Cutting, Extending & Waterproofing Govee Outdoor Permanent Lights - Walkthrough

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

📦 AMAZON’s BEST DEALS (updated daily): bit.ly/3VWZKVS 📣 AliExpress’s BEST DEALS (updated daily): bit.ly/3VwoaDW ☑ Check out my sponsor to begin your FREE 14 day trial to Aura: aura.com/chrismaher Govee Outdoor Lights 100ft: amzn.to/3ZiUPym Govee Outdoor Lights 150ft: amzn.to/45UMIKY Butt Connector / Crimper Set: amzn.to/3PEh5zB Other Connector Style Mentioned: amzn.to/3r6cDjT Heat Gun: amzn.to/3t1N57N 18 Gauge Silicone Wires: amzn.to/46vwsjF 20 Gauge wires used in last example: amzn.to/3PADygV White Box: amzn.to/3LqOmf7 Wago Connectors: amzn.to/3RkSjWs Wago Connectors other style: amzn.to/3RlCvTi Heat Shrink Tube Black: amzn.to/3EFNsYh Heat Shrink Tube White: amzn.to/44TjMl9 3rd Party Extension Connectors: amzn.to/3rghLSl Wire Stripper: amzn.to/46gP7zz ============================= Support My Channel Directly: Become a monthly contributor on Patreon: www.patreon.com/ChrisMaherDIY Buy me a Coffee: paypal.me/ChrisMaherDIY ============================== The best way to help support my channel is to like, comment, make sure your subscribed and share my videos with as many people as you can. The other way is to use my links above as I get a small % at no extra cost to you if you buy something. Thank you all for the support!

[@HeavyIronsProduction]

out here doing the lords work

[@Anthony_Tritt]

Seriously, one of the most thorough, informative, and clear videos I have ever seen on KZbin. Well done

[@TheHookUp]

It looks like the Govee extension cable has an F-amp in it. Basically a signal booster/cleaner. I wonder if it would have worked if you put the Govee extender in the middle or end of the two off brand ones instead of at the beginning.

[@rohshiva]

Hi Buddy Do you have a link for the 3rd party 3 pin extension ? I looked up in Amazon but didn’t want to order the incorrect one

[@TheAdrianMc]

Maaaannnn... this video came RIGHT on time! I bought the 150ft kit a month ago and have been putting off install for a couple reasons including this one about splicing and using 3rd party extensions!! Guess I know what im doing this weekend!! Thank you!!!

[@richardgarcia2109]

Have they been working okay after splice?

[@ajvan7835]

I hope the install was successful, how are they operating 11 Mos later as I will be doing this project soon

[@ajvan7835]

I hope the install was successful, how are they operating 11 Mos later as I will be doing this project soon

[@lukejones9870]

Chris, can you post me the link to the extension cords please?

[@tripledldiesel]

just a few tips from a tech who uses butt connectors on the reg. - The butt connectors that are pre-shrink tube wrapped are kinda garbage. Its easy to pierce the heat shrink when crimping thus breaking the seal. Use bare butt connectors and good black heat shrink with resin. Some heat shrink doesnt have an inner resin coating so make sure yours does. - You can also stagger the connections for a cleaner, leaner look. - If you dont have a crimper or dont want to buy bare as well as heat shrink, they make a low temp solder butt connector. Its a heat shrink tube with low temp solder inside and ya slip it over and heat it up and thats it.

[@ronalddrzewicki5786]

Hello. Can you just terminate the cord if it is to long for your house and end it short? If so what do recommend to use to keep the wires from getting ruined?

[@THIRTY-THR33]

Same question. Did this work?

[@markpearce9200]

Yes I'm interested in this too... can this be done?

[@amaxey45]

I was wanting to do the same thing. Just terminate and maybe use wire nuts at the end of each wire, electrical tape, and hide them?

[@Adabulldoya]

I’d do electrical tape and then a dip in some wax or hot glue

[@bobhaslam]

Good video.unfortunately 3rd party extension not available and Govee will not sell separately.

[@ericmassey4926]

I saw in another video about cutting these lights that people often ran into issues cutting the lights too close to the end of a string (4 or less lights left on a strand) did you encounter this?

[@scottsummers4221]

I have this question too! can I just pop in extra wire anywhere in the strand?

[@TechTy]

I've heard this as well, proverbs has to do with the data line not having enough boost near the end (4 lights).

[@CoachJPSiou]

Thank you very much for this and your other informative videos on the Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights. Because of your videos, I was confident going into my installation that required some significant modifications due to our home's unique layout. I ended up making a Y-connector from spare end connectors (cut off the end of one shortened run and one unused section) to split power because our power outlet is in the middle of the run, and also cut and spliced another run to go around a chimney. All butt-crimped and heat shrinked, and all tested out successfully today! :)

[@PaulBailey3]

@chrismaherDIY I installed my lights backwards from the outlet and trying to connect the controller to the "last" string end. So I made a male/male connector from my extensions, but I can't get the light strips to lighht up. I hooked them up in the same order, but no luck. Any idea whaht might be the issue?

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks for watching! So installing them backwards is not really an issue when it comes to voltage and gnd since you can figure out the correct wires and those don't matter what end of the strip they are connect to. The issue is with the data. The data has to flow in one direction (away from the controller) Its easy to see what direction that is on led strips since they have have arrows indicating this but on the govee lights, there is no arrow. So if your trying to come up with a way to plug the power in to what is technically the end of the lights, its not going to work since in that instance the data is flowing towards the controller.

[@gregbell4580]

Great Info in your video, I do have 1 question, can you split one cord to connect to two cords going into separate directions?

[@jorgesalinas9429]

lmk if it works for you. I may need to do this.

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! I just tried doing some splitting and things worked great! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXiTqaakh9Jgd9U

[@12GKing12]

Can you recommend another 3rd party extension cable? The one you listed is unavailable....

[@meredithmichaels3285]

Great video! Does splicing affect using their preset scenes like Halloween?

[@jhads7693]

I would also like to know how the splicing impacts scenes and using the app please

[@crystalfarkas]

Amazing video, thanks for this! Can you share another 3rd party extension connectors? The one you have linked says none available. Thanks!!!

[@marcoriemer500]

Same here :)

[@janetgenovese2671]

Can you tell me where to get the extension cable? Can't seem to find it. Govee doesn't have it.

[@DigiacomoDave]

This is exactly what I need to see! NOW the question is, can you split them into 2 branches? That would help my setup tremendously!

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! I just tried doing some splitting and things worked great! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXiTqaakh9Jgd9U

[@richgkenny]

Question- why use the 18G wire versus keeping consistent with 20G? Thanks for posting this @chrismaherdiy

[@thephotobar]

Hey Chris, great video. So, i've been waiting for these 3 pin ASAHOM 6ft Extension Cords to become available, but they've been out of stock for a while. The decription says by today they'll be back in stock...in case they're still delayed longer, do you recommend another 3 pin extender cord?

[@DanCrisan81]

Great video!! I was wondering if you can splice into them creating a branch

[@andrewwilson3359]

I put a 3 way split in mine so I can go up and down the house. Everything after the splice only shows white. Any ideas?

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. My only suggestion is to just make sure everything is connected correctly. Is the app functional? I just did a video where I split the lights and I had no issues: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXiTqaakh9Jgd9U

[@zardoz2627]

Do you think using 14 or 12 gauge wire would help extend the splice length without loss? I'd like to run a 25 foot space in 1 run of lights

[@rudygarcia6351]

How did this workout for you this is the only reason I have not bought the kit is I’m scared I won’t be able to make long splices

[@larrykelly1055]

Heavier wire gauges are good for voltage drop but since the current is so low, 14 or 12 AWG seems excessive - 16 AWG should be fine. One approach is to put a single LED module at the 12-foot point even if you don't want to see that LED. It will regenerate the data signal. I had to do that with LED lighting that I put on my stairs.

[@AndrewRobbins3344]

Where did you find the third-party extenders?

[@Giygus]

Thanks to your video, I was able to add about 14 ft to the extension cord with 16 gauge white wire and the shrink wrap connector method. With a 100ft set, I get no flickering or power loss on the final strands of lights

[@jeremymorgan996]

16 gauge or 18 gauge?

[@Giygus]

​@@jeremymorgan996 I used 16 gauge since I couldn't find any 18 at my hardware store that looked suitable. I would agree that the Govee's are 18 though. the 16 gauge extension didn't have any problem

[@jasonroyal5247]

How long is the govee extension cable?

[@dimagooficial]

I guess I need some help here. I bought the 100ft and in the 4th segment I had to put an extension of 5ft, everything worked fine. In the 5th segment after the 4th light I need to do another extension of 11ft. Did exactly the same process and no way to get it working, tried to go for 9ft extension and still no success. What am I missing? Thanks!

[@ajvan7835]

​@Giygus how are they working almost a year later?

[@5sunny01]

Hi Chris thanks for awesome videos, can you make one video showing if we can add/splice/connect a govee outdoor strip to these lights. I have an area on my roof doesn’t have soffit to attach these and only the strip can fit there… Since you are a genius I feel you will be able to come up with a solution for people like me Thanks in advance

[@_Paul.]

the 3rd party connectors are currently unavailable. do you have an alternative extension connector you could recommend

[@urbanagolfer]

Has anyone figured out how to go longer than 150' with the original lights and not the pro?

[@72sidekick]

Was wondering this also

[@KevinMiller-e9p]

Do you know if there is a way to inject power into a run? I have the 100ft kit and added extensions in two spots one 8.5ft long and another 14 ft long. My very last strand is flickering. Pretty sure I just need to inject power to the last section or two. Any help is appreciated!

[@bobbyzilliox5294]

What size wire? I’m having the same issue but wondering if I should try 20g or bigger.

[@MrMadeinthe80s]

Could you add a section off one of the extensions as a Y? Or does this have to be one continuous chain? I have a section that doesn't really follow a linear path and I need to either Y the cable off, or route a wire all the way back to split point to continue on which I'd rather not do if I can get away with it.

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! I just tried doing some splitting and things worked great! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXiTqaakh9Jgd9U

[@paulgbond]

Wanted to say thank you. Following your lead I was able to splice and customize my Govee lights.

[@ajvan7835]

Are they still working fine?

[@Staffplanningbv]

Hi Chris, thank you for your explanation. It's very helpful. However, I mistakenly attached the strip in the wrong direction. Do you know if I can swap the male connector with the female connector on the existing cable by cutting and then switching them, allowing the cable to remain in place?

[@JonJon0322]

I did the same thing 😂. Im also curious. I don’t see why it wouldn’t be an issue. I might just try it in the spring time. Worst case I’m out a string or 2 of lights and it’s easier that taking everything down and redoing it from scratch.

[@thedroneguyllc1852]

Great video! Quick question, can you omit lights when splicing or do they always have to continue in sequence?

[@roberthernandez7564]

Interesting video. Thank you for sharing. I'd be concerned that moisture from humidity and condensation would eventually penetrate the white box where the cables enter and eventually cause a problem. It would be better if you used a waterproof coupler, either directly attached to the box or just on the cables themselves, to ensure a secure, water tight environment to protect the wiring.

[@OrginalDravas]

I would look at the Wago Gelbox

[@mattemmerik5376]

Hi Chris, I'm curious if you've tested the new pro lights on a maximum extension length. I need to run 22 feet of cable to reach my next set of lights starting point and am curious if that's going to be possible. Thanks!

[@theecog1]

Great video. Just what i needed to know to gap from porch to eaves. Question. Do you think a 3 pin splitter would also work in these ? My Porch doesn’t go the whole way across the front of my house. Split level ranch. Thanks

[@God-is-Great-Truth]

I bought the Costco Govee Permanent Outdoor lights ELITE and cannot find anywhere if I can Cut them or not to fit on my house. Do you know if it possible to cut them or not. Thank you!

[@joshuasaucier8054]

hey was trying to find the 3rd Party Extension Connectors and they are unavailable any idea on a different kind that will work?

[@Brian52682]

I only need one more extension cable so not sure I need to splice. Do you have another recommendation? The link for 3rd party extension connectors are sold out.

[@103923]

Just ordered mine yesterday during prime day. This is THE MOST thorough example on splicing that I have seen.can’t wait to get mine up.

[@themfnmexican]

Couldn't i had thicker guage cable to make that extension longer. Lets just say i want to go 30ft

[@VijaySanthanam-k3p]

Hi Chris! Am I able to cut the excess of Govee pro RGBCWW outdoor light strip and use a 6 pin connector?

[@thephotobar]

Has anyone done the cutting and assembling aside from the amazing Chris? I'm still hesitant cutting my $300 150ft cable LOL.

[@bonnieurzen4562]

Hi Chris . Thanks for the information. 8:35 Do you know ow how we could add a T to add lights to reach our 3rd story attic eave? It would have to be about a 6’ jump.

[@InTheLab3d]

Anyone found an alternative for the extensions that work? These are sold out (im sure due to this video haha). Could use a couple... Thanks

[@arthurlombardo6988]

BTF-LIGHTING 5PCS 9.84ft 3meter 3 Pin 18AWG IP65 Extension Cable Wire with Male and Female Connectors

[@mitchtischer9455]

​@@arthurlombardo6988 Large or small pin? Are you using them? Thanks!

[@arthurlombardo6988]

@@mitchtischer9455 large pin

[@BatbustersNelson]

Great video thanks. I bought the 150 foot strand. It comes with 3 long ext cords and 2 short cords. Do you know if there will be flickering if I connect a long cord to a short cord??

[@narc44]

Have a question, I used 22awg and spliced into certain sections and now 2/3 of the way I no longer have power with the last led flickering. I noticed in your video you used 18 awg, is that caused my issue or is there anything else I’m missing ? Thanks

[@hmedina79]

I love the lights but have a frustrating problem. I have two runs running parallel in opposite directions with the power source and esp32 controller in the middle. The two runs are connected to the same GPIO for data. When I set the lights to white or off-white, one side has a slight green hue and the other a slightly pink hue. Frustrating because even if the lights can't filter out colors when set to white, they should be the same on each side. Anybody experiencing this?

[@kingbingy]

Great tutorial. I have to Make a splice as well. Buy slightly different. I need to take a 16 foot section and make it 5 feet. I think it should work, just wondering if the govee system would notice the number of lights in the line.

[@jorgesalinas9429]

lmk if it works

[@kingbingy]

@jorgesalinas9429 confirmed that it works. Last link is about half its original length. Works great.

[@jorgesalinas9429]

@@kingbingy did you just solder the end?

[@kingbingy]

@jorgesalinas9429 great question. No, I de-sodered the end. Meaning, I opened the light and scraped away the glue and heated up the soder and removed cable. So it's clean at the end.

[@jrbrown787]

@@kingbingy hmm I need a video on that as it sounds pretty interesting!

[@cheekster777]

Thank you Chris.

[@bsrodgers]

Your video is easy to follow. Looking to do some splices. But wanted to see if you knew if using the connectors between each strand was required of if I could cut them off and splice together. I have a connection that ends at the perfect location and needs about a two feet splice but don’t want to put lights between.

[@Amna_Parvaiz]

is there a T- Connector work for these light?

[@dhill835]

Did I hear/read somewhere that you need a minimum of 4 lights when you cut? I have several areas that really just need 2 lights.

[@DrgnPhnx81]

And of course the 3rd Party Extension is no longer available on Amazon. Did you mention two different 3rd party extensions?

[@peterbowler4399]

I've got 5 stings including one 6ft length of an extension I added with in the 5th section, everything works fine. But then I connect a 6th set, the 6th set won't light up. Is that normal, is 5 sets the limit? TIA.

[@pumarodriguez3964]

Great video! Do you know how many light kits you can connect to 1 power supply?

[@junhoward359]

Is 9 segments the cap, or is that the manufacturers recommendation? I'm trying to connect 12 total, but don't wanna pay if it doesn't work.

[@dumpsterdivingwithjandj3808]

Quick question - I connected my extender btwn two strings and it's not working...I tried both extenders that came w/the set. What am I doing wrong?

[@munirvorajee7823]

I’m looking to cut to end the length and not sure if I can do or will have a negative effect? Used 26 of the 30 metres and don’t need the rest or space for it. Thank you

[@RD-nv8by]

This is a long shot, but here goes. I did not pay attention, and when I put my lights on, I put the wrong end first. The adapter is at the wrong end. Do you happen to know about any female-to-female adapters that I can use on the wrong end so that i can hook the lights up to the power adapter with out having to take all the lights down and rerun the, something will just plug in and screw like the original ones.

[@Framirez23]

Hello. Very informative. Unfortunately those extensions you referenced are out of stock. Do you have any other options you could recommend?

[@ricardocostacontin8646]

Great videos. Do you know if we can invert the extremity where we plug the power and control ? Because my leds are already in place. But will be a lot more estetic if I change the power from one extremity to the other. Tks

[@leafs2994]

Can I remove 4 lights out of middle of strand ? Then replace it with a 8 ft extension in its spot ? . Thank you. Great video!

[@lilvipr2005]

With the release of the elites now sold at Costco do you know if they can be cut and spliced like the others? I would assume so but haven't seen any thing online.

[@Stessykarl]

Chris thank you so much for this video… my quick questions is .. Can I cut the extra length light at the end of on roof? And how to water proof that end cut?

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

You are very welcome! Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment! I actually just made a video on this! Hope it helps! kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3iXpH6For-Kb80 As far as waterproofing, I would probably just put some hot glue on the cut end.

[@---GOD---]

Doing all of this when it already comes with the perfect waterproof connector in the box...

[@edgarg208]

Where did you buy the 3rd party extension ?

[@iwin5982]

Sorry if you answered this question, but can you tell me if you can run more than 250 feet without an issue? It was hard to find that answer in the comments.

[@jr6835]

What would be the maximum extension . Someone make extension more than 15ft?

[@vLabBook]

Glad yours work. Cut mine and no go. About 8-10 feet of wire and 75 feet of lights.

[@adamcarpenter2207]

Did you eliminate lights? I don't believe you can do that.

[@jmurg42]

nice job. anybody use clear flex seal to add additional waterproofing?

[@macparker7038]

Curious if anyone has tried to make a Y split. I will have 6 strands connected with no extensions. The 7th will be added with 12ish ft of extension. I would love to add a Y between 2 & 3 to add a 8th strand in for my sunroom.

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! I just tried doing some splitting and things worked great! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXiTqaakh9Jgd9U

[@nitsualladnekyuk1990]

I have the 12' extension cable that comes with the light set. I spliced and extended that another 7 feet or so, and can't get the 50' of lights past the extension to come on. Any ideas?

[@andrewkoelewyn4879]

How much of additional wire have you used. I have used one 20 foot ish one jump from roof peak to roof peak and it won’t rune the lights correctly. I even soldered the joints and check with an ohm meter. I used a good quality 18 gauge 3 wire any ideas

[@adamsmith5026]

Those extenders are 6ft each, and it says not to use more than 2. So, I wonder if 12ft is around the maximum extension length without problems. I need to do a 16ft extension this weekend, so I'll let you know how it goes.

[@MinhTran-gn8np]

​@@adamsmith5026 Did the 16ft extension work?

[@dougdavenport56]

do the extensions work with the GoVee Pro lights? I have 200ft kit

[@TheJeremy92888]

What a awesome video🔥👏super helpful!

[@futbol1972]

I tought goove lights already came with the special easy conector when cutting and joining wires?

[@jeffspengler8789]

This was done on the 705 model correct? Ive read that they say thw 705 cannot be cut but the 706 can.

[@migueljrcaceres]

Whats the máximum cut you can make before it doesn’t work

[@migueljrcaceres]

I want to know too

[@williamwallace6109]

Following

[@roccobee6773]

Great video. What would they look like if installed closer to wall then 2"? I have some side areas where there is no overhang.

[@futbol1972]

by the way I bought the 100ft outdoor pro permanent lighs

[@stevecruttenden9094]

What is the longest extension cable I can you between strands of lights?

[@viktorvandekerckhove409]

can you maybe make a video werhe you make a cool setup for a subscriber i think that is cool🖥🖱

[@-djs]

Hi Chris, as always an excellent tutorial, thank you, I hope you and your family are all well. I was wondering, I'm not a computer expert but as you know love WLED, would there be a possibility of a short video explaining what flashers and drivers are that you need for WLED and which ones to use and where to find them etc etc, as it's the one thing that always has me worrying which are safe etc, plus it's the one question I get asked most and I can't answer. Sorry if I'm asking too much or adding to your workload. Many thanks 🙏

[@danielortega8587]

I cut the end of one set of lights and extended it about 10ft. I then connected the next set of lights and it worked, but when I connected the next set it didn't work. What do you think could be the issue?

[@carlosnunez8906]

Is there a way to add an extension between the light and the control box?, I need an extra 16' to be able to run the wire inside a sailboat mast

[@mastaace46]

So wait, you can cut the standard version and it works? Everything I was reading claimed it had to be the pro version too do that

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks for watching! I cut the standard version up pretty good and everything still worked perfectly fine!

[@scofielddan]

Thanks for all the details. The "ASAHOM 6ft Extension Cords with Signal Amplifier for ASAHOM Permanent Outdoor Lights" says it is unavailable. Do you have another recommendation?

[@gnxsam]

Anyone tried a y splitter? I see some aftermarket that like they would work and 3pin.

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! I just tried doing some splitting and things worked great! Couldn't find any 4rd party connectors though. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXiTqaakh9Jgd9U

[@TheKSquad274]

Amazing video. I was super curious on how you’d install where there’s major breaks between roofs. This is perfect and well done.

[@threadchemistry]

Do you know any other manufacturers that sell the extensions? The ASAHOM brand extensions arent available.

[@shathanmccoy8945]

Will the 18 gauge single wire be okay outside over time?

[@begrateful8934]

I heard you can only cut in groups of 4 or they wont be synchronized when using presets in the app is that true?

[@vmparra1127]

Amazing video and information

[@TheMrWundrful]

Has anyone successfully done a split to run two separate lines?

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! I just tried doing some splitting and things worked great! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXiTqaakh9Jgd9U

[@TheMrWundrful]

@@ChrisMaherDIY thanks Chris. I think you’ll got me hooked deep into the Matter, Home Assistant and WLeD rabbit hole now because of this simple video and the slippery slope I am now in…

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

@@TheMrWundrful lol I know exactly what you mean! I tell everyone that once you start it's hard to stop! But I also tell people there are a lot worse things in life you could spend money on :)

[@jcaprietta]

I cut section 5 in half with a 16 foot extension . All of 5 and 6 are blinking

[@blairknapik1831]

This might be the greatest KZbin video in the history of the internet

[@JustinRiddle-ng9fe]

I am trying to figure out how to have a Y split off from the power source so I can run one more string of lights. Any idea how to do this?

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! I just tried doing some splitting and things worked great! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXiTqaakh9Jgd9U

[@Silverturky]

Hey man. Quick question. Does govee use standard connectors across all their products? I just recently purchased the outdoor string lights. The ones with the big bulbs. I'd like to experiment with WLED on them but I don't really wanna have to cut the original connector I mean I could but would be nice to just cut a 3rd party extender instead.

[@schmid1707]

did you find a solution? i have the same problem, i don't want to cut the original cable. only need 2m extension