Useful connectors from toolstation

[Gavin John Hyde]

A few months ago Johnward did a youtube video of the fake chinese wagos, some were straight through ones of dubious quality.
Well it seems Inline (usually decent company) are now making 32 amp rated 3 pole straight through connectors, sold in toolstation. actually look alright and would certainly be useful and save using 3 separate connectors in a tight space. Still surprised wago have not made these themselves.
Can see lots of uses for these from extending cables on a fuse board change or just for linking out two cables.
anybody bought any yet? if so whats the quality like?

 

[pirate]

Nope, you put the cpc in a 2 way Wago!

 

[westward10]

the 3 core ones with yellow are for electricians who can use a bit of common sense and work out the yellow is for the cpc
the 2 core are for the bodgers and cowboys who just cut off the cpc or fold it back. why pay for a 3rd terminal you wont use!

Surely to be compliant for sale it would have to be correctly identified, does any country use yellow as a protective conductor.

 

[pirate]

getting my green sharpie out right now...

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

Surely to be compliant for sale it would have to be correctly identified, does any country use yellow as a protective conductor.

unless I am mistaken, that whilst we use standardised colours. as long as the conductors are consistent in an installation, adequately labelled and clear to those working on it which is live, neutral , cpc etc then you can have 3 pink wires labelled 123 or abc etc or even purple,orange and pink. they key is that they are labelled so the next person knows what is what. would likely be considered a deviation from regs but they are non statutory.
at end of the day it is common sense to use brown, blue green/yellow etc as its the standard.

 

[FatAlan]

Would work quite well so long as you have the right enclosure as per other methods.

 

[westward10]

unless I am mistaken, that whilst we use standardised colours. as long as the conductors are consistent in an installation, adequately labelled and clear to those working on it which is live, neutral , cpc etc then you can have 3 pink wires labelled 123 or abc etc or even purple,orange and pink. they key is that they are labelled so the next person knows what is what. would likely be considered a deviation from regs but they are non statutory.
at end of the day it is common sense to use brown, blue green/yellow etc as its the standard.

But it isn't identified, a cpc should be identified as green/yellow in the UK and not a number or letter.

 

[davesparks]

But it isn't identified, a cpc should be identified as green/yellow in the UK and not a number or letter.

The conductor should be identified yes, but I don't think there is any requirement for connectors used for the cpc to be coloured green/yellow.

 

[westward10]

The conductor should be identified yes, but I don't think there is any requirement for connectors used for the cpc to be coloured green/yellow.

I agree but the issue here is the use of brown and blue with a random yellow terminal clearly for use as earth. If they were all the same colour like orange for instance then it would not be important but this is clearly a manufacturing issue which would make me question the quality.

 

[davesparks]

I agree but the issue here is the use of brown and blue with a random yellow terminal clearly for use as earth. If they were all the same colour like orange for instance then it would not be important but this is clearly a manufacturing issue which would make me question the quality.

I have no doubt that the quality of these unbranded connectors is going to be terrible.

If they were all the same colour I think it would cause far more problems with confusion about how the internal connections actually work, most people would assume it is a six way commoning connector rather than a 3 way in line connector.

 

[westward10]

I have no doubt that the quality of these unbranded connectors is going to be terrible.

If they were all the same colour I think it would cause far more problems with confusion about how the internal connections actually work, most people would assume it is a six way commoning connector rather than a 3 way in line connector.

Yes good point.

 

[pirate]

That's the problem. It can be confusing if you always used to use choc-block, as they are straight-through connectors, whereas wago are not, so far.
But after a few bangs, you will learn, yes? I mean, really...2 seconds thought will determine the configuration.

 

[Ampo]

I would avoid them if they are not even brave enough to brand. A cheap socket burning out is one thing but these are usually tucked away in hidden places and could ruin your reputation fairly quickly if one melts. As for the colours it's a bit lazy but connector blocks are no different being clear or white. Cable conductor identification is what's important in my opinion

 

[pirate]

We come back to the nub of the matter, Ampo...
Quality and recognised brands.
Who is going to compromise the integrity of their installation by saving a fiver or a tenner by using untested brands?
Sadly, I think the answer is many people will do exactly that...and we know who these people are.
Happily, I would bet that all on here would refuse to cut corners for a few quid.
No return call-outs, no failures, proper gear...if there is a failure, you can't be blamed for cutting corners...and that is peace of mind, sleeping at night, pride-yes, pride-in a job well done. Avoid the cheap stuff!

 

[ipf]

The main question is, from my point of view, are they maintenance free?
I would imagine the answer is, no.
Useful from a temporary and fault finding point of view, though.
I might call in Elex at Manchester next week and see if there is any sign of them.

 

[pirate]

I'm thinking, as an amateur, even the wagos aren't mf unless installed in a suitable enclosure?
So it's the same dilemma really...they may be classed as mf if they are installed in a proper enclosure, but why would you put budget stuff in an enclosure if you have doubts about there initial quailty/integrity?
Preparing for onslaught...