RGB Neon Flex gives you that clean neon look with full color control. When you install it well, the line looks smooth and the colors stay even. When you rush it, you get flicker, wrong colors, loose connections, and dead sections.
This guide walks you through a solid install. You will learn how to plan the run, choose the right power, connect an RGB controller, do the wiring cleanly, pair the remote, and use color modes without confusion.
Before You Start: Know What Type of RGB Neon Flex You Have
People say RGB Neon Flex, but there are two common types.
Standard RGB Neon Flex with 4 wires
This type uses four connections.
One positive line and three color channels. Red, Green, Blue.
The controller mixes the colors by adjusting each channel. Most standard RGB systems use this method. The controller sits between the power supply and the neon flex. It takes low voltage DC power then sends it to the strip by channel.
Addressable neon style lighting
This type uses a data line and behaves differently. It runs patterns where each section can change color on its own. The wiring and controller are not the same as standard RGB.
This guide focuses on standard RGB Neon Flex with an RGB controller because that is the common setup for signage outlines, garden features, and building lines.
If your neon flex has four connections marked V plus, R, G, B, you are in the right place.
Tools and Parts You Need
Keep it simple. Gather these first.
Tools
- Tape measure
- Pencil or chalk
- Sharp cutter for clean ends
- Screwdriver for controller terminals if needed
- Heat gun if your kit uses heat shrink
- Drill and bits for clips or channel
- Cleaning cloth
Parts
- RGB Neon Flex in the length you need
- Matching power supply that matches the neon flex voltage
- RGB controller that matches your voltage and load
- Connectors and end caps made for your neon flex type
- Outdoor rated enclosure if any joins sit outside
- Sealant that suits the jacket material if you seal ends
- Mounting clips or mounting channel
UK LED Lights stocks RGB neon flex plus controllers, drivers, and accessories. That matters because RGB systems work best when parts match and terminals fit without force.
Step 1: Plan the Run Like You Are Laying Cable, Not Just Sticking Light
A clean plan prevents most problems.
Measure the full path
Measure the full route including corners. Add a little extra for entry points and for gentle bends. Do not guess.
Choose your power location
Your power supply and controller need a sensible home.
- Dry location
- Airflow around the power supply
- Access for future checks
Do not bury the power supply inside a tight box with no airflow. Heat shortens life.
Mark where you will start and end
Mark the start point and end point. Then mark where your controller sits. Keep cable routes tidy so nothing pulls on the neon flex.
Step 2: Pick the Right Voltage and Power Supply
Most RGB neon flex runs on 12V or 24V DC. Your controller and power supply must match the neon flex voltage.
Why voltage matters for longer runs
Long runs dim and shift colour when voltage drops. Higher voltage systems draw less current for the same power level. Less current reduces voltage drop and heat, which helps keep brightness more even on longer runs.
In plain terms, 24V works better for longer lines in many installs.
Size the power supply with headroom
Do the basic math.
- Find watts per metre for your neon flex
- Multiply by total metres
- Add extra capacity so the power supply runs cool
A cool running supply stays stable.
Step 3: Understand the Wiring Basics Before You Touch Terminals
This is where most people mess up. Slow down.
Standard RGB wiring usually looks like this.
- Power supply feeds the controller input
- Controller output feeds the neon flex
- Neon flex connects with V plus and three colour channels
Many guides describe the four wires as V plus, R, G, B and they connect to matching controller terminals.
What the controller actually does
The controller acts as the middle device. It takes DC power then sends it to the strip by channel based on the color you pick.
Most controllers use PWM dimming to control brightness and color mixing by switching each channel very fast and changing the on time ratio.
You do not need to be an engineer. You just need to wire it correctly.
Step 4: Dry Fit the Neon Flex and Check Bends
RGB Neon Flex has a bend direction. If you force the wrong bend, it kinks and the line looks uneven.
Lay it along the path before fixing it.
- Check corners
- Check that it sits flat
- Check that your start end reaches the controller cable route
This also helps you see where clips need to go.
Step 5: Cut Only Where the Product Allows
Most neon flex products have marked cut points. Cut only on those marks.
- Use a sharp blade
- Cut straight
- Clean the end
A clean end seals better and connects better.
Step 6: Mount It So It Stays Straight and Does Not Pull on Connections
Mounting matters more than people expect.
Use clips or channel
For neat lines, use mounting clips spaced evenly or use a channel.
Put extra support here.
- Near corners
- Near the start and end
- Near any connector
Do not stretch the neon flex
Lay it in place with a natural fit. Stretching adds tension. Tension pulls at connectors. Connectors fail under pull.
Step 7: Connect the Power Supply to the RGB Controller
Unplug mains power before you work.
Most setups follow this order.
- Connect the power supply DC output to the controller input terminals
- Match positive and negative exactly
- Tighten terminals firmly
Controllers and strips need the same nominal voltage, commonly 12V or 24V.
If your controller uses a barrel jack input, use the matching plug and correct polarity.
Step 8: Connect the RGB Controller to the RGB Neon Flex
Now connect the controller output to the neon flex input.
Match wire labels
You usually see these labels.
- V plus
- R
- G
- B
Match them terminal to terminal. The common layout is V plus, R, G, B from strip to controller output.
Common mistake that causes wrong colours
If you mix up the colour channels, red shows as green or blue, and modes look odd. Fix it by moving the wires to the correct terminals.
Check the connector fit
If your neon flex uses a plug connector, push it fully home. Do not half seat it. Loose contacts cause flicker and heat.
Step 9: Power On and Do a Basic Colour Test
Test before you seal anything.
Turn on power. Then test these.
- Red only
- Green only
- Blue only
- White mix using full brightness on all channels
- Dim up and down
If a colour does not work, check the matching channel wiring first.
If the run flickers, check terminals for loose strands and check connector seating.
Step 10: Remote Pairing and Controller Sync
Remote pairing depends on the controller type. Many RGB systems use RF remotes which pair to a receiver inside the controller.
A common pairing flow looks like this.
- Power the controller
- Trigger pairing mode on the controller or receiver
- Press the pairing key on the remote within the pairing window
Manufacturers publish pairing steps in their install guides.
If your remote controls the wrong lights
RF remotes can link to nearby receivers if you pair in the same space. Some guides include steps to clear pairing then re pair to the right receiver.
A simple way to avoid cross control is to power only the controller you are pairing, then pair the remote, then power up the next system after.
Step 11: Set Up Color Modes Without Confusion
Most RGB controllers include these color modes.
Static colors
Pick red, green, blue, and mixed colors. This is your normal day to day mode.
Fade modes
The controller blends between colors smoothly.
Jump modes
The controller switches color steps with a clear change.
Speed and brightness controls
Speed changes how fast the controller runs effects. Brightness usually changes overall output using PWM dimming.
If you see flicker at low brightness, raise PWM frequency if your controller allows it, or use a controller known for high frequency PWM.
Step 12: Finish the Install for Outdoor Use
If your RGB Neon Flex sits outdoors, treat every end and join as a water entry point.
Seal ends and joins properly
Use end caps and sealing method that fits your product.
Place joins inside an outdoor rated enclosure with cable glands. Keep cable entries tight so water does not travel into the box.
Keep power supplies safe
Many people keep the power supply indoors and run low voltage cable to the controller and neon flex. This reduces risk and improves lifespan.
Troubleshooting You Can Do Fast
The strip lights but colors are wrong
Swap the R, G, B connections to match the correct terminals. Many wiring guides show the standard V plus, R, G, B layout.
Only part of the run lights
Check for a cut at the wrong point, a damaged section, or a loose connector.
Flicker on effects
Check for loose terminals. Check that your power supply wattage covers the load with headroom. Also check that the controller is not overloaded.
Remote does nothing
Confirm power to the controller. Then re pair the remote using the pairing steps for your model.
UK LED Lights is useful in this kind of project because you can source neon flex, an RGB controller, and the right connectors from one place, so the system fits together without guesswork.
FAQs
1) What wires do I connect for RGB Neon Flex?
Most standard RGB Neon Flex uses four connections labeled V plus, R, G, B. Match each wire to the same label on the RGB controller output.
2) Can I use any power supply with my RGB controller?
No. The power supply voltage must match the controller and the neon flex, usually 12V or 24V. The power supply also needs enough wattage for the full run with spare capacity.
3) Why does my long run look dim at the far end?
Voltage drop causes dimming and colour shift on long runs. Higher voltage systems draw less current for the same power which helps reduce voltage drop and keep brightness more even.
4) How do I pair my remote to the RGB controller?
Follow the pairing steps from your controller maker. Many systems pair by powering the receiver, entering pairing mode, then pressing a pairing key on the remote within the pairing window.
5) What are the most useful color modes for daily use?
Static colour mode works best for everyday lighting. Fade mode suits soft mood changes. Jump mode suits bold changes. Brightness control and speed control tune the look and are usually handled through PWM dimming inside the controller.