Inspired LED’s Favorite LED Strip Connectors and why you should be using them!
At Inspired LED we have a range of LED connectors that can be installed in the field without having to pick up a soldering iron. We call them our Tiger Paw connectors and we have over seven different models that can be used to connect power to your LED strips. We often get asked, “which one should I use?” In order to streamline the ordering process, we have gathered some information below on some of our favorite connectors and where we suggest using them.
3.5m Plug-In Tiger Paw® LED Strip Connector
Our Plug-In connector can be used with any of our plug-in power supplies, interconnect cables, in-line dimmers and switches. This standard 3.5mm connector is the same as the one we solder to our custom flexible strips and panels, which makes pre-made items and field assembled strips compatible with one another. Our proprietary connector allows you to expand your system and add additional strips when needed.
Where we use them:
-Can be used with any of our 12V or 24V Plug-in Power Supplies
-Can be used with 8mm or 10mm flexible LED strips
-Designed to be used with Inspired LED’s Interconnect Cables
-Designed to be used with any of Inspired LED’s in-line controllers/dimmers
Green Screw Terminal Tiger Paw® LED Strip Connector
The Green Screw terminal connector can be used with any of our 12V or 24V LED strips. The screw terminal connectors are designed to take any 2-conductor cable between 16-24AWG. In fact, Inspired LED conveniently carries 22AWG and 18AWG wire for a variety of system installations. This allows you to customize your own cable connections from your power source to your LEDs or in-between LED strips in series.
Where we use them:
-Can be used in hardwired systems, used to terminate bulk cable 18AWG – 22AWG coming from the transformer.
-Can be used with 8mm or 10mm flexible LED strips.
-Can be used with existing systems as long as cable is between 18-24AWG and system is outputting 12VDC or 24VDC.
Micro-Lock Tiger Paw® LED Strip Connector
Our Micro-Lock connector is one of our most popular connectors for contractors and electricians that install in the field. The slim low-profile design allows for a flush install as well as making it compatible with the majority of our DIY channel and lenses. This connector accepts bulk cable with sizes ranging from 18AWG – 24AWG. We suggest using solid core cable instead of stranded as it makes the connection to the Micro-Lock connector easier.
Where we use them:
-Can be used in hardwired systems, used to terminate bulk cable 18AWG – 24AWG coming from the transformer.
-Can be used in areas where a low profile is needed, this is our smallest connector making it easy to hide under cabinets, in cabinets, or anywhere else you need to mount an LED strip.
-Can be used in almost all of our LED aluminum extrusions and lens allowing for quick custom made LED fixtures
-Can be used with existing systems as long as cable is between 18-24AWG and system is outputting 12VDC or 24VDC.
Super Clip Tiger Paw® LED Strip Connector
The Super Clip is our newest LED connector in the line-up and one of the easiest to use! Terminating cable is simple due to the two spring-loaded tabs that allow you to slip cable into the terminals with ease.
Where we use them:
-Can be used in hardwired systems, used to terminate bulk cable 18AWG – 22AWG coming from the transformer.
-Can be used with both our 12V and 24V LED strips.
-Used to make bulk cable termination quickly with the spring-loaded terminals, skip the screwdriver altogether.
-Can be used with existing systems as long as cable is between 18-22AWG and system is outputting 12VDC or 24VDC.
Orange Screw Terminal Tiger Paw® LED Strip Connector
Our orange screw terminal connector is just like our green screw terminal connector except it’s much smaller. We use these connectors in spaces where we need to hide or conceal the connector. The orange screw terminal has a taller profile than the Micro-Lock due to the screw connections. Contactors and electricians opt for this connector when a more reliable and robust connection is needed. The screw terminal allows for solid or stranded wire in a variety of gauges.
Where we use them:
– Used in hardwired systems, used to terminate bulk cable 18AWG – 22AWG coming from the transformer.
-Can be used with our 12V LED strips only.
-Can be used with existing systems as long as cable is between 18-22AWG and system is outputting 12VDC.
-Used in tight spaces or areas where the Green Screw Terminal Tiger Paw® will not fit.
Right Angle Tiger Paw® LED Strip Connectors
Need to turn a 90° corner with an LED strip? This connector allows you to make a clean 90° turn with your LED strip rather than folding it and risking damaging any connection points. Cut the flexible strip where your corners meet and terminate the bare ends to the Right Angle Tiger Paw. Small enough that it can be used in toe kick lighting, soffit lighting, and under cabinet lighting.
Where we use them:
-Anytime you need to turn a 90° bend.
-Can be used with both 12VDC and 24VDC LED strips.
-Three models available: No Input Right Angle, Screw Terminal Right Angle, 3.5mm Plug-In Right Angle. Alternative models with connectors allow for power input.
-Great for under cabinet lighting, toe kick lighting, and soffit lighting.
Blue Mid-Connector Screw Terminal Tiger Paw® LED Strip Connector
The blue mid-connector LED connector allows us to terminate power anywhere on the LED strip. If you are trying to power a long LED strip, you may notice the LEDs on the far end begin to dim down. This is called voltage drop, which is a common phenomenon in low-voltage lighting systems. We designed the blue mid-connector in order to accommodate longer runs and avoid voltage drop altogether. By supplying power to the middle of the LED strip it allows power to dissipate evenly throughout, resulting in a consistent lumen output.
Where we use them:
-Anytime an install requires longer LED strips. Split into two smaller LED strips and power from the center with blue mid-connector tiger paw.
-Great for soffit lighting or crown molding where you are naturally running long LED strips around the perimeter of the room. Helps keep light even throughout.
-Used in hardwired systems, used to terminate bulk cable 18AWG – 22AWG coming from the transformer.
-Can also be used to extend LED strips in case you need to add an LED strip.
