sent to the more distant areas of the strip.
 

Instructions for Connecting LED Strips in Parallel

An alternative to connecting numerous LED strip sections is to wire them in "parallel." This technique entails establishing autonomous segments of LED strips, each directly connected to the power supply.
The diagram illustrates that this configuration decreases the current required for each LED strip segment, as they are directly connected to the power source. This can substantially mitigate the likelihood of voltage drop.
The primary drawback of this method is that it necessitates additional wiring efforts. The primary problem is that most power supply units possess just a single positive and negative output wire, necessitating the division of that output into many wires to connect to more than one LED strip segment. Specialized wire splitter terminal blocks are accessible for this function.
Another challenge is that certain areas of the LED strip may be situated at a considerable distance from the power supply. In such instances, one may encounter not just increased costs associated with extensive wire lengths but also the necessity for appropriate gauge specifications. Otherwise, you may see a voltage drop in the wires before to reaching the LED strip segment.
Why "Series" and "Parallel" are Technically Inaccurate
Numerous clients utilize the term "series" to refer to the connection of multiple LED strip segments in an end-to-end configuration, commonly known as daisy-chaining. Some of our more astute readers may have observed that we enclosed the term "series" in quotation marks. The term "series" is technically inaccurate when describing this setup.
What makes it erroneous, and why does this matter? This pertains to the design of LED strip lights and the associated principles of electronics. LED strips are elongated and arranged sequentially; yet, they consist of multiple parallel branches, each containing 3 LEDs for 12V strips (or 6 LEDs for 24V strips).
The three LEDs are arranged in series, whereas the groups of three LEDs are interconnected in parallel. This enables us to easily sever the LED strip lights at intervals of three LEDs. Cutting an LED strip reduces the quantity of branches linked in parallel. Connecting an LED strip in an end-to-end configuration (daisy-chain) effectively introduces supplementary parallel branches.
It is essential to highlight that genuine electrical series connections will alter the necessary input voltage. When individuals refer to wiring LED strips in "series," they typically mean connecting LED strip pieces end-to-end. When connected in this manner, the input voltage of the LED strip remains constant. A 12V power supply can be utilized to power a 4-ft segment of 12V LED strip lights, with an additional 3-ft segment daisy-chained.