Wago connecting terminals: types, design, characteristics and connection rules

WAGO connecting terminals are designed for the fastest, most convenient and at the same time reliable connection of wires. In fact, this is an analogue of the traditional twisted wire connection, wrapped with electrical tape. In contrast to the old, time-tested method, the use of terminals made using the certified technology of the German company WAGO gives an advantage in time and reliability at the same time, since the disadvantages characteristic of twisting disappear. Let us remind you that the electrical tape may become damaged or begin to unwind over time, the twisted conductors themselves may begin to oxidize, which can lead to loss of contact quality, and the like.

In addition, unlike well-known terminals with screw connections, Vago terminal blocks are much easier to use in practice, especially when working at heights, on shaky stairs, in hard-to-reach conditions. They use a spring connection, so there is no danger of tightening the screw too loosely or too tightly - either of which, again, can lead to an unreliable connection.

Let's figure out what these new terminal blocks are, what they are like and how to use them.

Purpose of terminal blocks from Wago

The main purpose of Vago terminal blocks is to simplify electrical installation. For a normal connection of wires, it is necessary to twist, crimp or solder. This takes up valuable time and effort. The use of Vago connectors allows you to connect wires in a matter of seconds.

Connecting wires using Wago clamps

This leads to secondary tasks that can be achieved using terminal blocks:

• increasing the pace of wiring;
• saving insulating materials;
• greater visibility of electrical wiring for repair personnel;
• possibility of operational switching in the circuit;
• quick replacement of damaged electrical installations.

Application of stranded wires

As I already said in the articles, stranded flexible wires are connected through Wago 222 terminals with a lever. However, flexible wires can also be connected through disposable 773. To do this, you need to use tips:

Flexible wire with lugs. The two tips on the right are not crimped

The tips are crimped using a special tool; pliers are not enough:

Tips for wires. Crimping in action

After this, you can use flexible wires on the same basis as rigid wires using one type of Wago clamp. For example, like in this photo:

Flexible wire into disposable Wago 773 through lugs

Another bonus is the tool and tips.

Crimping pliers, popularly known as crimping tips

Who doesn’t like IEK, you can use the branded one from Wago

Tips are sold in different sizes

They have different colors for convenience. May vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

And they can be stored in this case

Design and principle of operation of the block

In the basic configuration, the terminal clamp consists of two parts:

1. Wire clamping mechanism. Made of tinned electrical copper. The purpose of the clamping mechanism is to secure the cable core and maintain reliable electrical contact between the wires.
2. Insulating housing. Made from flame retardant polyamide. Protects people, bystanders and wiring components from contact with the live clamping mechanism.

Wago terminal design
Additionally, Wago terminal blocks can be equipped with marking plates, built-in diodes and protective sealing covers.

The principle of operation is to clamp the wire with a spring. Some connector models have a special lever (often orange) for this purpose. It is needed to open the mechanism and allow the wire to enter the clamping area. For others, it is enough to simply insert the cable with the tip into the spring mechanism, and it will open on its own.

Note. There are Vago grounding terminal blocks. The wires that connect to them are electrically connected to the DIN rail fasteners. Such pads are used strictly only for grounding. They are easily distinguished by the yellow-green color of the case and metal latches. If you connect a phase wire to such a terminal block, there will be a short circuit to ground and a risk.

WAGO Ground Terminal

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.

Device and technical parameters

The terminal is a flat-spring action clamp, which with its entire area exerts pressure on the surface of the wire and does not cause damage. The Vago connecting clamp provides excellent contact due to the highly concentrated clamping force, which creates low contact resistance over the entire contact surface.

To manufacture the current-carrying rail, electrolytic spring-hard copper with a soft tinned surface is used. The surface coating is made with a tin-lead alloy (60% tin and 40% lead), which protects against corrosion for a long time.

For the manufacture of clamping springs, high-quality austenitic chromium-nickel steel is used; it has a very high tensile strength.

Polyamide is used as insulating materials. It has a number of advantages:

• absolutely neutral to corrosive processes;
• it has the property of self-extinguishing;
• is difficult to ignite.

For Vago terminal blocks during operation, the lower temperature limit is -35 °C. The upper temperature indicator for short-term exposure is from 170 °C to 200 °C (depending on the type of terminal block).

Connectors of this type are used not only in household electrical networks, but also in industrial production. Therefore, their technical characteristics have a very wide range of values:

• cross-section of connected wire cores – 0.08-95 mm2;
• operating voltage – 100-1000 V;
• rated throughput current – ​​6-323 A.

Technical characteristics of Wago distribution terminals for wires

Property	Meaning
Guaranteed maximum current carrying capacity	232 A
Guaranteed maximum voltage	1000V
Maximum conductor cross-section	95 mm2
Permissible peak voltage	8 kV

Terminals from the German manufacturer WAGO are designed for quick connection and distribution of electrical wiring, reducing installation time by several times, which allows you to cope with a large amount of work. The design advantage of WAGO terminals, as opposed to screw terminals, is that they have spring contact with the electrical wire, which does not require the use of screwdrivers. WAGO terminals allow you to connect wires of both mono and stranded wires.

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.

Advantages of terminal blocks

Wago terminal blocks have an impressive number of advantages:

1. They do not require any maintenance during operation.
2. There is a separate terminal clamp for each of the connected wires.
3. The connection does not require additional insulation.
4. During operation, self-clamping terminal blocks of this type are absolutely safe, since they completely exclude the possibility of a person touching live parts.
5. At the point of contact, the connection is gas-tight, which eliminates any possibility of oxidation of the exposed wires.
6. To connect wires using such terminal blocks, an electrician does not need to make any additional efforts or have special knowledge and skills. Installation is quick and neat; you don’t even need to use a basic screwdriver. This is a huge advantage in cases where wiring has to be installed in hard-to-reach places and large volumes, or work in poor lighting conditions.
7. The Vago connecting clamp has compact dimensions.
8. If necessary, the connection can be easily redone.
9. Due to the springs, Vago terminal blocks are impact-resistant and highly vibration-resistant.
10. They withstand excess humidity, exposure to aggressive environments (for example, fuels and lubricants) and high temperatures (as they are made from materials of the low-flammability category).
11. Since the spring terminals are adjusted to a specific core cross-section, the applied clamping force is optimal. This eliminates the possibility of thermal deformation or damage to the wires. Thus, Wago terminals provide a reliable contact connection for the entire period of operation.
12. In a distribution box with such connectors, order and aesthetic appearance are always guaranteed.
13. And, of course, a plus that all terminal blocks have is the ability to connect wires made of different metals (for example, copper + aluminum).

The only disadvantage is that the connectors must be located in places accessible for inspection and work at any time. But not only Vagov terminals have this drawback; it is inherent in absolutely all detachable connections.

Example 3. Repair of distribution unit

In this (I don’t dare call it a box) ... This box of wires has everything - the input from the entrance (wires thinner than one and a half rubles, turning into aluminum, turning into a ball-and-socket screw with single-layer insulation, and rigid wires, and flexible wires, and copper, and luminium.

How did it work? Don't know. The owner called me when he himself caused a short circuit, and the floor of the apartment was left without voltage. At the same time, the entrance Soviet machine gun 25A did not work, which is natural.

I temporarily restored the power (the wires were burned out) by using two Vagos (222 and 773, can be seen at the top of the photo):

Repair of old aluminum electrical wiring. The worst thing is that people lived with this for many years, it was simply covered with plaster, and the machine was set to 25A!

A couple of days later I came again, first threw out everything unnecessary, and figured out what came from where and where. I also threw out the wires from the entrance, I will lay new ones later:

Repair of old aluminum electrical wiring. On the left there are wires - light for the toilet and power supply for the entire apartment. Down – toilet and bathroom switch. On the right is the bathroom light and kitchen power.

Now, using pieces of hard copper wire and Vago terminal blocks for different numbers and different types of wires, I assemble a circuit:

Repair of old aluminum electrical wiring. The VVG3x2.5 cable from the entrance comes from below. Wago 222, Wago 773 with and without paste were used.

Here's what we ended up with:

Repair of old aluminum electrical wiring. Vago helps out great!

Of course, if you do everything wisely, you need to completely change the wiring in the entire apartment. But such a task was not before me.

I am calm about my work and this apartment, especially considering that it is now powered through a 16A circuit breaker. And the most powerful consumers are the washing machine and refrigerator.

Types, types, series

I divided all produced terminal blocks into different series. They are classified according to the type of wires for which they are intended. The clamps also differ in that some series are completely filled with paste inside, while others are produced without it.

And one more difference between terminal blocks according to the type of clamp:

• flat-spring (the wire is attached under spring plates);
• CAGE CLAMP (flat clamp);
• FIT – CLAMP (clamping by mortise contact).

Connecting clamp terminal blocks are most widely used for connecting lamps and for connecting wires in distribution boxes and panels. Let's look at the most popular models.

Features of the 733 series

There is a cheap type of terminal block, which is marked Wago 733. This series is intended for one-time switching of cores. They do not have a lever, and the wire is fixed inside the terminal block using an internal lock; it seems to bite the core and prevent it from moving in the opposite direction.

Terminal blocks of this type are designed for voltages up to 400 V, rated current up to 20 A. They are used to connect single-core wires.

Some models are produced with a paste that performs a protective function and makes it possible to switch aluminum wires (it prevents oxidation). These models are gray in color.

Paste-free clamps have transparent bodies and colored inserts. The model with a transparent body is considered more advanced, as it makes it possible to control the process of connecting the core, as well as the quality of its fixation in the terminal block.

There are two options for connecting copper to aluminum in the 733 terminal block. You buy a clamp without paste and purchase separately conductive paste, which you insert into the socket where you will connect the aluminum core. Or, on the contrary, buy a clamp with paste and carefully clean it in the socket where you will need to insert the copper wire.

The switching process is very simple. The core must be stripped of the insulating layer by 10-12 mm and inserted until it stops.

You can remove the wire itself by twisting it, but you will need to apply considerable force. It is clear that you will no longer be able to use this clamp in the future, since when the wire is removed, the fixing contact of the internal lock is deformed.

Wago 733 series clamps are available in variations from two to eight switched wires.

About episode 733, watch this video:

Features of the 222 series

To connect multi-core wires, terminal blocks of the Wago 222 series are used.

These clamps have a number of advantages over others:

1. They are reusable.
2. The lever mechanism firmly and reliably fixes the wire in the clamp.
3. Quick diagnosis of electrical faults. To test and determine the damaged area, simply remove the wire from the clamp, test the circuit and, if it is working properly, fix the wire back. While twisting for such diagnostics will require removing the insulating layer, unwinding the wires, then twisting them again and insulating them.
4. The terminal blocks of the Wago 222 series have a special rectangular groove through which you can connect the tester probe and call phase-zero and determine the operating state of the contact.

The terminal blocks of this series have orange levers. Switching is also very simple. The lever rises, thereby releasing the spring clamp. The stripped cable or wire is inserted into the hole, after which the lever is lowered and securely fixes the core.

Using this model, you can connect stranded wires to single-core ones. Series 222 is produced without paste, designed for voltages up to 380 V, rated current up to 32 A. It is used not only for lighting devices, but also in junction boxes.

For more information about episode 222, watch this video:

Other series

The 273 series terminal blocks can connect up to three wires with a cross-section from 1.5 to 4 mm2. They are equipped with a paste inside, which makes it possible to work with aluminum wires.

Series 274 is intended for lighting circuits, designed for wire cross-sections from 0.5 to 2.5 mm2. There are models with and without paste (for copper conductors).

wago 243

Series 243 can rightfully be classified as “micro”; the operating current of such terminal blocks is up to 6 A.

862 series terminal blocks are used to work only with copper conductors; they can connect from two to five wires with a cross-section from 0.5 to 2.5 mm2. The housing of such a clamp can be mounted on any base using self-tapping screws.

Clamps of the s series are also produced; they can be used to connect wires without first removing the insulating layer on the conductors. Their operating principle is based on the use of a mortise contact. This is one of the latest developments, which significantly simplifies and speeds up installation work.

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.

The general requirements for connecting wires are as follows:
• 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.

1. A separate clamp is provided for each cable.
2. The dimensions of the terminal blocks are very compact.
3. Thanks to the high quality of the connection, the likelihood of inaccurate installation due to the “human factor” is completely eliminated.
4. Current-carrying elements are perfectly protected from accidental touches.
5. 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.

Terminals for lighting equipment

WAGO lighting terminals provide ideal connections between solid and fine stranded conductors. Thanks to certification as independent equipment according to EN 60998, WAGO lighting connectors can be used in virtually all electrical connections between solid and fine stranded conductors in the home and building services.

• Ideal connection of solid conductors with thin stranded conductors.
• Easy wiring installation without tools - especially convenient when working at heights
• Suitable for a wide range of applications, including connecting devices with flexible conductors to fixed installations (eg curtain motors).

What is the best way to reliably connect two cables together?

Methods of connecting cables that require equipment and skills in the field of electrical engineering:

• soldering;
• welding;
• crimping with sleeves.

Simple connection methods that do not require tools or knowledge:

• connection using terminal blocks;
• spring clamps;
• PPE caps;
• bolted connection.

The choice of connection method depends on the characteristics of the wires. It is necessary to take into account the type and material of the core, the number of wires, and operating conditions.

With soldering

Soldering is a common method of connecting cables. To work you need a soldering iron, rosin, solder and sandpaper. How to connect wires by soldering:

• stripping of insulation;
• cleaning from oxides using sandpaper;
• the conductors need to be tinned - rosin is placed on the wire, it is heated with a soldering iron until the wire is covered with rosin;
• the conductors are assembled together, bubbling rosin must be applied to them and heated until the solder spreads;
• The soldering area is cooled.

The complexity of the process lies in the availability of professional skills. Do not overheat the solder area or twist it when heating, otherwise the insulation may melt

It is important to ensure high-quality and reliable contact of the wires. Soldering is used in low-current electrics

No soldering

Wires are connected without soldering using special connecting elements. It is also possible to connect the wires by twisting. Twisting is the simplest method that does not require equipment, but this method is also the most unreliable.

It is prohibited to use only a twisted connection according to the rules of the PUE.

Copper

Copper wire can be connected using terminal blocks, Wago clamps (necessarily using special paste), using a bolt, or soldering.

Aluminum

Aluminum wires can also be connected using any method, but with some special features. When connecting, the metal must be manually stripped of insulation.

Copper and aluminum wires cannot be connected directly. The connection point becomes very hot and over time the contact weakens. Therefore, it is better to use terminal blocks, wago, bolt connection or special branch clamps.

Universal connection terminals for all types of copper conductors

From intercom system wiring to electric ovens, various types of conductors can be connected quickly and easily using WAGO 221 Series compact connection terminals.

• Connect conductors of any type without prior preparation
• Combine conductors of any types and sizes
• Easy to use operating lever for contactless connection
• Ability to carry high currents up to 32 A
• Thanks to the locking holder, it is ideal for use in switchgear applications

How reliable are they?

Since the appearance of WAGO terminals on the market, there has been constant debate about whether they are good or not. Those masters who are against it say that the contact area is too small, over time the springs will become weaker, the contact will be even worse. The contact area is really small. But the WAGO connection terminal was invented in Germany, which has the strictest construction standards in Europe. Based on this, you can use these connectors according to the application.

WAGO feed-through terminals - quickly and reliably connect wires

Second point: these terminals are used for wiring all over the world, including the USA. Everyone knows how things are with the judicial system: they can sue for anything. If the products were of poor quality and unreliable, the company would have been sued a lot and would have gone bankrupt long ago. In general, speculative conclusions are unlikely to be taken into account. And practice shows that WAGO terminal blocks are convenient and reliable. You just need to follow the rules for their use.

There is only one point that needs to be monitored. Aluminum and copper oxidize, and as a result, the connection degrades, contact deteriorates, and it begins to heat up. We have not yet fully learned how to deal with this. Therefore, when using terminal blocks of any type, including WAGO, it is necessary to periodically inspect the connections. If you notice strong darkening, the connection needs to be updated. Then there will be no problems.

PUSH WIRE® Connectors for Junction Boxes

Our products support wide cross-sections: MICRO PUSH WIRE® Series 243 connectors are specially designed for small diameters (eg in low voltage installations). Series 2273 products can be used to terminate solid conductors up to 2.5 mm2 (14 AWG); 773 Series products accept connectors up to 4/6 mm2 (12/10 AWG).

• Compact dimensions
• Fast wiring due to simple insertion of solid conductors
• Connecting conductors without tools
• Thanks to the locking holder, it is ideal for use in switchgear applications
• Reusable
• Transparent housing allows you to verify that the conductor is inserted correctly

HF device

The official website of any wago supplier for connecting wires is ready to offer wago products in the widest range. Catalogs of branded products (for example, wago official website www. wago com. ru) offer hundreds and even thousands of items. Structurally, the models of different series differ from each other, however, the basic principle of the Vago terminal block design is the same for all products of the manufacturer - the WAGO company (Germany).

KV is a spring clamp-clamp consisting of the following structural elements:

1. Housings with holes (connectors) made at one of the ends for the entry of conductors.

Additional Information. Depending on the number of connectors, the vago terminal block is called two- or three-pin, five-wire, etc.

Samples of HF produced by WAGO

Polymer dielectrics are used to make the housing: modified polyamide and polycarbonate, which have self-extinguishing properties.

1. A spring retainer made in the form of a plate made of chromium-nickel spring steel bent in a certain way. The spring clamp of the terminal block, due to the narrowly directed pressing force, ensures high-quality electrical contact of the copper busbar with the surface of the cable conductor.
2. A copper busbar, with the help of which the conductor strands pressed in the clamp are combined into a single electrical circuit.

Spring clamp device

221 Series Lever Splice Connector

Setting new standards for all types of copper conductors from 0.2 to 4 mm², the new Series 221 lever connector combines all the key benefits of the versatile, compact Series 221 terminal blocks in a sleek design.

• Feed-through connection of single-wire, stranded and fine-wire copper conductors with a cross-section from 0.2 to 4 mm² in a line.
• Compact design allows connections in confined spaces.
• Disconnect and connect conductors using a lever without using tools.
• Various types of fixation and installation are possible using an adapter.
• Contact a wholesale supplier in your region.

Terms of use

No matter how easy it is to install Vago cable terminal blocks, when working, you should take into account the features of the products and all the rules of electrical installation.

• A clamp is a standard and approved method of connecting wires. Therefore, using WAGO terminal blocks is in no way inferior to welding or soldering.
• Models with paste are designed to work with aluminum conductors - the composition protects the core from corrosion. For copper conductors, clamps without paste are required.
• For each electrical circuit, you need to select a cable of a suitable cross-section. And only according to this indicator choose the terminal block.

The terminal specifications must match the intended voltage and current.

Review of popular types of terminal blocks

There are several classifications of Vago terminals. They can be grouped by size, purpose, method and place of application. But the most convenient division into categories is considered to be a combined classification, which takes into account both functionality and installation location.

Let's consider the main groups of terminal blocks used for the electrical network. We will not consider terminal blocks with a choke, a capacitor, as well as for transformers and printed circuit boards due to their rare use in domestic conditions.

Category #1 – for lighting equipment

The category includes several types of products designed for connecting spotlights, sconces, chandeliers and other lighting equipment.

Kinds:

• Series 294 and 294 Linect® are used for switching fine-core, single-core and stranded wires without prior preparation. A special plate can be used to relieve tension. Maximum current – ​​24 A.
• The 272 series for wires with a cross-section of 2.5 mm² is divided into insulated and compact terminals.
• The 293 series is distinguished by having a direct ground contact and a snap-on mounting foot.

The advantage of this category is the development of Push-in CAGE CLAMP, thanks to which there is no need to put lugs on the wires or seal them before installation.

Optionally, a PE earthing contact can be installed directly below the wire connection so that the metal housing can be integrated into the protection system

On one side there is a hole for connecting a third contact with a cross-section of 0.5-0.75 mm².

Category #2 – for electrical installation work

This is the largest and most popular group, since the universal devices presented in it can be useful at any stage of arranging an electrical network.

The basic principle of connecting conductors is the abandonment of screw contacts and the use of spring clamping mechanisms.

Kinds:

• Series 224 is a specially designed device for connecting a single-core conductor to a thin stranded one.
• Series 243 - for servicing low-voltage systems that use 1-core wires of small cross-section - 0.6-0.8 mm.
• Series 2273 are compact yet powerful devices for saving space in junction boxes.
• Series 273/773 – for 1-core conductors 2.5 mm² and 4 mm². Recognized as the best-selling in the world.
• Series 222 are universal devices for all types of conductors, withstanding even high currents.
• Series 221 is an improved version of the 222 series with a transparent compact case.

Products of the 221 series are especially popular in Russia. Due to their reduced size, they are often used where space is limited, for example when many connections need to be squeezed into a small junction box.

The transparent case makes it possible to carefully examine the installation results: how long the cores are inserted and how correctly they are stripped

Installing the terminals is easy due to the well-thought-out design: due to the recesses on the sides, the connectors do not slip out of your hands, and the lever does not require much effort to manipulate.

Which series the terminal block belongs to can be determined by the markings on the housing. From it they guess that this is an original product and not a fake

Inside the plastic case there are tinned rods protected from gases. Despite the apparent fragility, the terminals can withstand heavy loads. They are capable of transmitting current up to 32 A and 450 V at a maximum temperature of +105 ° C.

Universal terminals 222 series are no less popular due to their simple design and reasonable price. Their versatility is explained by the possibility of switching conductors with a cross section of 0.08-4 mm².

Convenient lever devices are used when installing telephones, blinds, pumps, and installing lighting, audio and video equipment. No tools are needed

The advantage of the series is the ability to make a bridge connection between two conductors of different cross-sections and types, for example, single-core and thin multi-core.

Category #3 – for installation on a base

Locking terminal blocks and modular blocks are not loose or hanging without support. They are installed on a plane - a mounting base.

Kinds:

• Series 862 - housing blocks are designed for connecting up to 4 conductors, allowing you to switch crimped, ultrasonic sealed and unprepared conductors.
• Series 260-262 are for side mounting, and 264 are for front mounting. These are modular terminals and blocks for installation on a DIN rail.
• Series 869 is used for terminals up to 4 mm². They are fixed on the front side and equipped with support legs or mounting flanges.

What exactly to choose, terminals or blocks, depends on the amount of work, the number of conductors and electrical installation tasks.

All products in the listed series have special fastenings for DIN rails, holes for mounting conductors and clamps that ensure a reliable connection

Also, all pads have special holes - measurement points for testing after installation. The design is designed in such a way that it is easy to attach marking tape and indicate the purpose of each module.

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:

1. According to the operating rules for electrical installations, when using Wago products, it is necessary to provide access to distribution boxes.
2. It is not allowed to install aluminum wires without applying quartz vaseline paste to the contacting surfaces.
3. 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.

Some tips for using Wago

If you are going to use such terminal blocks in lighting networks or in any other networks with a current limit of up to 10 A, then use Wago clamps safely, you don’t need to know any nuances or subtleties here.

When using terminal blocks in a network with a load of 10 to 20 A, the cleanliness of the conductor surface plays an important role. In addition, a circuit breaker must be installed in the circuit (10, 13, 16 or 20 A).

For loads above 25 A, it is better to stop using Wago terminal clamps and use soldering, welding or crimping wires.

You can independently increase the reliability of the connecting clamp, for example Wago 733. If your load reaches the maximum value, then proceed as follows. Strip the cores of the connected wires by 20-30 mm and insert them as expected into the terminal block. Now, turning the clamp clockwise, twist the remaining exposed parts of the wires and insulate them. Rest assured, the reliability of such contact has increased several times.

User manual

To install the cable into terminal blocks with a lever control system (in the Cage Clamp mechanism), you need to lift the handle up until it stops. The insulator layer is removed from the surface of the cable, and special markings are applied to the clamp body to determine the length of the bare busbar. The metal piece is inserted into the Wago device and then the lever is lowered .

A steel spring clamp installed inside the casing presses the core against the copper busbar, ensuring current transmission. The design allows you to disconnect the wires and use the terminal several times.

When using Model 773 disposable devices, you must:

1. Using an electrical tool, remove the insulation layer from the cable core to a length of 8-10 mm. There is a measuring ruler on the clamp body that allows you to determine the required size. No twisting or soldering of stranded wires is required.
2. Insert the cable into the terminal window until it stops without applying additional force. If the electrical wiring is elastic and bends during installation attempts, then a metal tip is installed on the exposed wire. If the connection is not made correctly, do not attempt to reuse the 773 Series terminals. When opened, the elasticity of the contacts is lost, which do not provide the necessary fixation of the wire.

When using Model 224 elements, you must install a pre-stripped hard wire in a square hole in a round window with an automatic latch. To fix the core, you need to lower the lever.

How to distinguish a fake?

The manufacturer Wago has proven itself best in the electrical goods market. To avoid buying a cheap fake, familiarize yourself with the differences between terminal blocks made in Germany and China. First, what you can see immediately in the store during an external inspection of the product:

1. The flags (or levers) on the Chinese terminal block are of a darker (or one might even say dirty) orange hue; in German they are brighter and lighter.
2. On the end of the original product there is nothing written on the Chinese clip.
3. On the reverse side of the terminal block, the German manufacturer places schematic instructions for use and dimensions for stripping wires. In the Chinese copy, the reverse side is blank, nothing is written or drawn there.
4. On the German terminal block, two values ​​are indicated on the side - operating voltage and rated throughput current. In Chinese, the voltage is only written 250 V.

If you look at the inside of both copies, at first glance everything seems the same. But if you pull out the contact strip, you will see that the Chinese manufacturer has it twice as thin as the German one. The original terminal block does not have a magnetic contact strip, but the Chinese one is attracted to the magnet.

Find out more about fakes here:

We tried to convey basic information on Wago self-clamping terminal blocks to you. There are plenty of places in the home electrical network to use them. Therefore, if you just can’t give up the old old-fashioned twisting method, we advise you to think about more advanced technologies. After all, it’s so simple, fast and, most importantly, inexpensive.

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.

Installation recommendations

There are rules for the installation process of terminal blocks. Compliance with them is not difficult. However, in the future they can save you from a lot of problems. The recommendations are as follows:

1. It is advisable to keep a margin of 3–5 cm in the wiring for subsequent replacement of the terminal block.
2. Vago connections must be accessible for inspection.
3. Do not exceed the rated current of the terminal block. It is better to purchase it with double the power reserve.
4. When stripping cables, it is convenient to use the length marks on the terminal block itself.
5. When storing and using clamps, it is important to isolate them from moisture.

The greater the current flowing through the terminal block contacts, the more often it should be inspected. Vags used for lighting practically do not need to be checked. And those through which heaters and electric stoves are turned on should be monitored as often as possible. This will allow you to eliminate the heating connection in advance and avoid problems in the future.

Vago terminal blocks do not cause any complaints if the rules for their installation and load characteristics are observed. If the package with the clamp says that it is designed for a current of 20 A, then it can confidently be used in circuits up to 10 A. A two-fold reserve guarantees reliable, many-year operation of the device.

Most people use Vagov terminal blocks for wiring lighting in an apartment. In this case, currents rarely exceed a few amperes, especially if you use modern LED bulbs. Therefore, wagons, even if they are cheap, cope with these tasks quite well.

Sources

• https://220.guru/elektrooborudovanie/komponenty/klemmy-wago.html
• https://YaElectrik.ru/elektroprovodka/wago-klemmniki
• https://77volt.ru/klemmy-nakonechniki-mufty/wago/
• https://www.wago.com/ru/%D1%8D%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BA%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%87%D0%B5%D1 %81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B5-%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%82%D0% B5%D0%BB%D0%B8/%D0%BA%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BC%D0%BC%D1%8B-%D0%B4%D0%BB%D1%8F-%D0 %BB%D1%8E%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE-%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0% B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F
• https://sovet-ingenera.com/elektrika/provodka/klemmniki-wago.html
• https://ichip.ru/sovety/ekspluataciya/eto-nuzhno-znat-6-glavnyh-problem-klemmnikov-wago-697822

Terminal blocks: everything you need to know when connecting wires at home

Terminal blocks for connecting wires are the most convenient, safe and accessible method of electrical installation for every home craftsman. So that you have an idea in what situations this or that terminal device should be used, we decided to briefly describe their most popular models and briefly talk about the basic rules for their installation.

WAGO terminal blocks

The following series of devices are best suited for domestic purposes:

As with most other terminal blocks, the ends of the connected wires are stripped to 10 mm. The stripped wires are inserted into the terminal device until it stops. Products in this series are very reliable if they are not placed under excessive load. Since they can withstand current up to 24 amps, these devices are best suited for connecting lighting devices.

WAGO 222 Series

WAGO spring terminal blocks of this series, thanks to the convenient levers they contain, are ideal for creating temporary connections.

WAGO 224 Series

WAGO 224 series spring terminal blocks are very convenient to use for connecting lighting devices such as chandeliers.

WAGO 224 terminal blocks are designed in such a way that they can be used to easily connect single-core wires coming from in-wall wiring with multi-core wires usually installed in lighting fixtures.

Vago terminal connectors category #3

Terminal blocks of this category are adapted for installation on a mounting base. The product cases have holes and clamps for mounting on a DIN rail or other type of base, which does not allow terminal blocks with wires to sag freely. Category #3 includes vagi series 260, 262, 264, 862, 869.

Assembling terminal blocks on a DIN rail

Terminal blocks with flat spring clamp

In terminal blocks with a flat spring clamp of the Push Wire type, the conductive core is pressed against an elastic steel plate with a wedge-shaped contour, shaped like the letter “V”. This design allows you to insert the conductor without effort, but will prevent it from being removed from the retainer. Since forced removal of the wire is accompanied by damage to the spring or core, this type of terminal connection is considered disposable. The most common disposable car terminals are the KV 773 series.

Terminal blocks with CAGE CLAMP

The spring clamp of the reusable CAGE CLAMP resembles the letter “P” in its configuration. Opposite each round detachable hole in the housing for introducing conductors, the clamp has a rectangular window into which the end of the wire, stripped of insulation, is inserted. To insert the conductor, you must lift the spring-loaded orange lever. The passage through the clamp window opens, making room for the conductor. After lowering the lever, the wire is fixed in the terminal. Popular reusable models are products of the 222 and 224 series.

Fixing the wire in the CAGE CLAMP

Features of HF series 222

Terminal boxes of the 222 series are designed for reusable use when connecting single-core and stranded copper wires with a cross-section in the range of 0.08-4.0 sq. mm. The maximum permissible current is 32 A at a voltage of 380 V. For ease of recognition during mass electrical installations, the clamping levers of the product in this series are painted bright orange. HF 222 series are used for switching in distribution boxes; they are used in the installation of lighting networks and three-phase industrial networks.

222 Series Two-Pin Clamp

Features of HF series 862

Series 862 connectors are equipped with special push-button lugs for connecting/disconnecting copper conductors with a cross-section of 0.5-4.0 square meters. mm. In order to insert a conductor into the connector of the latch, you need to press the button tab. After releasing the button, the wire is clamped into the terminal. The design difference between the 862 series terminals is the presence of a support leg for fastening the terminal block from above with a screw/nut or self-tapping screw to the supporting surface. Rated current – ​​25 A.

862 Series Clamp

Features of HF series 243

Products of the 243rd series are miniature microterminals, the overall dimensions of which (LxWxH) are 10x10x5.8 mm or 18.4x10x5.8 mm. They are used in low-current circuits of video surveillance systems, telephony, telecommunications, etc. The terminal housings have structural grooves that make it possible to assemble HF units into blocks of several products and mount them on a DIN rail. Micro terminals are used to connect single-core copper wires with a cross-section from 0.4 to 0.8 square meters. mm for operation with current 4-6 A.