Wagos - are they really maintenance free?

[DNS1]

Had some delivered for a lighting junction box which I need to wire and plaster in.

Surprised to find they don't show the "MF" logo, or a BS number.

According to the BGB, this means they're not suitable, but I've been told by a number of people that they are perfectly ok. Do Wagos normally have the MF stamp? Have I ended up with a copy version? (they came from eBay)

 

[Deleted member 26818]

What about a sticky lable for the MF symbol, or a tag to be attached using one of the cable ties?
The Ashley/Hager product appears to meet the standards, which make of connector do they use, is it part and parcell with the enclosure?

 

[LineProducts]

What about a sticky lable for the MF symbol, or a tag to be attached using one of the cable ties?
The Ashley/Hager product appears to meet the standards, which make of connector do they use, is it part and parcell with the enclosure?

I have run into trouble elsewhere by pointing out failings in competitive products. Some interpret my doing so as trashing the competitors products -my comments will be factual.


When I got into the manufacturing business I made a commitment to supply fully compliant products and not to fudge the issues to "pretend" that my products comply (as most of my competitors do). After all, its you guys that sign in blood at the end of each job to certify that your installation and products comply!

The problem with the connector used byAshley MF is that it fails to meet the requirements of
BS5733:2010
"14.3.6:
Screwless terminals which are intended to be used for theinterconnection of two or more conductors shall be so designed that:
a) during the insertion, the operation of the clamping part of one
of the conductors is independent of the operation of that of the
other conductor(s)"





If you are happy with the Ashley J MF (in light of the above)... then I can offer you the same connector with LINE at a more competitive price BUT can not mark it as BS5733 MF.

However, I could certify that the connector is identical to the Ashley and that it will perform at least as well as the Ashley MF. Would this be good enough for you?

 

[Knobhead]

I’ve given you a thanks because you come across as genuine and honest.
Not many suppliers will say “OK it’s not perfect, but it’s the best I can offer”.

 

[richy3333]

The Ashley's are the same as the HAgers, from what I can see. Having used Wago's and Hager MF JB's I can't see any difference in how they secure the conductor?

I'd by these from Line if they were sold at a reasonable price.

BTW just had my first order from Line.Cracking service - Next day delivery and I live in the middle of the back of beyond

 

[tony mc]

Hi

Will your product be on display at the next Elex show in Harrogate ? (Thats Line Products)

Thanks.

 

[LineProducts]

Hi

Will your product be on display at the next Elex show in Harrogate ? (Thats Line Products)

Thanks.

Sorry about the late reply. LINE won't be exhibiting at Harrogate but he LINE IP67 will be on the Wago stand.
(be aware though that the special prices I am offering through the forum are below the "discounted" prices on offer at the show - for both Wago and LINE.)

 

[Guitarist]

Am I the only one to notice that the Ashley box linked on page 1 is being sold as 17th AND 18th edition compliant.....

 

[LineProducts]

LINE now has a BS5733 MF option.

Connector and a printed cable tie (to lock enclosure) to be used with standard LINE enclosure.


http://lineproducts.co.uk/forumshop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15&products_id=37

 

[sparkey58]

time will tell!

they may well be away of getting around the regs in regard to junction boxes...with the use of push-in connectors...how many times have you gone to repair something with burned out push in connectors??
on light fittings, internal cooker connections,sauna and hot tub wiring etc etc etc
i would not trust them...they may be o.k on very low load applicatins, but i would never use them on anything over 1 amp load...crimp connections are best.
if i have to spur off a ring etc..i am going to use a 30A JB with screw terminals i don't care what the regs say...properly fixed and the cables clipped either side to the joist etc..it will be there long after i have gone!
i would rather have something that i know is safe, and not a fire risk, than use something that is inferior just to comply with the regs....give it a few years, when a few house fires have been caused by poor push in connectors and they might have a re-think!

 

[LineProducts]

time will tell!

they may well be away of getting around the regs in regard to junction boxes...with the use of push-in connectors...how many times have you gone to repair something with burned out push in connectors??
on light fittings, internal cooker connections,sauna and hot tub wiring etc etc etc
i would not trust them...they may be o.k on very low load applicatins, but i would never use them on anything over 1 amp load...crimp connections are best.
if i have to spur off a ring etc..i am going to use a 30A JB with screw terminals i don't care what the regs say...properly fixed and the cables clipped either side to the joist etc..it will be there long after i have gone!
i would rather have something that i know is safe, and not a fire risk, than use something that is inferior just to comply with the regs....give it a few years, when a few house fires have been caused by poor push in connectors and they might have a re-think!

If you are referring to the factory push ins internal to some fittings that is something completely different. If you have see a burned out BS60998 connector please post details and pictures!

As to your views on the regs .... I will leave the members to comment.

 

[sparkey58]

thats why i said time will tell!
they are unproven...

 

[LineProducts]

thats why i said time will tell!
they are unproven...

They have been around for over 20 years and the BS5733 are tested long term at double their rating! What is proven is that screws do loosen over time!

 

[richy3333]

Sparkey58 - what evidence do you have that MF connectors are unsafe, a fire risk and inferior? It's all very well using a JB but it has to be available to inspection -which then opens up another debate about what that means as the Regs do not specify!

Crimps are good and I guess most peoples weapon of choice but unsuitable if joining more than two cables. Even then they are not infallible - I've seen them short because water has ingressed into the crimp because some muppet hasn't heat shrinked over the top.

In your scenario, I guess the JB will still be there long after you have gone but will the screw terminals still be tight or will they have worked loose, caused a short and burnt the property down?

Surely choice of different products/solutions is the Sparks best weapon?

 

[Ponty Massive]

I no longer keep JB's on the van. Too many times have I found a fault to be a screw loose in a JB. Wago's are the way. I tend to use them up to 4mm and crimp and shrink 6mm2.

Haven't tried the line enclosure yet, been using the wago box, but I think I'll give the enclosure a try!!!

 

[Dan]

Is this new thread applicable to this conversation by chance?

http://www.electriciansforums.net/e...3-maintenance-free-mf-kit-junction-boxes.html