WAGO terminals: how to use correctly, characteristics

Types of WAGO terminals

The following types of clamps are available:

PUSH WIRE - flat spring clamp.
CAGE CLAMP - reusable terminal blocks.
FIT-CLAMP - self-clamping terminals.

In the first type, PUSH WIRE, the spring performs two main tasks:

holds the wire, thereby pressing it to the bus;
Protects against cables being disconnected from each other due to its location.

Their spring is at an angle to the cable, so connecting it is much easier than disconnecting it. When this happens and they try to remove it, the spring will crash into it with its end. The contact group also has a special feature. It is not designed for frequent removal, so the cable and spring may be damaged.

Also touching on the spring, it is worth noting that it provides very little resistance, but it is enough to make it difficult to connect a stranded wire. And if it has a high class of flexibility, then it is impossible to connect it without using a special rigid tip.

CAGE CLAMPs, on the other hand, were designed to be used multiple times. Its spring is flat, curved, with a rectangular socket for the cable in one part, for the current-carrying busbar on the other. The busbar and wire are connected to each other due to elastic force.

If you press on the spring from above, the window opens slightly, which allows you to remove the cable without effort. In this case, any flexibility class is suitable.

FIT-CLAMP has been produced not so long ago and is based on a mortise contact. To work with this terminal, you do not need to strip the conductors, which greatly simplifies the work process.

The following wires are suitable for connecting wago terminal blocks:

Single-wire copper and aluminum.
Stranded copper.
Multi-wire tinned.
Stranded with different types of tips (sleeve or pin).

Of course, each of the types presented above requires its own type of terminal. However, it will be difficult not to find a suitable one, because in addition to the types, these devices have different series.

Series 222 – only copper!

These are reusable clamps with a lever. They come in 2, 3 and 5 nests. On their body there is a technological hole for control devices (current detector, multimeter). The series is intended for rigid and flexible wires with a core cross-section from 0.08 to 2.5 sq. mm. The clamp is also suitable for very flexible wires with fine-wire cores up to 4 sq. mm, having flexibility class 5 and 6.

Wago 222 are intended for use with copper wires only. There are inscriptions on the terminal block housing with information about the load currents. On the sides there are data according to the standards of Japan and the USA, where the mains voltage is 110V. For European countries and Russia, information about currents is indicated below. It is stamped on the body of the clamps that they can be used on wires with a cross-section of up to 2.5 square meters. mm with load current up to 24A. When using very flexible wires 4 sq. mm current 32A allowed.

An important condition for electrical installation is the introduction of a straight conductor into the clamp body without bends or traces of oxide. It must be stripped of insulation to a fixed length of 10 mm, which is indicated on the back of the terminal block.

If there is no stripper, stripping can be done manually and its length can be checked by placing the end of the wire against a special mark on the back of the clamp, which is found on any series. If you strip too short, the insulation will get into the clamp and there will be no contact.

If you overdo it with the length, the clean core will protrude from the terminal block, which can result in electric shock.

Series 221 – for copper!

A distinctive feature of the Wago 221 series lever terminal blocks is the presence of two technological sockets for measuring voltage parameters. Such blocks have a transparent body, which allows you to visually control the process of clamping the cores.

Wago 221 is significantly more compact than the 222 series. They allow installation of wires with a cross-section from 0.2 to 4 sq. mm. Permissible load current up to 32A, regardless of the type of wires. The series is intended only for copper conductors.

A few words for opponents of Wago terminal blocks

To those who talk about the fragility of such terminal blocks, we can say the following. It is enough to compare screw terminal blocks with self-clamping ones. The latter are much easier to install and save a lot of time. But that's not the main thing. Any screw clamp weakens due to the fact that with the slightest heating of the wire, the oxide on its surface burns, reducing the cross-section. This will lead to even greater heating - and so on in a circle. Therefore, screw terminal blocks must be tightened at least once a year, and preferably more often.

PHOTO: torg-electro.ru Such terminal blocks will have to be stretched periodically to avoid heating

Now - as for Wago. The clamping springs of these terminal blocks exert constant pressure on the wire, which means that even if the oxide burns, the contact will not weaken.

How to pull out the wire correctly

The 222 series clamps are extremely easy to dismantle - you just need to lift the lever and pull out the conductor.
Extraction of species 273, 773 is carried out thanks to rotational movements. The procedure for pulling out the cable is prescribed in the manufacturer's instructions.

Reusable terminals are subject to constant dismantling. Such actions are performed for conductors with one core. But it is also necessary to understand that after each pulling out, microdamages remain on the cable, affecting its further operation.

If there is excessive damage to the cable, it is recommended to cut off the end of the wire and insulate a new section. If you frequently remove wire from core 773, you must carefully protect the wire end each time. For this reason, terminal 773 is not recommended for repeated use.

Connecting wires with an Easy-Protect coupling

And finally, a universal product has appeared that makes it easy to use wago clamps now not only in dry buildings, but also in wet rooms and even outdoors.

This thing is called Easy-Protect gel coupling.

Don’t be alarmed by the word “coupling”; there is nothing complicated about installation here. These products are produced by Cellpack (a joint venture of Germany and Switzerland) and consist of two halves.

One is apparently made in Germany, the other in Switzerland, after which everything is put together in China

This is a kind of protective case filled with a ready-to-use gel compound. The gel is not silicone!

A few words for opponents of Wago terminal blocks

Such terminal blocks will have to be stretched periodically to avoid heating

Now - as for Wago. The clamping springs of these terminal blocks exert constant pressure on the wire, which means that even if the oxide burns, the contact will not weaken.

Scope of use of Wago terminal blocks

When installing electrical wiring on the scale of large objects and small rooms, it becomes necessary to connect sections of power cables at nodal points. To do this, distribution boards and junction boxes are installed, into which the ends of the wires are inserted and switched there in the required order.

Weak, poor contact will over time cause the joint to overheat, prematurely oxidize and fail. This is fraught not only with disconnecting the consumer from the power supply, but also with the danger of fire with smoke and fire.

Therefore, special attention is paid to connecting parts of electrical wiring. One method is twisting, followed by soldering and winding a layer of insulating tape. The method is reliable, but labor-intensive and time-consuming. To speed up this process without losing the quality of the connection, various types of connectors, also called terminal blocks, were invented. Most often these are screw-clamping structures in a non-conducting polymer housing.

Wago has come up with a different mechanism and offers a wide range of mounting elements for industrial and domestic facilities:

terminals for DIN rail mounting;
installation terminals for distribution boxes;
removable connectors;
terminals for field mounting.

For work on wiring an electrical network with a voltage of up to 380 V, with a circuit load of up to 7 kW and a current of up to 32 A, it is convenient to use Vago clamps with the ability to connect wires with a diameter of 0.75 mm to 4 mm. Recently, clamps for wiring with a core cross-section of up to 6 mm have appeared.

Wago terminal blocks are used in various fields.

What is better to use, twist or Vago

In an electrical circuit, a break is most likely at the junction of the cables. The cause of the rupture is the occurrence of transition resistance, which most often begins to exceed normal limits when there is poor contact between the conductors. As a result, overheating, insulation melting and short circuit may occur.

In the near past, twists were very popular. Sometimes their ends were soldered or fastened by welding, which significantly extended their service life. Now the technology of twisting wires without sealing or welding the ends is prohibited by the rules of the Electrical Code. Vags have been used for connecting wires relatively recently; they are legal and are considered more reliable and easier to use than twists.

Advantages of Vago over twisting

Easier to install, do not require experience or special knowledge.
Universal clamps containing technical petroleum jelly allow you to connect aluminum wires to copper wires.
It is more convenient in terms of redoing the connection and sorting out the wires, since 10–12 mm of cable is consumed per connection, in contrast to twisting, which requires 10 cm at a time. When twisting a second time, you can find yourself in a situation where you need to relay the entire cable, since the reserve is consumed much faster.
Does not require additional insulation from moisture and air.
The contact density does not deteriorate over time.

Advantages of twisting over Wago clamping

The new twist has better resistance values than Wago.
Withstands severe loads.
Can be done without purchasing additional items, tools and equipment. All you need is insulation and pliers.

At first glance, it may seem that twisting is better than Wago, since its resistance indicators are lower, it is done quickly and without the use of additional tools. Many supporters of twisting appeal to these facts, and also demonstrate clear experiments when they test two connections under extreme load and Vago melts faster than the twisted insulation.

In reality, such experiments only demonstrate the resistance of connections to loads. Nobody conducts experiments on twists that were 10 years old. It is known that due to periodic heating and cooling, twisted cables either expand or contract, so the contact gradually worsens. And the older the twist, the worse the contact and all other indicators. Also, twisting requires skill and experience from an electrician. If it is not done by a professional, the results can be very disastrous.

How to carry out work in water and land

During electrical installation work, a situation often occurs when it is necessary to fasten electrical wiring under water or in the ground. Now we will briefly look at the features of each case!

In water (for example, when installing a submersible pump), it is recommended to use the following technology. To begin with, the ends are soldered, after which the soldering area is carefully insulated with hot-melt adhesive, over which heat shrink is applied. If everything is done efficiently and conscientiously, the joint will be airtight and safe. Otherwise, a short circuit may occur and the electrical network may fail.

To connect an electrical wire in the ground (for example, after it has been mechanically damaged), it is recommended to use the method provided above (hot glue and heat shrink), but it is better to protect yourself and use the following technique. Clamp the ends of the cable using a terminal block, install a sealed junction box, and then carefully fill the box with a special silicone sealant

Please note that the underground route must additionally be placed in a pipe or box to ensure reliable protection from rodents! It is also recommended to unite the damaged ends of the electrical wiring in the ground using a special cable coupling, as in the photo below!

It is also recommended to unite the damaged ends of the electrical wiring in the ground using a special cable coupling, as in the photo below!

That's all I wanted to tell you about this issue! If any nuance was missed, we advise you to watch visual video lessons. We hope that now you know what kind of connectors are best to use for certain application conditions, as well as how the wires can be connected in a junction box.

General points: how to work correctly with WAGO terminals

There is more than one video online showing burnt or melted WAGO connecting blocks. But there are thousands of other connections that have been in operation for years and nothing happens to them. It's all about following the rules, which simply cannot be ignored.

The conductors must be stripped to the recommended length. No more, no less. This is not a whim, but a requirement based on precise technical calculations, testing and safety. The length of the exposed part of the conductor is designed so that the insulated wire enters the terminal block. This prevents electric shock when touched, and also protects the contact itself.
Copper or aluminum wires should not be coated with oxides.
Oxide films significantly impair electrical contact. Therefore, it is better to remove the insulation immediately before using the terminal block. As a last resort - if the wire is too short - the oxide film must be removed. For ease of measurement, it is possible to connect tester probes
When using WAGO self-clamping terminal blocks with paste (into which the wires are simply inserted), reuse of the block is not possible. Even if you just inserted the wires and then discovered that something was connected incorrectly. The wire can be pulled out, but the previously stripped part must be cut off and stripped again. And you need to use a new terminal block - along with the old wire, you removed some of the paste. Subsequent use of this pad does not guarantee proper contact.
When connecting rigid wires of large cross-section, it is advisable to use plates to unload the bundle. This will ensure a stable position of the conductors and the contact will not become loose.

In general, these are all the basic rules. They are not that complicated. And one more thing: you should not use wires with a smaller cross-section than what the load requires. Yes, copper is expensive, but electrical is not where you should save money.

Internal organization

“Vago” terminal blocks are a series of terminals for wires located in one housing and connected by a common conductive busbar. The number of clamps corresponds to the number of cables that the terminal block can provide contact between. In detachable ones there can be from 2 to 5, and in one-piece ones - from 2 to 8.

The design is a steel spring mechanism with a two-part copper contact, the flat part of which is adjacent to the inserted end of the wire, stripped of insulation, and the forked part covers it around the circumference with force. The contact feed regulator ensures the same connection density for all cable diameters indicated on the marking.

The connector body is made of non-flammable polymer dielectrics, which provides the necessary level of fire and electrical protection. In almost all models, the part of the body where the wiring strand is clamped is made transparent for visual inspection.

Varieties, their advantages and disadvantages

By design, Vago terminal connectors are flat, cross, hexagonal, bolted, spring, screwless and screw. Screw flat, cross and hexagonal models are used to make electrical wiring, supplement a junction box, secure the contacts of a car battery, sockets, light switches, connect groups of lamps according to some scheme or telephone wires, and install powerful equipment.

Note! Screw-bolt and spring-type terminal models are needed to connect grounding circuits on a player or power strip. Required to protect the speakers of alarm and acoustic devices. They have a green screw and special wire grips - “teeth”

They have a green screw and special wire grips - “teeth”.

Main types

Vagos are distinguished by the absence of the need for additional installation devices, the ability to connect dissimilar wires (for example, aluminum and copper), and the ability to connect conductors with different cross-sections within one connector. They also take up little space in the distribution box and have an insulated housing. They are durable and can be dismantled and reused.

Durability of the design

The disadvantages are the possibility of fire or melting of products, high price. Interestingly, fire occurs with non-original products. Distinctive features of the originals are the characteristic lever shade of the case, the rear markings and the wire stripping pattern in the center.

For lighting equipment

For lighting equipment there are Vago terminal blocks of the 294 and 294 Linekt series. They are needed to connect thin-core, single-core, and stranded wires without pre-preparing them. Thanks to a special plate, you can relieve tension. Supports a maximum current of 24 amperes. There are also models 272 and 293 for lighting equipment. In the first case, they are suitable for wires with a 2.5 mm cross-section. In the second case, they are suitable for wires with a direct grounding contact.

Connectors for lighting equipment

For electrical work

For electrical work, there are models of the 224, 243, 2273, 273/773, 222 and 221 series. The former are specially designed to connect single-core conductors to stranded ones. The second - to service low-voltage systems. Still others are to service wires in junction boxes. Fourth - to serve single-core conductors with a 2.5 mm cross-section. Fifth and sixth - to connect and service any conductors with powerful currents.

For electrical work

For mounting on a base

Connectors for installation on a mounting base come in three types - 862, 260-262 and 869. The first are designed to connect four conductors and help in switching crimped, ultrasonic and unprepared conductors. The second ones are needed for side and front installation. Still others have support legs or mounting flanges. Used for four-millimeter terminals.

For mounting on a base

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of Vago terminal blocks:

no special tools are required to connect the wires;
switching of cores made of dissimilar metals (for example, aluminum and copper) is allowed;
The clamp design allows you to connect wiring of different diameters;
it is possible to remove the device for reuse (in some models);
a lubricant is applied to the contact plates to prevent the formation of oxides (applies to some modifications);
each wire uses its own clamp to connect;
due to their reduced dimensions, the clamps take up little space in the distribution box;
The plastic housing provides insulation of the electrical wiring cores.

Flaws:

According to the operating rules for electrical installations, when using Wago products, it is necessary to provide access to distribution boxes.
It is not allowed to install aluminum wires without applying quartz vaseline paste to the contacting surfaces.
There are a large number of fakes on the market that do not correspond to the declared characteristics.

An additional disadvantage of the products is the increased resistance of the joint, which is 1.5 times higher than the same parameter for standard twisted metal cores. An increase in resistance leads to an increase in heat generation and overheating of the clamp.

Due to the increased temperature of the plates, the connector body is destroyed, leading to short circuits. When using Wago elements, you should take into account the power of the connected devices and avoid overloading the electrical circuits.

The most popular types of WAGO terminals

At the moment, there are several classifications of products of this brand. They are based on criteria such as purpose, size, method of application.

The most modern categorization options focus on functionality, mounting points

For lighting fixtures

This category represents products that are intended for connecting chandeliers, spotlights, and sconces. These devices, designated Push-in CAGE CLAMP, are designed for easy installation without the need for wire lugs.

This group includes the following types of Wago terminals:

specimens of the 272 series are divided into isolated and compact varieties;
The 293 series is characterized by the presence of a grounding contact and a mounting leg with a latch;
Series 294 is designed for easy switching of single-core and stranded wires. In this case, the products can withstand current up to 24 amperes.

For electrical work

Universal products of this group can be successfully used at different stages of electrical network installation. The principle of fixing the wires is provided by spring clamps.

This group includes series designated by the following digital designations:

221 – with a transparent, convenient case, resistant to high temperatures, current and voltage;
222 – a universal, durable device for all types of wires, resistant to heavy electrical loads;
224 – for connecting single-core and multi-core cables;
2273 takes up minimal space inside distribution boxes;
243 – for single-core wires that are part of low-voltage systems;
273/773 are designed for single-core wires with a diameter of 2.5 and 4 mm.

For mounting on a base

Modular terminal blocks, fixing blocks are installed on a specific mounting base. 773 Series terminals can withstand currents of up to 24 amperes, voltages of 380-600 volts and high temperatures of up to 85 degrees.

These devices are divided into two groups:

1) 773-30x in a closed case with a lubricant that protects the metal parts of contacts and wires from oxidation;
2) 773-32x in a transparent case without lubrication with the ability to control the quality of the connection.

This type of terminals is suitable for lighting and home electrical outlets.

What happened before

Before the advent of terminals with springs, there were the following options for connecting conductors:

Twisting. The bare ends of the wires are pressed against each other, twisted along the x-axis in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The electrician does not need any tools other than a stripping knife. The method does not require any expenses and takes almost no time from the master. On the other hand, the connection is unreliable, disintegrates under mechanical stress, and over time loses conductivity due to oxidation of the contact surfaces. Twisting is not permitted by the PUE and is dangerous in fire hazardous areas. Copper and aluminum conductors cannot be connected in this way.
Bolted. The stripped contacts are connected by a washer pressed with a bolt. Option suitable for copper-aluminum chain. The electrician can adjust the strength of the tie; the connection does not fall apart when jerked. At the same time, it is necessary to tighten the bolt in a timely manner - over time, the pressure of the washer weakens. The more the contacts heat up, the faster this happens. It is inconvenient to tighten conductors with bolts in hard-to-reach places. The connection needs additional insulation.
Screw . Otherwise called terminal. The plastic case is insulation. The contacts are easier to press, but overtightening causes the clamps to crack. It is not allowed to use stranded conductors without lugs. Otherwise, they are flattened, reducing the interaction area.
Sleeve . Withstands external mechanical impact. Permitted by the PUE, can be used in electrical installations. Organic quartz lubricant helps prevent contact oxidation. Not always convenient for installation. When working, you need crimping pliers.
Soldering. Not for use on high voltage circuits. May melt when heated. Cracks in the cold or in aggressive environments. A poor-quality connection disintegrates under mechanical stress. Cannot be used in the absence of electricity and a soldering station. It is better to use in conjunction with a sleeve connection.
Welding . Provides the greatest contact strength. In fact, two conductors produce one solid one. To create a connection, you need to have access to power or a battery. Impossible without a welding machine.

The connection method is selected based on the specific situation.
The availability of permits, equipment, and ease of installation should be taken into account. The most convenient option in everyday life is spring terminals. They can be used in small boxes when connecting lighting fixtures. Advantages of spring terminals from Wago:

do not require additional tools;
allow you to create bimetallic compounds (copper-aluminum);
you can use wires with different cross-sectional areas;
allow secondary installation;
are produced with a lubricant that protects contacts from oxidation;
occupy a minimum of space.

The insulation is the body itself. When installed in dry, non-aggressive environments, no other safety precautions are required.

Which terminals are best to use for connecting wires?

The main purpose of the terminals is to connect the wires correctly. Depending on this, you need to choose products. To make a competent joint you need to select certain types of terminals. Products differ in rated current and wire diameter. All parameters are indicated on the terminal body. Some models may contain special filler inside. This gel prevents oxidation processes and improves the reliability of connections.

You can select a terminal block based on the housing material:

ceramic terminal block is used in electrical installations with special temperature conditions, for example, in power buses or in heating equipment;
polypropylene is a durable material with plastic properties. It perfectly withstands various loads and does not deform. Used for household lighting devices;
polyamide has excellent characteristics. Used for pads that require increased load;
carbolite is able to withstand static vibration loads;
polyvinyl chloride is used for blocks that are used for low-current connections. This could be lighting or household appliances;
Ebonite and textolite are also used for the manufacture of terminal blocks.

Errors when connecting wires and cables

Mistake #1. Selecting a cable brand. For each type of room, a cable is used that meets all safety requirements and the intended purpose of the electrical equipment.

Mistake #2. The choice of wire cross-section size is smaller than required. The choice of cable is made taking into account the technical parameters:

rated current value;
possible circuit losses;
calculation of the influence of losses on the design features of the electrical circuit.

It would be wrong to simply look at the tabular data of the standards. They indicate the parameters for ideal working conditions

It is important to take into account the temperature of a particular room, humidity, etc. It is not recommended to use copper wires with a cross-section of 1.5-2.0 mm2 and current values of 10-15 A

Mistake #3. There is no access to the contact cores of the conductors. When planning work with electrical equipment, you need to consider the accessibility of all working contacts. This situation occurs in office premises, where controlled boxes violate the interior concept and are placed in an inaccessible place.

Mistake #4. Poor contact of wires. This error is the most dangerous from a fire safety point of view. For connections, modifications to terminals, clamps, or welding or crimping are used. It is prohibited to use twisted wires as connections.

Mistake #5. Violation of the rules for using terminals. The connection of the WAGO terminal is carried out correctly only under the conditions of correct use of the specific model. Failure to comply leads to damage to the fasteners themselves, as well as to the contact conductors and, consequently, the operation of the system is disrupted.

Installation of terminal blocks

To complete the installation, several recommendations should be followed. They are simple and, using them, it will be easy to understand any algorithms for connecting wires:

The cables should be kept in reserve for one more use. Junction boxes must be opened for inspection. The terminals are mounted in mounting boxes. The terminal block is purchased with a reserve in terms of current passed. The total load of the lines in the terminal block should not exceed the rated current. When the terminals are already installed, the device checking their voltage should be connected to the required sockets. Aluminum oxidation must be prevented by using a paste. When the wires are stripped, it is more convenient to check the marks on the terminal block

It is important to consider the permissible device parameters

The same cannot be said about reusable models. Here the cables are also stripped, then inserted into the sockets and clamped by lowering the orange flag. By lifting it, the cable can be pulled back out.

Series 2273 – copper and aluminum!

This series is also equipped with a transparent housing for visual inspection of the clamp. It has a socket for indicator devices. It can be used to connect only monolithic wires with a cross-section from 0.5 to 2.5 square meters. mm, since it is not equipped with a lever, so the core must be pushed in to fix it. The series is primarily intended for copper conductors. For connecting aluminum wires, it is available in a version with a special paste inside the terminal block, which prevents oxidation of the metal. Clamps 2273 are designed for connecting wires in a junction box. Another option for using them is to build up a broken aluminum wire in a socket box. The permissible load current for such clamps with a wire cross-section of up to 2.5 kV. mm is up to 24A. When using modified clamps with paste for aluminum conductors, the load current is up to 16A.

The 2273 series also has marks on the back of the housing to monitor wire stripping length. The main condition for using the option with paste for connecting aluminum wires is the need to clean the surface of the conductors from oxide to shiny metal.

The principle of clamping in this series requires that, after fastening, the wires are laid in the mounting box with a bend at some distance from the terminal block. If mechanical stress is created, the conductors may pop out under load.

Vaga terminal blocks, characteristics

When carrying out electrical installation work, the problem of connecting several wires together at once often arises. You can use the method of twisting and soldering wires, but such a connection will be unreliable and unsafe. The connection point may subsequently heat up and even cause a fire in the wiring. In addition, the connection of copper and aluminum wires by twisting is not allowed. Terminals from the German manufacturer WAGO eliminate these problems and differ in characteristics.

Unlike twists and solders, Vago terminal blocks allow you to easily and quickly disconnect wires, change the circuit, or connect an additional circuit or device. Working with Wago terminals does not require the use of additional tools. After stripping, the wire is simply inserted into the terminal block and fixed in it.

The main design feature of WAGO terminal blocks is the absence of a traditional screw clamp. The fundamental difference between a screwless terminal block is that its installation does not require any tools or skills. The wire is easily inserted into place and securely clamped with a spring.

Internal design of WAGO terminal

The terminals are available in two versions: disposable, that is, they do not allow the wire to be removed back, as well as reusable, in which it is fixed by removing a special clamp. WAGO terminals for distribution boxes allow you to connect from one to eight conductors with a cross-section of 1.0-2.5 square meters. mm. or three conductors with a cross section of 2.5-4.0 square meters. mm. And terminal blocks for lamps connect 2-3 conductors with a cross section of 0.5-2.5 square meters. mm.

WAGO 2273 series terminals are designed for single connection and single-core conductors only. Used for connecting and branching single-core conductors made of aluminum and copper or stranded copper wire with a tip in AC electrical circuits. Used in distribution boxes. They have reliable protection against accidental contact with live parts of the connection.

These terminal blocks can be produced with or without filling with a special conductive paste. The paste is used to prevent oxidation of aluminum wires. Paste terminals are easy to identify and are available in black or dark gray.

WAGO 224 series terminals are used for connecting chandeliers, sconces, connects 2, 3 stripped copper and aluminum conductors from 0.5 mm2 to 2.5 mm2, both single-core and multi-core. It is possible to measure the electrical parameters of the circuit without violating the isolation of the connection.

WAGO 222 series terminals are designed for reusable use. Special orange levers are used to secure the wires. They allow you to easily disconnect the contact when reconfiguring the circuit or testing the circuit. These terminals are designed for connecting and branching single-core and stranded copper conductors in AC electrical circuits with a frequency of 50 Hz and voltages up to 380 V.

In order to connect the conductor, you need to lift the orange lever up until it locks. This opens a window for inserting the conductor, then you need to insert the conductor with the insulation removed into the input hole of the terminal and lower the lever to its original position. In this case, spontaneous disconnection of conductors from the terminal becomes impossible.

WAGO 243 series terminals are designed for connecting single-core copper conductors. They are widely used in distribution boxes of low-current circuits of video surveillance systems, security alarms, fire extinguishing systems, telephony, telecommunications and others. Due to the grooves, they can be assembled into blocks of several terminals.

WAGO 862 series terminals are used for connecting solid and stranded copper conductors. Used when connecting various instruments and devices. Attached to a flat surface using self-tapping screws.

Advantages of WAGO terminals:
Quick and easy installation in seconds.
A connection that does not require additional insulation.
Ability to connect conductors of different cross-sections from different materials.
If necessary, the connection can be easily redone.
The ability to diagnose a circuit without breaking it.
Careful installation, connection in cramped conditions or if the accessible part of the wire is too short.

Vago terminal blocks how to use

Most often, Wago terminal blocks are used in distribution boards and boxes, as well as for connecting lighting or other equipment. They can be used to connect single-core and stranded wires. Depending on the installation location and connection requirements, connectors are available in various series.

Wago terminals are available in two versions: disposable, that is, they do not allow the wire to be removed back, and reusable, in which it is fixed by retracting a special clamp. How to use Wago terminal blocks we will consider both options using the example of the two most popular series.

Wago 222 series terminal blocks are reusable. A special orange lever is used to secure the wire. It allows you to easily disconnect the contact when reconfiguring the circuit or testing the circuit.

Each conductor is inserted into a separate connector socket. The terminal block is based on a flat-spring clamp, which allows fixing conductors with a cross-section of up to 4.0 mm2.

To carry out installation using such a terminal, you should strip the insulation of the wire by about 1 cm, lift the clamp flag, insert the wire and release the clamp. The connection is ready! Thanks to the compact size of the terminal, it can be placed anywhere, including compact boxes for switches and sockets. Moreover, this type of terminal block does not require crimping of a stranded conductor.

Wago 773 series terminals are designed for single connection and single-core conductors only. Stranded ones can also be connected, but before doing this, their tips should be crimped. These terminal blocks can be produced with or without filling with a special conductive paste. The paste is used to prevent oxidation of aluminum wires. Paste terminals are easy to identify and are available in black or dark gray.

The connection is made in the same way: the wire is stripped and inserted until it stops. But, unlike the detachable one, there is no lever here, and fixation is carried out using an internal clamp that bites the wire and does not allow it to come out again.

In case of emergency, you can, by twisting and applying sufficient force, remove the wire from the terminal block. But it is strongly not recommended to do this, since this causes deformation of the fixing contact and the reliability of the subsequent connection is not guaranteed.

Connecting wires for reliable contact

Here you will be offered some tips on how to properly connect the wires in order to ensure reliable contact.

Copper and aluminum wires cannot be connected directly to each other. With such a connection, they actively oxidize, the electrical contact deteriorates, and heating occurs, which can lead to a fire in the wiring.
It is necessary to ensure reliable insulation of the connection point.
If there is moisture at its location, the necessary tightness must be ensured.

Now, in fact, about the main methods that allow you to connect wires conveniently and reliably. The oldest of them is twisting. I repeat that in this way you can connect wires only from the same materials. Not the best way, but very common.

The main requirement is to ensure reliable contact. To do this, the wires should be wound at a sufficiently large angle, and the winding process should be completed with pliers, applying sufficient force to compress their jaws.

Insulation can be done in different ways, for example, insulating tape, heat-shrinkable tubing, polyethylene caps, but it is more convenient and better to use connecting insulating clips (PPE), which, in addition to insulation, provide additional fixation of the contact.

Since the PPE has a coil spring inside, twist the wires and screw the PPE onto them in a clockwise direction. It is better to bite the ends of the twisted wires evenly. Screw terminal connectors can be used. In my opinion, this is not the most convenient or best way to connect the wires.

I cite it because it is often used when connecting electrical appliances such as chandeliers, sconces, and other lighting fixtures. WAGO connectors are quite easy to use. In Russian transcription they are known as VAGO, VAGA, VAGI. In order to connect wires using them, it is enough to insert the stripped conductors into the corresponding holes.

WAGO connectors are available for different numbers of wires, but it should be remembered that all seats of one connector have electrical contact with each other. Therefore, in order, for example, to connect zero and phase, you will need two of them. Do not forget: connectors are selected depending on the number, cross-section of wires, maximum switched currents, voltages, powers.

Well, in fairness, it should be noted that the most reliable connection of wires is welding. True, this process is more labor-intensive, so it is not mentioned often.

Which is better: twist or clamp Wago

We all know that it breaks where it is thin. It’s the same in an electrical circuit - during emergency conditions, a break occurs primarily at the junction of the wires, and not in the wire itself. This happens due to the appearance of transition resistance at the junction of the wires, therefore, the better the contact, the lower the transition resistance, the more reliable the electrical circuit.

In home electrical wiring, in the past, probably in 90% of cases, connections were made by twisting wires followed by soldering or welding, but often just like that. Sometimes bolted connections and terminal clamps were also used. But science does not stand still, and self-clamping terminals were invented to help electricians; now they are also called Wago clamps.

Work has become easier, more fun, when disconnecting in the junction box, you know, have time to insert the wires into the clamps, everything is very simple - insert it and forget it. There is no need to remove a lot of insulation from the wire, 10-12mm is enough, no need to twist the wires or insulate them. The only negative is the inability to connect flexible wires with Wago clamps.

Why is twisting worse? Is she really that bad and loses in all respects to the Vag clamp? I somehow felt offended for her, especially when you read on the forums - “Twisting is illegal!”, or “Twisting is used only by amateurs, this is the last century!” and so on.

Now, I don’t consider myself an amateur and have made many connections using twists - with and without welding, and I think that a well-made twist is no worse than modern clamps like Wago. I decided to test these two connections and find out how they behave under different operating modes - nominal, maximum operation and emergency mode - severe current overload of the wire.

I took four pieces of copper wire with a cross-section of 2.5 squares, two of them were connected by twisting, the other two were connected with a Vagov clamp, purchased in a store and intended for this cross-section of wires.

Previously, I had already “tortured” the Vag clamp and tried to measure the parameters of the contact resistance. I was never able to measure the resistance because I couldn’t find a device; a microohmmeter is required. Then I began to reason like this: if there is a transition resistance, then heating will occur in this place when an electric current flows above the permissible one.

The heat will cause the insulation on the wire to melt, and if there is a higher transition resistance in the twist, then the temperature will be higher, and the insulation will begin to melt earlier. This means that it is necessary to turn on the same load through these two connections, and with a current greater than the permissible one for the same time at the same room temperature. After which it will be possible to indirectly draw a conclusion: which wire connection is better - twisting or Wago clamp.

To test my assumptions, I assembled my own test bench. The wires were connected in series through the terminals of modular machines, and as you know, when two conductors are connected in series, the electric current is the same. This means that at any given time the same current will flow through the connections being tested.

All that remains is to connect the load and measure the temperature at the twist and clamp for comparison. At first I decided to make the current a little more than rated - 30 amperes. The temperature was measured with a pyrometer and a thermal imager. After 1.5 hours of testing, the temperature at the twist became a maximum of 43.9 degrees, at the Wago clamp - 56.9. The difference is small. But she is! So far the twist is winning.

Moreover, I didn’t even weld the twist – I just twisted the wires tightly and that’s it. I left the wires under this current for another 3.5 hours and the following measurements showed that the temperature did not change.

The next stage is to turn on a load with a current of 50 amperes. After just 20 minutes, the temperature became 82 degrees at the twist and 96.4 at the Vagov clamp. I kept him under this current for three hours. The temperature did not change, the insulation did not melt.

Copper wires can withstand twice the permissible current, although they are in the same insulation and located in the air, that is, their heat transfer is better than, say, wires under plaster. Of course, if these same wires were laid in the wall under the plaster, they would become much hotter.

And finally, I decided to turn on the wires at 80 amperes to see what would happen at three times the permissible current. And here I saw with my own eyes how the twisting withstands the current, and the Wago clamp began to melt from the heat and the wire insulation began to swell and become covered with bubbles, and the melting begins from the Wago clamp! With twisting, you can see that the wire heats up evenly along its entire length from start to finish.

After literally two minutes of testing, I was done. The insulation on the wires is swollen and blackened. We can draw conclusions: twisting won in all respects!

I saw that the transition resistance of a wire connected by twisting is almost zero, but the Vagov clamp has it and is much greater. So, ardent opponents of twists have a worthy answer in the debate between twists and the Wago clamp: there is no need to be so categorical and blindly reject what has been used for decades - I’m talking about twists, of course.

Well, in favor of the Vagov clamp, I want to say that it can be used where the current does not exceed the permissible limit, and there is also access to service this contact connection.

Advantages of Vago terminal blocks

In essence, the described terminal is a flat-spring type clamp, but after modification by specialists it received the following advantages.

A separate clamp is provided for each cable.
The dimensions of the terminal blocks are very compact.
Thanks to the high quality of the connection, the likelihood of inaccurate installation due to the “human factor” is completely eliminated.
Current-carrying elements are perfectly protected from accidental touches.
During operation, the conductors are not damaged or deformed.

But the main advantage is increased safety and reliability. After all, if, for example, hidden wiring is installed in the ceiling, then you want to be sure that it will not short out, burn out inside the terminal block, or cause other troubles. But, despite such reliability, all terminal blocks described provide for the possibility of control and access.

Installation operations when installing branded clamps

The most common use of Vago terminal units is when installing wiring in distribution boxes and panels, connecting lighting fixtures, and household equipment. Using proprietary devices, it is possible to create connections from single-core and stranded wires.

Emergency situations most often occur at the junction of several wires. This occurs due to the occurrence of transition resistance at the joints. It is important to select suitable wire connectors to meet the following requirements:

no screw connections;
long service life;
resistance to vibrations and high temperatures;
increased insulating properties;
manufacturing materials are fire resistant;
compliance with voltage and current in the network.

How to use Wago terminals? Switching electrical conductors using the Vago terminal is carried out in several operations:

cleaning the cable from insulating material to a distance of 10–15 mm;
moving the flag-shaped clamp to the upper position;
inserting the core into the terminal, moving without zeal until it stops;
snapping of the clamp when moving it to the lower position, while the wires are secured in the terminal.

Vago terminals are filled with a special contact paste. Aluminum conductors are automatically stripped of their oxide film and receive a lubricant that protects against oxidative processes. If signs of oxidation in the form of a dark color are noticed before installing the mounted aluminum cables, thorough mechanical cleaning should be carried out.

The specific pressure that is created at the contact point promotes strong fixation of the surfaces of the laid conductors in a layer of soft metals - lead and tin, which make up the support rail. This gives the resulting connected unit vibration resistance, reliability and protects the contact point from the destructive effects of corrosion.

Is it possible to connect cables by twisting?

According to the rules of the PUE, twisting is prohibited, as it does not provide reliable contact. It can only be used in conjunction with another connection method. It is also unacceptable to use twisting to join two different metals.

Stranded and single-core

When connecting multi-core wires, the following rules should be followed:

strip the insulation by 4 cm;
unwind the conductors by 2 cm;
connect to the junction of untwisted conductors;
twist the wires only with your fingers;
You can tighten the twist using pliers;
bare wires are insulated with special tape or heat shrink tubing.

Twisting solid wires is much easier. They need to be stripped of insulation, twisted by hand along the entire length, then clamped with pliers and insulated.

Twisting methods

You can do twisting in different ways. It can be made by branch, parallel or series connection. Also, to improve the reliability of contact, caps and clamps are additionally used.

Correct twisting of electrical wiring in a junction box

When twisting, you need to follow the following procedure:

cut off power to a house or apartment;
clear the wiring of 4 cm or more of insulation;
unwind the wires by 2 cm;
connect untwisted wires to the junction;
twist the veins with your fingers;
tighten the twist with pliers;
insulate exposed wires.

Both single-core and multi-core cables can be connected.

Twisting of different sections

Do not twist wires with very different diameters. Such contact is not reliable and stable. You can twist wires of adjacent sections - for example, 4 sq. mm and 2.5 sq. mm. When twisting, you need to make sure that both wires wrap around each other. A thin wire should not be wound onto a thick one, otherwise the contact will be unreliable. Then you need to solder or weld the joint.

Twist caps

The caps help to reliably insulate the contact point. The cap is made of fire-resistant material, inside it there is a metal part with threads.

Making twists using caps is quite simple - you need to remove 2 cm of insulation and lightly twist the wires. A cap is put on them and turned several times until the metal wires are inside.

With terminal clamps

The contact clamp consists of a screw, a spring washer, a base, a current-carrying core and a stop that limits the spreading of the aluminum conductor. Making a connection using a contact clamp is simple - just strip the ends of the wires by 12 mm and insert them into the hole in the clamp. Contact clamps are used for both solid and stranded conductors.

After twisting, the wires need to be soldered. To do this, the wires are tinned and rosin is applied to them before twisting. The heated soldering iron is lowered into the rosin; it needs to be passed along the stripped part of the wiring. After twisting, take tin on a soldering iron and heat the joint until tin begins to flow between the turns. This method takes a lot of time, but it is reliable and of high quality.

What it is

Vago terminal blocks are special devices used to make electrical wiring connections. They are much safer than twisting. Needed to tighten electrical cables without damaging them. Very convenient devices for creating a completely sealed wire connection without damaging the contacts. In special situations, the cable can be placed in a special terminal lug, and then attached to the connecting lug and secured under the screw head. Such electrical devices are pass-through.

Vago terminal blocks

Advantages and disadvantages

Such devices really make electrical installation work easier and faster. It makes sense to combine all the benefits into a list before deciding whether a similar type of connection is suitable for each particular case. So, the advantages of wago terminal blocks:

Wago is quick and easy to install. You just need to strip the wire. Moreover, the stripped part is required much shorter than when installing on twists

Fixation takes a matter of seconds, which is very important for an electrician. Thanks to the special plastic housing, no additional insulation of the connection is required.

Dimensions of triple connector Vago 222 series

You can mount wires with different sections, as well as those made of different metals (copper and aluminum). The contact will not oxidize over time, which means the connection will not lose its density and will not heat up. Convenient and simple dismantling. If a wago 222 series terminal was used, unconnecting the junction box is as easy as installing it

This is especially important when using brittle aluminum wire, which is rarely enough to twist a second time. You can ring the wires and find the phase without uninstalling the connection; for this purpose, there are special holes in the terminal block into which the multimeter probe can freely fit. The installation turns out to be very aesthetic, which is also important, since if everything is neatly located in the distribution box, then when you subsequently add consumers or reconnect, it will be much easier to understand the wires. Accessibility of installation even if the wires are very short and full twisting is impossible. Such devices do not require maintenance during operation, and therefore are economical in terms of the cost of periodic inspections.

As for the shortcomings, we can name only one, which is probably inherent in any connection. This is the need for easy access to them. Well, since this is not critical, we can assume that there are no shortcomings at all.

Series 224 – for copper and aluminum!

The series differs from the previous ones in that it has a conditional input with 2 wires and one output. It is used to connect to a monolithic wire with a cross-section of 1-2.5 square meters. mm. At the output it is possible to fix rigid and flexible wires with a cross-section of 0.5-2.5 square meters. mm.

Series 224 is designed specifically for connecting luminaires. The clamps are fixed on the main wire with a solid core, and allow connection with flexible wires that go directly to the lighting equipment. The series includes an option with paste for aluminum conductors. The presence of two inputs on the clamp allows the installation of lighting equipment under the loop, which may be required when wiring spotlights. There is also the option of using series 224 clamps to temporarily connect an extension cord to a wire without installing an outlet, which is important when carrying out construction and repair work in rooms with unfinished electrical installations.

Compliance with all the subtleties of electrical installation and choosing the correct Wago clamp guarantees a reliable connection without the risk of overheating the terminal block or loss of contact. Wago clamps are not limited to the 222 series, which is often used in absolutely all cases, including in conjunction with aluminum conductors. When performing electrical installations, you must initially calculate what connections will be made and select the appropriate type of clamps for them. This will guarantee safety and reliability.

How to connect

To connect the cores inside the case, ordinary vago clamps of the 221-412,413,415 series are used.

Connect the wires through them and place the clamp in the gel solution.

Then snap the two halves of the coupling together so that the gel comes out and tightly covers the terminals.

Technical characteristics of the coupling:

case size No. 1-No. 3 (wago up to 4mm2), case size No. 4-No. 6 (wago up to 6mm2)

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rated current – up to 32A

operating temperature – 85C (we allow heating up to 105C!)

To prevent spontaneous opening there are “locks” on the sides.

Just three steps:

123

And a reliable connection with the IPX8 degree of moisture protection of the contacts is ready.

At the same time, Easy Protect provides not only moisture, but also mechanical protection.

How to choose terminals

In any market, when some successful product appears, its counterfeits soon appear. This case is no exception, so when purchasing terminal blocks you should be careful and check the following points:

All Wago products have the manufacturer's name on the end; they do not put it on fakes. The colors on fakes are most often dull or dirty, while the original levers on the device are bright and light.
The reverse side of the original device contains a small instruction manual in schematic form and the size of the cable stripper. Forgeries don't have this.
The original terminal block has two markings containing the rated throughput current and operating voltage. On fakes, most often only the voltage is written, and usually it is 250 V.
The counterfeit contact strip is much thinner than the original one. In addition, it is magnetic, which is not the case with the device from the German manufacturer.
For original parts, part of the body will be transparent.