WAGO or CRIMPS - which need to be accessible to 17th Edition Regs?

[Deleted member 26818]

The manufacturer makes no claims in respect of 526.3 (at least on the 'wagobox' anyway)

http://www.wagobox.com/docs/files/Wagobox_BS7671_Regs.pdf

Would it be necessary for them to do so?
Does the use of a 'Wagobox' detract from the protection of electrical equipment?
The Regulation appears to be refering to the protection of equipment supplied by cables and conductors, not at the actual cables and conductors.

 

[IQ Electrical]

Would it be necessary for them to do so?
Does the use of a 'Wagobox' detract from the protection of electrical equipment?
The Regulation appears to be refering to the protection of equipment supplied by cables and conductors, not at the actual cables and conductors.

As the designer/installer/inspector, it would be rather difficult to show compliance with 526.3

The opening phrase of "every connection shall be accessible for inspection, testing and maintenance, except for the following:

The only item in the list that needs scrutiny is number (v) 'a joint forming part of the equipment complying with the appropriate product standard.'

I take that to mean a manufacturers joint within an item of pre-assembled equipment which is then type tested as an item to whatever product standard is applicable to the particular item.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

I think I was a little confused there IQ, I thought you were refering to 522.6.3, for some unknown reason.
I'm aware of the exact wording of the claims made by the manufacturer's.
My understanding is that they are claiming that the use of their product would fall under part "(iv) A joint made by welding, soldering brazing or appropriate compression tool".
I'm assuming that their claim is that their product provides the same degree of permanancy as any of the above methods, and as such dose not require to be accessible for inspection.
This claim is probably due to the fact, that there are no screw terminals that can loosen, and that constant pressure is applied to the joint by use of a spring.
As such, I belive that the use of these connectors would fall under Regulations 120.3 and 120.4.

 

[malcolmsanford]

As the designer/installer/inspector, it would be rather difficult to show compliance with 526.3

The opening phrase of "every connection shall be accessible for inspection, testing and maintenance, except for the following:

The only item in the list that needs scrutiny is number (v) 'a joint forming part of the equipment complying with the appropriate product standard.'

I take that to mean a manufacturers joint within an item of pre-assembled equipment which is then type tested as an item to whatever product standard is applicable to the particular item.

Didn't the new amendment plan to introduce a change to part (v) of Reg 526.3 , which a while ago when it was still available for public scrutiny I posted here, that perhaps this is the IET way of making these terminations classed as non accessible, I wish the IET would hurry up and issue the new BGB, so we know one way or other.

 

[IQ Electrical]

The only change I saw was to the wording of item (v) that I posted on above, explaining the term 'equipment' and also a new item (vi) was added:

"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."

 

[malcolmsanford]

Cheers IQ I remember the red ink but forgot they added a (vi) part to the reg. now this is going to open a can of worm, would one class the WAGO as equipment under the regs defination of electrical equipment and the part accessories and if you streched it .....distribution.

 

[IQ Electrical]

I'd say not and that the specific requirement that access is not required is referring to items of equipment where a seal or such would be destroyed by gaining future access.

 

[nickblake]

TysSome infopical questions asked by installers
Should WAGO connectors be used
in an enclosure?
In order to comply with the requirements of the 17th Edition of the IEE Wiring
Regulations/BS7671, all connectors should be used in a suitable enclosure
of material complying with the relevant glow-wire test requirements of BS
458-2.1. (Fire hazard testing for electrotechnical products). This will provide
mechanical protection for the connectors as well as protection against dust,
damp and accidental damage. Although WAGO connectors are IP20 (finger
touch) with Polyamide 6.6 housing for strength and durability.
Do they need to be fixed in an
enclosure?
The junction box connectors do not have to be fixed down in the housing
provided that the cables are secured on their way into the box. However, fixing
provides a more secure and professional looking finish.

Does there need to be strain relief
on the cable?
Yes, there should be strain relief on the cable. This could be the cable clipped
outside the enclosure or cable glands within the enclosure to prevent the cables
being pulled out of the connectors.
I’m used to screw connections -
how secure is your clamping system?
The WAGO Cage Clamp® and PushWire clamping systems guarantee gastight,
maintenance-free connections every time. Our connectors incorporating
these proven technologies have been used in industrial and building services
applications worldwide. The company’s reputation is built on the high quality
and proven performance of our products. For installers, this ensures complete
peace of mind.
How do I release the conductor from the
terminal?
All WAGO connectors are re-usable. PushWire conductors are removed by
pulling the conductor and twisting the connector. Cage Clamp® connections
are released by using a screwdriver or pushbutton/lever operation.

Do your connectors comply with British
Standards?
BSI recognise and harmonise with IEC 60947, 60998 and 60999. These are
European standards which relate to terminal blocks and connectors. All WAGO
products conform to these standards and other international requirements.
There’s a small cavity in a ceiling, wall or
floor. Can a terminal block be fitted without
the need for an additional back box?
Yes. When installing backless equipment, such as a domestic style luminaire, it
is possible for the enclosure to be formed or completed with building material
considered to be non-combustible when tested to BS 476-4. (Fire tests on
building materials and structures. Non-combustibility tests for materials).
Where there is any doubt that the building material does not meet this
standard, the electrical connections should be shielded from the fabric of the​

building by a suitable electrical back-box.