Do Wago connectors always have to be in a box?

[Always learnin]

I have a single socket sunk into a standard metal box in a plaster wall on a ring main.
I want to put a radiator on that wall and use a blank cover on the front to close off the socket which will be behind the new radiator.
I'll use Wago connectors on the old cable ends to ensure the ring continues unbroken, but do I have to use a Wago box to enclose the Wago connectors?
The metal box is very secure in the plaster and trying to squeeze a Wago box inside it could be tight.
Thanks in anticipation.

 

[westward10]

No it will be fine but ensure the earths connect to the earth terminal of the back box to ensure it is earthed.
Second thoughts it shouldn't be concealed behind the radiator.

 

[Wilko]

The textbook answer is the MF marked Wagobox must be used with Wago connectors specified in the box’s instructions for the junction to comply with the reg for maintenance free use...

 

[DPG]

The textbook answer is the MF marked Wagobox must be used with Wago connectors specified in the box’s instructions for the junction to comply with the reg for maintenance free use...

This isn't going to be hidden though, it's behind a blanking plate.

Having said that, it sounds like a radiator may be in front of it!

 

[Wilko]

Oops

 

[James]

i would say that it is accessible, a radiator can be moved if required.

maintenance free would be required if it was to be buried in the fabric of the building.

 

[Always learnin]

Second thoughts it shouldn't be concealed behind the radiator.

Thanks for the reply especially the bit about earthing the back box.

I'm certainly not doubting you but I wonder why it's not a good idea about the blanked off socket being behind the rad though?

In my ignorance I thought I'd read somewhere that a permanent, covered connection was ok using the Wago connectors, ie they could even be plastered over if in a Wago box. I was hoping that putting a blanking plate over them inside the old metal back boxs I was getting the best of both worlds in that the connection was very secure but still accessable if "push came to shove" by removing the radiator.

However you electricians are the experts and I'll go along with your advice and keep within any regulations.

 

[DPG]

You can't plaster over them and hide them because you will lose the prescribed zone where cables may be run.

 

[Always learnin]

You can't plaster over them and hide them because you will lose the prescribed zone where cables may be run.

Ah yes. Forgot about that, but you see that's why you are a proper electrician and I'm not lol

 

[littlespark]

Pity it wasn’t a plasterboard stud wall, you could have transferred the old socket to the other side.

it’s not against our regs to joint them and cover it with a blank plate.
what you do afterwards regarding positioning radiators is up to you.

actually, if you’re lifting floorboard to run pipes, could you pull the cables under the floor and install a proper mf WAGO box.
Unless the cables come down the wall??

 

[James]

Thanks for the reply especially the bit about earthing the back box.

I'm certainly not doubting you but I wonder why it's not a good idea about the blanked off socket being behind the rad though?

In my ignorance I thought I'd read somewhere that a permanent, covered connection was ok using the Wago connectors, ie they could even be plastered over if in a Wago box. I was hoping that putting a blanking plate over them inside the old metal back boxs I was getting the best of both worlds in that the connection was very secure but still accessable if "push came to shove" by removing the radiator.

However you electricians are the experts and I'll go along with your advice and keep within any regulations.

I agree, it is not hidden or permanently covered over, it is accessible for maintenance if required.

brake pads cant be changed without removing wheels and callipers etc. but they are changed regularly.

if it was hidden to the point where you had to destroy something to get to it then maintenance free joint and box every time, however you have got access to it if required. so not a problem in my eyes.

 

[Always learnin]

actually, if you’re lifting floorboard to run pipes, could you pull the cables under the floor and install a proper mf WAGO box.
Unless the cables come down the wall??

The new rad is an addition to the current heating circuit with the flow and return pipes coming through the wall on the same floor, so no lifting of floorboards upstairs and yes, the cables come down the wall inside plastic conduit.

 

[Always learnin]

I agree, it is not hidden or permanently covered over, it is accessible for maintenance if required.

brake pads cant be changed without removing wheels and callipers etc. but they are changed regularly.

if it was hidden to the point where you had to destroy something to get to it then maintenance free joint and box every time, however you have got access to it if required. so not a problem in my eyes.

I can see your logic and I only really understand logic but sometimes rules appear to defy logic. I'm just trying to get it done correctly but this sounds a bit like a grey area open to interpretation.
However I really appreciate all opinions from you guys