I never listen to anyone who says actual Wago-made Wago connectors are unsafe. Anyone that says Wago connectors are unsafe doesn't know what they're talking about. These are solid, good, reliable connectors.

@zackaboy1236

4 ай бұрын

The people who say their unsafe are the kind of people that twist wires together and wrap tape around them because they can’t be bothered to connected them properly

@randallthomas5207

4 ай бұрын

The UL. Seal on the WAGOs, says it all for me. If you’re in the US, the International Code Council, and NEC, both have listings of code compliant products on their websites. Every Inpector I know, would check anything unfamiliar against those lists.

@QoraxAudio

4 ай бұрын

They're only unsafe for those who don't know how to use them, like stripping the wire not far enough or putting the wire not far enough in.

@RobertCraft-re5sf

4 ай бұрын

Yeah, no way they're unsafe. The copper clip thing clamps down on them hard. I would only buy this brand, though.

@junkerzn7312

4 ай бұрын

@@QoraxAudio Nice thing especially is that you can look at the wire after you've closed the WAGO to make sure it is seated properly (wire all the way through and insulation not overlapping onto the seat).

Gentle twist to reduce "whiskery bits". If you don't really twist hard, the strands will easily deform to provide a very decent connection surface area.

@m00str

4 ай бұрын

Yup that’s the correct way. Only twist very slightly if even. A freshly stripped wire will often not even need that and will provide better contact when untwisted

It's worth noting that on the side of them is printed the insulation stripping distance and the max voltage and current that they're tested to which ive always thought is a sign of quality. I love them!

@nightcatarts

4 ай бұрын

Yes that little scale is incredibly helpful, & it actually is to scale instead of just being a number.

@KevinT3141

4 ай бұрын

Oo, rewatching. I'd only noted the wire gauge and safety marks (both EU and NA versions of each, nice) but not that.

@macmccune21

4 ай бұрын

I have a couple from a sample labeled 450v/32 amps just like the picture in the vid. I find it hard to believe such a little piece of plastic with a small bus bar can safely carry that much, but for 120v/15-20a I would trust them

@KevinT3141

4 ай бұрын

@@macmccune21 The maximum wire gauge it will handle isn't rated for 32A anyway. :)

@nightcatarts

4 ай бұрын

@@macmccune21 The clamping makes the difference. As long as the bus bar has at least as much copper as the wire (these have about 5mm square I'd estimate, for a max 4mm square wire) & the clamping allows for absolutely no movement, it'll do 32 amps just fine. 4mm wires are rated to carry that (up to 36 amps in the UK) by the way, just not when directly buried in a wall. They also do beefier versions for up to 6mm square wires though, which are almost as compact & rated up to 41 amps; you can always put smaller wires through those. Most use cases for these would be for 2-2.5mm wire though & for that they're great.

I happened to know a designer from WAGO. He didn't design this one, but the push in type without the leavers. I asked him if you should twist the wires and he said that it really doesn't matter :D

@Cobalt135

4 ай бұрын

It shouldn't matter. Wago can be used with solid copper wires such as 10, 12, or 14 gauge which are not going to not flatten.

@Inkompetent

4 ай бұрын

The advantage with twisting is that you're more likely to push all the strands through the spring lever. If you don't twist you might end up just folding half the strands so that they are left outside. Electrically that's perfectly fine during normal conditions as long as you don't ride the very limit of what the cable can handle, and if installed properly there should be no tension between the wires and the WAGO connector anyway, but *if* there would be tension it could result in the strands breaking because there are too few of them sharing the physical load. Even if it doesn't cause a complete disconnect it could cause a bad connection.

@mevk1

4 ай бұрын

Maybe twist 18G stranded since is has less mass, and leave lesser gauges flapping in the breeze.

Im a trainee electrical engineer and have been doing electrical work for a few years now. I love Wagos. 1000x better than in a junction box than choccy block.

One feature of this type of connector that doesn't seem to be mentioned much is that wires are easily removed and re-inserted without damaging the wire. No problem to change out a light fixture or other device; no need to cut off twisted wires or struggle to remove one wire from a group.

@Lizlodude

4 ай бұрын

So many stabbed fingers from trying to salvage an already too short wire lead that was recently in a wire nut 😭

@berndeckenfels

4 ай бұрын

But reuse is not recommended ..

@mrrooter601

4 ай бұрын

@@berndeckenfels yes please buy a new one after every use 🙄

@lost4468yt

4 ай бұрын

​@@mrrooter601the mechanism does get weaker with every use. I would only worry about using them more than 2-3 times at close to the rated load. Also wouldn't recommend going from a very large gauge to a small one. I've used the knock off ones a bunch of time for smaller wires, and they do eventually get easier to pull out. The clip also gets noticeably easier to move.

@junkerzn7312

4 ай бұрын

@@lost4468yt It doesn't really get loose with every use. I've reused a WAGO dozens of times without any appreciable reduction in compression. That said, for in-wall or fixture use, I will use a fresh WAGO. But for projects I reuse them all the time and they can certainly go through many cycles. I have yet to break one or have to throw any away due to weakness.

I love Wago connectors. Going back to twist-on wire nuts feels so primitive now.

When I was at apprentice school (nearly 50 years ago) we were taught to twist multi-strand wires *even if applying a ferrule afterwards* as a stray strand can (in rare instances) be fatal. These Wago terminals are a brilliant invention. I have spent a large part of my career designing, programming and trouble-shooting control systems on custom-built industrial equipment. When screw terminals were common, something like 75% of first-year failures were down to loose terminals. Many control panel electricians would build sections with terminals "nipped up" until complete. When they forgot to tighten everything (end of shift, tea break and many other reasons) you had a failure waiting to happen. With the Wagos, if the lever is closed then the wire is tight. The other feature of the Wago connectors is resistance to vibration. We once sold a spin riveting machine with the control panel mounted on the frame. Had to fit rubber mounts to stop the screw terminals winding undone.

The Wago design is so much better than the Chinese clones, even if all the plastic breaks apart the wires are still held securely in place.

@amogusenjoyer

4 ай бұрын

Depends on the specific Chinese clone type. Some of them are basically 1 to 1 clones, but the issue is it's basically impossible to have any consistent way to get the right clone. It's always a gamble to order

@TheStuffMade

4 ай бұрын

@@amogusenjoyer I'd stay away from the clone products for any kind of even moderate high current usage, especially mains wiring. While the clones might look the same, they could have replaced the copper with aluminium or iron and the springs are probably not as strong as the originals, it might not even be real springs. Besides the Wago shown here are only something like $0.50 each, so hardly anything saved by using clones.

Another cool thing about these particular connectors is that, in between the two levers, there's a window opening that gives you direct access to the copper bus bar inside. This is an excellent place to probe the connection with a multimeter!

I always twist stranded wire. Helps keep the careless whiskers at bay. I went from standard wire nuts to these Wago LeverNuts as soon as I discovered them because I no longer had to twist wires to keep them properly connected. I had an electrical fault where the neutral had backed out of a wire nut. No faults with these Wago connectors because they keep things gripped. They take less space in the junction box, too! Excellent product.

@andrewfrance1047

4 ай бұрын

There are two other useful features. Firstly you can see the wire inside the connector to get visual confirmation that it is properly connected. Secondly there is a very small hole in the connector where you can insert an electrical test probe to safely test a live circuit without disconnecting the wires.

@markiangooley

4 ай бұрын

Next time I need wire nuts I plan to get Wagos instead if it’s at all practical. Yeah, I give stranded wire ends a slight twist, almost reflexively.

@dexecuter18

4 ай бұрын

@@markiangooleySeems to be the common consensus among the non boomers. The Wago section of my Hardware stores just keep exponentially growing as more and more people use it. Starting to also see them pop up on Construction sites. Its also just a lot faster.

@tightwad

4 ай бұрын

My cadet heater Jbox had a backed out wire nut fault that could have EASILY caused Cedar paneling to catch fire. Luckily breaker tripped but the meltage was so scary I didn't tell my wife. I tape my WAGO levers before "laying" them in box as well.

@stevedavis770

4 ай бұрын

Love the 'Careless Whisker' reference. George Michael would be proud.

"With great force comes great connection." ~Wago

I like wagos cause it's not a blade cutting into the wire. It's an actual clamp. I've lifted a lot of weight before they fail. And they're pretty easy to install.

I worked for a company that designed and build some of the largest cranes in the world. Wagos were the only acceptable wire nut because of the spring contact which worked far better under vibration. These replaced a strange wirenut I hadnt seen before that had the addition to a screw that would tighten against the wires from, the side after the standard wirenut twist on action was done.

Wago are a solid product. I’d not really heard of them until electricians started raving about them a few years ago. Their PCB mounted solutions are rock solid. I recently took apart a solar inverter and the mains connection was as tough as nails - super hard to get out until I worked out the release mechanism 👍

@jiggermole

4 ай бұрын

Yeah I used the PCB mounted ones and they are really durable

@Gagootron

4 ай бұрын

There are PCB versions of those ?!?! Never again will I have to put screw terminals on my PCBs

@jiggermole

4 ай бұрын

@@Gagootron yep. They're great. They have plastic feet so your not pulling up the lever on the solder connections. Good design.

@kjc197

4 ай бұрын

@@Gagootron yep their range is massive. They had a stand at embedded world the other year showing a lot of different solutions. They also have din rail connectors and converters.

I have always hated the crimp style butt connectors...like my whole life....very glad that these new ones are so readily available now :)

Watching your breakdown reminded me of the Fahnestock clip that was very common the electronic kits of the 50's and even the 60's. Nice job.

@JezCunningham

4 ай бұрын

OMG - those electronic kits - in 1963 in my case - show-and-tell at school!

I first came across Wagos working in the film industry (SFX) years ago. They were amazing & I couldn't understand why the 'real world' hadn't found them too. These days, being able to buy them from any electrical factor is great! They are a truly amazing connector!

Exceptional product. Little bit expensive, but high quality. They last forever

Wago and Solder Seal connectors are some of the best "new age" connectors ive come across working on RVs for a living. use them every day, and i swear by them.

I used to work with Wago and it is pronounced "Vargo" or "Vaago" depending on accent. The screwless connectors are really good and the QA is excellent. I personally would not use cheap Chinese rip-offs. I've had enough troubles with poor quality table ties let alone taking risks connectors. They rely on specific types of metals to give a consistent and long-term reliable connection. Wago also suggest NOT using ferrules.

@foogod4237

4 ай бұрын

I think it depends on whether you're speaking German or English. In English materials, from what I've seen, the company representatives seem to always pronounce it "wah-go" (with the English "w", but still with a soft "a")..

@theartofbanana

23 күн бұрын

Where do they specify not using ferrules? I dont find any information about that on their pages, although some people say if you ask wago they say its possible if you use the correct ferrules (in germany DIN 46228-1) with a proper crimping tool. I see it only specified in the catalogue for the 224 clamps.

@rjy8960

23 күн бұрын

@@theartofbanana The connectors produce a gas-tight connection to the conductor and the ferrules are a potential point of failure. They are seen as unnecessary. There were a number of terminal applications notes that covered this but I left almost 10 years ago.

Took them so long to come out with the inline version, yet they still didn't include a detail to allow them to be clipped together. Spoke to someone at Ideal at Elex this week, who mentioned there may be a patent issue preventing this.

@hannes90u

4 ай бұрын

They offer a 3d printable STL in their own creators community to clip multiple inline connectors next to eachother.

@ivanskyttejrgensen7464

4 ай бұрын

There is the holder 221-2523 which seems decent enough for mounting onto a surface and hold 3 inline connectors

@rifterzc

4 ай бұрын

Is Ideal coming out with an inline lever connector also?

@cambridgemart2075

2 ай бұрын

We have a brand in Finland, I can't recall who it is, that has the clipping feature to make them up into blocks. I'll have a look to see if I can find one to see who makes them

I give my wires just a light twist, only. The biggest benefit of WAGO compared to CE ("chinese export") beside the secure connection is the fact, it does not matter too much if you twist or not, if you connect single strand wires with multi strand wires, and so on. And yes, do not solder ...

I love those. Working in R&D we have so many people fumbling around in wiring and loving their open twisted wires not keeping contact or making funny sparks. Also prevents people overtightening screws and breaking wires. Great addition for the WAGOs are their holders for installation in cabinets, because they also have holes to be mounted/screwed on surfaces if you dont have rails eg in boxes. Only downside i found was the tab plastic gets brittle with some solvents. Even the price is ok-ish if you buy the 50+ package sizes. And there are eco-recycle green ones now, if it matters for your used numbers per year.

Your photography is awesome, the transparent pieces looked great in particular! 👍🏻

Wago is fantastic. I’ve worked with their DIN rail mounted terminal blocks and they’re the easiest and best ever. I may be biased because I nearly took a job there, but I really love what they do and wouldn’t expect anything but the way from them

"Pacman V-Notch"... Always interesting to learn new technical terms from professionals ^_^

4:20 - Part of the reason why soldered wires pop out easily is the same concept I mentioned in my comment on the last video; solder creep. See; the 3D printing fires of circa 2019-2020. This is a reminder not to tin wires that are going to be crimped or clamped. Thanks for taking these apart. Very cool look inside these.

@junkerzn7312

4 ай бұрын

Generally I agree, because crimps and clamps do not necessarily make solid contact with tinned wire. That said, they will NOT pop out easily from a WAGO. The WAGO isn't just doing a compression clamp, there's also a bit of an edge at the far end of the metal part when putting the wire through that prevents the wire from backing out. If a wire is not long enough when inserted and doesn't make it past the far edge then it can be pulled out fairly easily. But if it is cut to the correct length so it goes complete through the metal part of the clamp, it won't.

Thanks Clive, I appreciate you showing what's inside the original.

"Vagohhh" - Grande Clive 2024

Wagos is one of those things that I wish I knew about sooner. The same goes for tools like Knipex. Some tools just make life easier.

@Inkompetent

4 ай бұрын

It's maybe 15 years ago now, but just happened to sit beside a man from Texas on the bus here in Sweden. He was visiting Sandvik Coromant to be trained in electrical maintenance of the machines he was going to work on (Sandvik was building a factory in USA), and he had just bought tools for $5k or something because he couldn't get Swedish and German tools for less than twice that price in USA, if at all (for example stuff like Knipex). He was so happy to be able to buy quality tools instead of what's generally available in the states. Makes me sad to hear that brand protectionism goes so far that a lot of quality stuff basically can't be bought across the pond (same with for example Kempi welding machines). :(

Twisting: Lightly turning it back and forth to catch loose strands can be okay, but frequently you're better off clipping the wire and getting a fresh end. You also risk contaminating the wires with corrosive skin oils or mechanically damaging them with pliers. So: a very light finger twist if there are loose strands, being careful to touch the copper as little as possible. Depending on the situation, using a file might also be in order. Dunno how Wagos and feels get along. The last big writing project i did with stranded used the stacking DIN rail contact blocks, and all the wires going into those got ferrules. The other end of the wire typically has a ring lug or quick disconnect crimped on.

One day I'll treat myself to a hundred of these! I do love the 3x red yellow blue clone ones and the +- to two +- ones though. Super useful for small 12v stuff.

@RFC3514

4 ай бұрын

They're not even that expensive per unit, if you buy large boxes. I just wish they had a "Y-split" connector (one connection on one side, two on the other) that could fit into standard Legrand conduit channels. The "3 on the same side" ones don't quite fit.

I use Wago 221 connectors all of the time for electronics projects. They're so handy to insulate the end of a wire you've yet to connect or have disconnected to try something - obviously when you're powering the circuits. I also have them on bench power supplies so i don't have to keep connecting wires to those screw binding posts. They're definitely a quality of life improvement when tinkering with projects.

Great to see a teardown! This will be a popular video

Wago's have been a game changer in the last few years ..I've never seen one fail ..yet...I've seen electrical cabinets burn out and the wagos clips still have hold of the bare wires ..I use lots of these to replace the inevitable loose Wire nuts on machinery that has been shipped from the 'states' , Some new machinery from the USA is now comming with Wago's so the message is getting through....Wago also make a very good range of Din rail industrial connectors and accessories ..Good job mr clive you just reminded me to order a couple more 60 packs of these , I've nearly run out....sounds like an advert eh .. but as an old industrial sparkie these have saved me so much time and have thankfully displaced 'chockolate blocks and wire nuts'

@hochhaul

4 ай бұрын

I'm an industrial electrician at a manufacturing plant in the US and we have started to switch to Wago, particularly in control cabinets.

WAGOs are my favorite connectors. They really work wonderfully for all types of wire. I use/reuse them, with various gauges of wires, all the time, while working on projects. In particular, for stranded wire, I started using ferrules in combination with the WAGOs about a year ago. The ferrule's plastic guard perfectly fits into the WAGO and the rectangular nature of the ferrule crimp is the perfect length and also prevents the wire from twisting while in the WAGO. I did some major testing at high amperages to make sure the connection was solid, and it was. The WAGO didn't even get warm. And the compression ensures that it stays that way. For solid wire connections, in-wall, or in-fixtures, I also usually put a few wraps of electrical tape to prevent accidental lifting of the tabs and also to prevent the wire from being able to twist inside the WAGO. (Ferrules obviously can't be used with solid wire). The only way to pull a wire out of a wago without using the lever is to rotate it while pulling. Takes quite a bit of rotation to work it out but still, good to make sure the wires can't do that and in cramped spaces you don't want anything levering-up the release either. In anycase, I live by these things. They can take a lot of abuse, too. -Matt

We LOVE Wago Lever Nut products in my lab - you can keep reusing the wires after you take them out, which is great when you are connecting solid wire to stranded wire.

I twist. Love those connectors too, they come in very handy.

They simply changed my life! Since I was recently introduced to them at my local TLC elecrical stockist, I've never gone back to that "old, miserable life" of trying to do up/chew up choc block terminals. I've even used them in place of terminal blocks in electronics projects, particularly the one-sided common bus 3 and 5-way Wagos.

I love these connectors! What i think i like most about them is their simplicity and ease of use, its realky difficult to get it wrong(although im sure some will manage), but in general, are quite fool proof which in a world where people are cash strapped and more likely to attempt diy home jobs, these will make that part of the job(arguably the most important part)that bit safer.

Wago seems to be the standard for electricians now. I’d question someone who wasn’t using Wagos.

@ccc5226

4 ай бұрын

I don't use it... I use old common screw connections, what do you have with this Vago? everywhere only vago vago, I open the fridge and there's a vago

@RFC3514

4 ай бұрын

Well, some use Uaygos, some use Vahgos.

@D4no00

4 ай бұрын

@@ccc5226it's the new shiny product for cool kids. Don't bother listening to these kind of advises if you know what you are doing.

@RDEnduro

4 ай бұрын

Sometimes wire nuts are more appropriate, or using a box etc. if you can't do it yourself you'll always have questions.

@vablo7198

4 ай бұрын

@@ccc5226 screw connections can get loose. thats why instead of screw clamps in cars they use spring clamps for example. Wirenuts or Wago. Wago if you value your time.

You know what Clive, this is the first time I've ever trusted a Wago connector after seeing your teardown. Thank you for doing that.

Twist was what I was taught. It doesn't have to be tightly twisted, but it is mainly to avoid stray strands that might cause problems later.

Excellent vid Clive. Love your detailed reverse engineering of even the simplest things. I’m sold on Wago now.

i love wago! they are just so handy. i also twist the wires.. if you dont the wires poke everywhere unless you insert the cable with like laser precision.

Just checked PES material composition on WiKi and from this I conclude that Chineseium 'Wago's' are probably made of a Polycarbonate which melts at lower temperature. Not twisting the wires allows them to flatten across the spring contact. Polysulfones are a family of high performance thermoplastics. These polymers are known for their toughness and stability at high temperatures. Technically used polysulfones contain an aryl-SO2-aryl subunit. Due to the high cost of raw materials and processing, polysulfones are used in specialty applications and often are a superior replacement for polycarbonates.

*edit* I'm wrong here, see discussion below. Not sure if you were aware, but those levers are only for releasing the wire or inserting stranded wire. They're so much faster than you think, as they're meant for solid core to be pushed in while the lever is down

@junkerzn7312

4 ай бұрын

Actually not for WAGOs. You use the lever to release and insert the wire, solid or stranded. There are other similar knock-offs that are push-in, but not WAGOs.

@juweinert

4 ай бұрын

@@junkerzn7312 Yes, the WAGO ones are designed to be used like that with solid core wire. You don't need to open the lever for inserting solid core

@juweinert

4 ай бұрын

Eeeeh, I just tried the 222 and you're right, those don't work. Sadly I don't have a 221 here to test but I'm 100% certain I used WAGO lever connectors that way often, but can't remember which model it was

@junkerzn7312

4 ай бұрын

@@juweinert I have five different types of WAGOs in front of me right now. I can insert 14 AWG solid copper wire without using the lever, but 16 and 18 AWG wire bends more often than not if I try without using the lever. So the answer is no. Now to clean up all these fresh copper clippings. hehehe.

@juweinert

4 ай бұрын

@@junkerzn7312 This is so crazy. I'm 100% convinced and I totally know I'm wrong 😂 I saw it myself, totally trust your tests but the feeling is still there. The only conclusion I could come to is that I must've mixed that up years ago in my brain with either Phoenix or Weidmüller connectors or some variety and then deeply engrained a false memory... *smh*

Twisting since I can think! And I love the Wago connectors. So easy and efficient to use.

When I remember right (I was told this), about 25-30 years ago these were still illigal to install here in the Netherlands. Even though they were already used in other countries (but less common). In the house I lived in, they were therefore replaced by an installation-company (not installed by me). Same actually on some places in my current house, also original Wago's were replaced with the twist-systems, I think around 20 years ago.

All the tests i've seen really show how great these connectors are. I will admit that twist caps make a better connection but only because its not the cap that is making the connection, its the wire twisted around the other wire for virtually no resistance load added. Vs a wago which runs a bus bar. But considering how well designed these are you are FAAAAR more likely to burn out a cheap outlet tab or destroy the tabs in a light before actually destroying one of these wagos. All the destructive tests I've seen were just end to end with a wago in between. Would love to see a test with source to output such as an outlet with a whole lot of load on it, and see which fails first. The wago connections within the branch circuit, or the sources that use the power themselves...

Thank you so much for the quick review!

01:17 - Repeatability is always the first requirement for a reputation for good quality. Repeatability requires effective control over all quality-affecting processes. Thank you for this video, Clive.

I twist the stranded wires with Wagos, but I tend not to for crimping connectors.

Finally found the real ones, and will never go back to the other stuff. They really are worth the price

Thanks for this BigC - I really like these connectors, I appreciate the “on the inside” explanation. 💪

I keep a good amount of them on standby and every time I encounter any type of fastener I replace them with WAGO, no matter the application. It is just so much easier and safer.

Meanwhile in the USA , "nah I'm good with wire nuts thanks" crazy. But then that's a country where if you accidentally pull a live socket from the wall your fingers will be wrapped around exposed live and neutral contacts.........

@tubastuff

4 ай бұрын

Well, "back-stab" receptacles and switches are still being sold...

Great video Clive. If someone is going to get critical about surface contact area of these connectors, then they are using the wrong size connector. I use original Wagos at work, always twist to keep strands tidy. If I wanted more surface contact, due to high current, then use a higher current rated connector.

Clive, you can push solid conductors, (as used in US residential Construcion), into the lever style WAGOs. And to determine whether to use similar non WAGO connectors, look for an imprint of an Independent Test lab. The WAGOs have all had a UL seal on them.

GreatScott! was the first person I heard mention these shortly before my contractor friend used them for something he helped me with. Such a handy thing

I've been using wago for a long time, standard connector for me, the name-brand equivalents are also good, I believe companies like wurth and TE connectivity make some For the twisting, I twist them lightly so the strands are kept together while inserting, I like using wire strippers that don't pull the insulation off completly, so I can grab it by the loose insulation, twist and pull it off, without touching the copper

Teams in the competitive robotics league I am involved in have begun using these because they cover the range of (most of) the wires we use (between 22awg for signal to 12awg for 12 volt dc power) and I quite like them for the fact that they are fast and easy and require no crimping, unlike the Anderson PowerPoles many teams used prior. They are also pretty impact resistant thanks to that nice spring, the PowerPoles need the little plastic locks (or zip-ties around the pair). After some fiddling I find the little orange lever loosens somewhat but it still bends the spring open and the spring does all the real work. I have had no real complaints with them.

@MrWhite2222

4 ай бұрын

They make a model that goes up to 10 awg! Part number for the 3 way for 12 awg = 221-413, while the 3 way for up to 10 awg = 221-613. Just replace the 412, 413, or 415 with 612, 613 or 615 to get the 10 awg versions 🙂 The 10 awg versions are rated for up to 30 amp @ 300 V (The 12 awg are rated for 20 amp @ 300 V) This further calculation for 12 volt DC is from an Ohm's law calculator and is NOT from the company, but shows that the 10 awg (30 amp) models should be able to handle 750 amps @ 12 volt (9,000 watts. 30 amp @ 300 volts and 750 amps @ 12 volts both = 9,000 watts.) [20 amp @ 300v = 6,000 watts in comparison. 500 amps @ 12 volts.)

Great macro photography. It goes without saying that the connectors are good 😂

I usually crimp an appropriately sized ferrule on to the wire to stop any strands from going where I don't want to. Plus it gives the Wago something a bit bigger to bite onto. I have had stranfs break off inside the Wago when not using a ferrule.

BigClive just keeps 'em coming and coming. He's unstoppable!

You are absolutely right about Chinese clones of the type you showed. Purchased on several occasions from different suppliers: so far I have found two types by dismantling them. One is completely equivalent to a WAGO: the conductive part of the clip is copper and the spring is steel, separate and with the exact same shape and thickness. The other, identical at first sight, has the entire clip made of one piece THIN steel and does not have the curvature of the spring, just an acute fold. I wouldn't bet on the plastic used in either model, even though the ones with the better clip look more "chunky".

I have been using WAGO's for a life-time already, they never ever failed on me. I do twist my stranded wires but that's just to make sure I get all the strands in as I usually use wire-gauges to the spec'd WAGO's. (read: not too big but definitely not too small, of course) I do try not to use soldered wires as solder does not really like mechanical pressures, such wires do deform over time and potentially could get (too) loose. As for WAGO's I would say: often imitated never surpassed!

Probably the best to use instead of the cheap ones, thanks Clive 😊

I thought those were hexbugs in the thumbnail and got really excited for a second

I believe the official pronunciation (used by the company in their promotion materials, etc) in English markets is "wah-go", so that's what I've trained myself to call them (but to be honest, I have the distinct feeling the company doesn't really care what you call them, as long as you keep buying them :) ). Regarding twisting vs not, as long as you get all the strands inside the connector, I don't think it really matters that much. I usually do a very slight twist just to make sure I don't catch a strand and get a stray whisker when putting them in, but I don't worry about actually twisting very tightly. One of the real benefits of this design is that it is self-tightening, so if the wire untwists inside the connector over time due to wiggling around, etc, it will just make for a tighter connection in the end (but even if it doesn't, I'm pretty confident it'll still make a plenty-good connection even with twisted wires, so either way is fine).

Whenever I use flex with wagos, I always use bootlaces. It's a bit overkill but the connection is usually way stronger. I use little bits of bootlaced wires and wagos to hold things up in my workshop now lol

Nicely designed and made product. The quality is definitely worth spending a few more pennies for in line voltage wiring. Thanks for the overview and details. Cheers!

You should always wiggle stranded wires in these and all connectors to ensure full contact is made, and will not be affected by vibration.

once again thanks for all you do.

@bigclivedotcom

4 ай бұрын

Thanks. Much appreciated.

I was told never to tin wire that was to be used in a screw terminal as the solder deforms under pressure with time and the connection loosens. I guess it's not an issue with these as the spring maintains the pressure.

@kti5682

4 ай бұрын

If your litz wires move they can break at the tin easily I heard beyond the deformation bit, so I always use ferrules now. Also flux residue is not an issue.

Got to love WAGO. All their kit is superb.

I could have done with these inline Wagos last week. Had to settle with crimping the connections.

I like them, easy to make changes with due to reuseabilty.

Super cool video. I was just going to do the same thing. Tear one apart to see how it works. I just started using them at work and they're fabulous! Thank you so much for doing this video!

@bigclivedotcom

4 ай бұрын

Hi Joe. The first time I came across these was in the condenser unit on a supermarket pack. I was sceptical at first, but have since come to love the things.

I love Wago! Thanks for this examination!

Thanks in part to my late grandfather, I have a supply of wire nuts that will probably last a lifetime. They haven't been a problem for us, but one does need to be careful how they're used.

Remember when wagos first started to appeared in the uk and most sparks,,me included, were wary ,preferring our old tried and trusted terminal blocks ,through crimps and landmine junction boxes .First time i used em in anger and i was convinced,cant remember last time i used a round JB . As for twisting conductors,only on flex, dont bother on the 7 strand "conduit" wire .

@bigclivedotcom

4 ай бұрын

First time I saw them in a control panel I was very sceptical. But they are the way ahead.

The connectors are designed to provide proper contact when solid wire is used. Twisting up stranded to work as solid will give a similar contact area compared with solid. I don't see a problem with the practice.

In continental Europe carpenters, plumbers, joiners, tilers, painters, HVAC and other artisans never call electrician (probably to finish their work faster), so WAGO is developing DIY-friendly connectors.

The only twist you should put in them is maintaining the natural twist of the wire and no more. I understand the concern about careless whispers, but just take extra care on insertion. This applies to all crimped connectors like Faston and Ferrules too

I use sago connectors to wire exit signs and they are great

Always remember to strip wires at least 11mm like displayed on these connectors and fully insert the wire. If you do those two things, you'll be sure these result in a reliable connection. Just to be sure, gently pull the wire after connecting, just to make sure it's working as intended!

I no longer purchase or use wire nuts, for me it's now Wago all the way. Much more convenient, and they stand up to re-use quite well. I purchased some LED tube lights off Amazon (Barrina brand) and their pigtails are rather short. By the time you fish that pigtail through a proper gland and into a junction box, there's precious little wire left over; and certainly not enough slack to use wire nuts if I wanted to.

I don't use a ton of those wago-style connectors, but when I do yse them I DO twist the ends of the wires.

I have made an extension box with strain relief for the 221 in-line connectors. Which is quite popular at MakerWorld model 200513

These look SO much better than wire nuts. I will keep them in mind for my next wiring project. I assume they make them for 12 AWG solid wire?

Great advice and info, yet again from The Master Electrician.

Haven't found a better no-solder solutions for electrical connections than WAGO clamps, avoid the rip-offs, the avoided hassle with installing and troubleshooting is easily worth the extra money imo.

I've used clones of these for car radio installs. Perfect for that kind of stuff.

@BerndFelsche

4 ай бұрын

Make sure that it's not located in a damp place... Or seal with heat shrink. WAGO also has gel boxes for the 221 series, suitable for connections in wet areas.

@Dreddy72

4 ай бұрын

ive done the same for my car radio too. much easier to swap between head units when you cant decide what you want and are just rummaging through cheap android units.

Gentle twist to stop loose strands snagging

I used those connectors in ebike. They are amazing. I was expecting them to start melting, but they are not even warm with 25 amp cotroller.

I come from Germany and have always pronounced Wago like (German) Wagner. I think it's perfectly fine to pronounce it in English in an English context. (When I try to pronounce "Xiaomi", it sounds like "burning rice" instead of "millet" to Chinese people)

I like putting resistors between them to power LED bulbs. One day i hope to see a wago computer, just a huge wire harness that computes.

They are my ‘goto’ connector if I need to make any joints within my ring main.❤️