Wago connectors?

[andrew692003]

Hi lads,

I like the look and idea of these Wago connectors, never used them before but starting to think I need to get into the 21st century.

Anyway heres a few questions.

I do mainly private housing and commercial work so I do quite a bit of lighting(recessed) etc. so

1 - There are so many different connectors, what are the most common used for lighting etc that you use?

2 - Do you find the small Wago enclosures the best for housing these when recessing lights etc. or is there a better product out there you prefer?

3 - Would I be best to buy one of those kits for £75 or just buy a selection and see what I use more regularly?

4 - Where's the cheapest place to buy these fellows.

5 - Anything I need to look out for when using these connectors. Pro's and con's etc?

I would imagine I would only ever be using these connectors when joining/terminating 1.0mm - 2.5mm not sure I would use them for larger cables or if there would be any need for that really.

Anyway any info/links would be much appreciated.

Cheers

 

[Phil]

Hi Andrew, if I were you I would get the little box with a few of each type in them.

I use them a fair bit, they do the din rail type as well for say extending cables for a cu change. all in place and nice and neat. Ashley also do a good m/free box with the push fits inside as well.
imo the wagos save a load of time when installing as well so the little extra they cost pays back in time. also helacon have some good connectors on the market.

try Meteor Electrical Wholesaler |Trade Electrical Supplies | Free Delivery UK and Ireland

and see if they have them in stock or if they can get them in for you.

 

[Paul.M]

Just as Phil says, great advice. When wago came out I bought some off the shelf from the wholesalers and I've never looked back since. Just buy a few different sizes in the small packs, see if you like them and what sizes you need and then buy a shed load, you will thank me for this after you've used them. (ps I'm not on commission)

 

[andrew692003]

Thanks for the advice guys. I see there are a few links at the bottom of the page discussing the same so I'll check that out. Couldn't be arsed to search last night!!

Cheers again.

 

[telectrix]

try cpc farnell for wagos. if you are going to use for flex ( e.g. on downlights ) you need the lever type. a good fast fit enclosure is available from "line connectors ".

 

[AP Electrical]

So a wago is like a replacement for junction boxes/terminal strip? heard everyone saying how good they are but no clue as to application. Durr ?

 

[telectrix]

So a wago is like a replacement for junction boxes/terminal strip, heard everyone saying how good they are but no clue as to application. Durr ?

a quick solution to joining cables. no screws so can be fitted inaccessible. google wago and have a shufty.

 

[1shortcircuit]

a quick solution to joining cables. no screws so can be fitted inaccessible. google wago and have a shufty.

Do these Wago and similar items come with any form of certification stating that they do comply with the wiring regulations that enables them to be used in inaccessible locations?

 

[malcolmsanford]

http://www.wagobox.com/

That is their website and they do claim that they are. I believe that the new regs have identified that these connections can be inaccessible if they carry the manufacturers standard for just such a joint.

 

[Sparky Ninja]

I contacted them once about this as I believe they were not ideal for concealing (mainly because I could pull the connections back out with a little twist).
They confirmed their compliance and so I said I'll be quoting them if they were to ever fail. They seemed happy with that.

They do make the job a great deal easier.

 

[1shortcircuit]

I contacted them once about this as I believe they were not ideal for concealing

Surely they should have to provide a certificate of compliance on request?

Do you contact them in writing?

:thumbsup

 

[Sparky Ninja]

Surely they should have to provide a certificate of compliance on request?

Do you contact them in writing?

:thumbsup

Nah just over the blower. I'm still slightly sceptical TBH

 

[1shortcircuit]

Regulation 526.3 Every connection shall be accessible for inspection, testing and maintenance, except for the following

(iv) A joint made by welding, soldering, brazing, or appropriate compression tool

So I guess this is where they comply?

 

[malcolmsanford]

No the opposite in fact, it's where they don't apply. Reg 526.3 had (v) conditions that had to be met in order for a joint to be deemed inaccessible for inspection, testing and maintenance, and as the regs stood before the amendment the Wago never really complied to any of the 5 conditions in this reg.

On the DPC that came out last year a (vi) section was inserted

(vi) Equipment complying with a product standard with specific requirements to confirm that access for inspection,
testing and maintenance is not required, including for connections to the equipment made by the installer.

Which I think interprets to a Wago connection where the product standard is met. As I have not got my copy of the BGB I don't know if this proposal was kept in.

Note This was copied by me at the time and sent by email in response to the IET request for consultation.

 

[sparc]

Personally I found the box set a bit of waste, once I'd figured out which type I use the most, which are the 2s (yellow) and 4s (orange) in the 773 series - and mostly for lighting apps. I've used the bigger 3s (red) on some rings -they'd supposed to be good up to 6.0mm2.

Also get yourself some of the 224 series to try out - the 112 is great when you are connecting up flex cord to T&E. The 222 series are problem the most adaptable, so have some of the 3s in you van as well!

Hellerman Tyton do a similar connector.

The Wago boxes are okay for bigger circuits, but I've found them too big in some lighting apps, and now prefer to use the LINE boxes (www.line.ac) - although Wago are supposed to be bringing out a smaller box soon....