What is LED neon flex and how do you connect it?

Short answer: LED neon flex places LEDs in a flexible silicone body that gives a continuous line of light instead of visible dots. 12 V and 24 V versions connect through a driver, sized as watts per metre × metres × 1.2. 230 V versions need no driver and connect to the mains with the manufacturer's plug and connector. Cut only at the marked points, with the power off.

LED neon flex versus LED strip

• Look: A strip can show individual dots without a profile and diffuser; the silicone body of neon flex diffuses the light itself.
• Mounting: No separate profile is required; it is fixed with clips or an adhesive base and follows curves more easily.
• Use: Signs, lettering, architectural outlines, ceiling edges and shop windows suit neon flex. For task light in cabinets and under worktops, LED strip is usually the better choice.

See also types of LED strip.

12 V, 24 V or 230 V?

• 12 V: Short runs, furniture and decorative details. Light can fade towards the end of longer runs.
• 24 V: Half the current for the same power, so longer indoor runs are easier.
• 230 V: No driver; used on facades, shop windows and long lines. It carries mains voltage, so connection is a job for an electrician, and it is cut only where the manufacturer allows.

The models in our shop

Molled products in our LED neon flex category:

• MOL2520: 12 V, 10 W/m, 25 m, with white tones and coloured options.
• MOL2545: 24 V, 10 W/m, 50 m, for architectural lines with frequent cut points.
• MOL2585: 24 V, 10 W/m, 10 m, with an adhesive back.
• MOL2593: 230 V class, 8 W/m, 50 m, for facades and shop windows.
• MOL2503: 230 V class, 10 W/m, 50 m, with a self-adhesive base.

Stock, light colour and cutting details are on the product pages.

Connecting 12 V and 24 V neon flex

1. Measure the run and work out the total power: 8 m at 10 W/m is 80 W.
2. Add a 20% margin: 80 W × 1.2 = 96 W, so a 100 W driver is enough. More in the LED driver sizing guide.
3. Match the driver output to the neon flex voltage. A 12 V driver will not light 24 V flex; a 24 V driver will burn out 12 V flex.
4. Connect plus and minus correctly at the driver output and feed the driver input from a protected circuit.
5. Use the manufacturer's connectors and protect joints from water outdoors.

Connecting 230 V neon flex

Never work on it with the power on. Use the manufacturer's plug or connector and seal the cut end with the manufacturer's cap. The circuit should be protected by an RCD. Do not use flex with a damaged body. Leave this work to a qualified electrician.

Cutting and mounting

• Cut only on the cutting line; otherwise that section stays dark.
• Respect the minimum bend radius of the body.
• Adhesive models need a clean, dry, dust-free surface; add clips on outside walls.
• Do not squeeze it into a closed, narrow cavity.
• Check the protection rating outdoors; see the IP rating guide.

• → LED neon flex products
• → Choosing an LED driver
• → Facade lighting