Good to Know: Practical Tips for Our Terminal Blocks

We have summarized all of the important information for safely using WAGO splicing connectors.

Helpful Tips:

• On lighting connectors

• On junction box connectors

• On splicing connectors

Copper (Cu) or aluminum (Al): For electrical cables, it’s not a question of faith, but usually an issue of price. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but when they come together, things can get dicey. However, electricians don’t necessarily need a specialty Al/Cu connector for building installations. With WAGO Alu-Plus Contact Paste, they can connect aluminum and copper conductors using WAGO’s connectors – quickly, easily and reliably.

In everyday use, product names are often simplified, for example, the “two-five WAGO” or the “one-five NYM.” When product types use a uniform naming scheme, such simplifications are generally adequate. But if they don’t, technical problems could arise due to incorrect product selection!

An example from real life: The dimensions for installation cables and lines used for power wiring, such as NYM lines, are specified in mm², i.e. by the conductor cross-section. In contrast, dimensions for conductors used for signal and communication purposes, such as doorbell or J-Y(ST)Y conductors, are indicated in mm, i.e. by the conductor diameter. In order to ensure that splicing connectors can be clearly associated with the appropriate conductors, the corresponding WAGO connectors are also designated in the same way.

The connection range of the 2273 Series COMPACT PUSH WIRE® Junction Box Connectors for power wiring with installation cables and lines is specified in terms of the conductor cross-section: 0.5 to 2.5 mm² (20–14). The connection range of the 243 Series MICRO PUSH WIRE® Junction Box Connectors for signal and communications lines is specified in terms of the diameters: from 0.4 to 0.5 and 0.6 to 0.8 mm.

If the corresponding unit is ignored, it would be easy to get the impression that the new 2273 Series COMPACT PUSH WIRE® Connector for Junction Boxes could also be used for 0.6 mm and 0.8 mm signal and communication lines, since its larger connection range goes up to 0.5 – But that actually refers to the conductor cross-section of 0.5 mm² (20 AWG)! When converted to conductor diameter, this corresponds exactly to a diameter of 0.8 mm (0.031 inches). This means that signal and communication lines with a conductor diameter of 0.8 mm (0.031 inches) can be connected with the 2273 Series. The 243 Series MICRO PUSH WIRE® Connector for Junction Boxes is available for all conductors with a diameter of less than 0.8 mm.

Overview:

• NYM conductors are indicated in mm2, i.e. in terms of the conductor cross-section.

• In contrast, doorbell or J-Y(ST)Y conductors are indicated in mm, i.e. the conductor diameter.

• COMPACT PUSH WIRE® 2273 Series Connectors for Junction Boxes are indicated with conductor cross-sections from 0.5 to 2.5 mm².

• MICRO PUSH WIRE® Junction Box Connectors are specified with diameters from 0.4 to 0.5 and 0.6 to 0.8 mm.

In addition to the connectable conductor types and sizes, the lighting connectors also offer numerous options for connecting fine-stranded conductors to solid conductors: a connection side for solid conductors with cross-sections ranging from 1 mm² to 2.5 mm² (18–14 AWG), and a connection side for fine-stranded conductors with cross-sections ranging from 0.5 mm² to 2.5 mm² (20–14 AWG).

Two additional versions extend the 224 Series’ range of uses: First of all, the standard and 2-conductor versions are available for use at higher continuous operating temperatures of up to 120 °C (248 °F) in a black plastic housing. Secondly, service connectors allow use of solid and fine-stranded conductors on both sides of the through terminal block. Possible uses include connections in lighting displays, as well constructing circuits on the fly for trade shows or tests.

Advantages for Electricians:

• Fast and easy installation – without tools

• Fast, secure connection of fine-stranded conductors without processing the conductor ends

• Safe connection points with touch-proof protection

• Permanent, secure connection with CAGE CLAMP® spring pressure termination technology

• Fast connection of lamps for circuit tests

Advantages for Operators:

• Durable, secure connection with no loose contacts

• Unambiguous, safe handling for changing of lights – even by untrained staff

• Insulated clamping points when the lights are removed (renovation work)

The following connectors are exempt from these accessibility standards:

• Connections between the connecting cable and the heating element for ceiling, floor and pipe heating systems

• Sleeves on buried cables

• Sleeves that are encapsulated or filled with insulation

So You’re Always on the Safe Side:

Connect conductors to junction box connectors only in junction boxes (distribution boxes), device connection boxes, distribution boards and sleeves, or with cables and devices in which a fixed installation is ensured.

WAGO Junction Box Connectors with Innovative Tin Plating

The extent of wear on the tin plating depends on different factors, such as the cross-section of the connected conductor or the contour of the conductor’s cut edge. Therefore, it is not possible to state precisely how many times a connector can be reused. The standard for the USA, for instance, requires at least ten insertions without contact quality decrease. WAGO’s PUSH WIRE® Junction Box Connectors exceed these requirements and thus qualify as brand new after measurement of contact quality! WAGO’s years of experience make this possible, culminating in the development of a high-quality tin layer with a unique composition that is applied to the current bars. The layer thickness is based on values that have been proven in practice.

So You’re Always on the Safe Side!

In practice, it is often difficult to track how many insertions a connector has undergone or to evaluate the condition of the contact. To guarantee safe installations every time, WAGO recommends the following:

• Do not attempt to estimate the condition of the connectors when working on existing installations. Always use new connectors!

• On new installations that you have performed yourself, any rewiring that proves necessary can use the same connectors.

Application standards such as DIN VDE 0100-510, DIN VDE 0100-520 and DIN VDE 0100-729 require the following:

• Electrical components must be arranged in such a way that operation, inspection, maintenance and testing are easy and access to the removable connectors is not obstructed.

• All components must be accessible for testing.

• For conductors connected from outside, their association with their circuits must be clear and permanent.

A combination of matching mounting carriers and markers is the most sensible way to facilitate use in distribution boxes. Since with this approach, there is practically no difference from a rail-mount terminal block any longer, the test engineer can identify this installation via conductor extensions or potential multiplications.

Corresponding mounting carriers are available for all WAGO junction box connectors and 2273, 773, 222 and 243 Series Splicing Connectors. They can be snapped directly onto the DIN-35 rail or secured to a smooth surface by two screws. Each adapter is specially designed for the corresponding connector series.

WAGO’s universal mounting options provide space-saving connections, for example for potential multiplication in distribution cabinets, while significantly extending the range of uses of the junction box connector. This gives electricians various options for space-saving and cost-effective wiring via existing connectors.

With a new mounting carrier, WAGO has managed to take the advantages users value so much in the WAGO 221 Series and reproduce them in the distribution cabinet itself. The carrier is suited for every 221 Series model. It guarantees easy servicing, inspection, maintenance and accessibility, as well as simple identification and testing of the connected conductors according to VDE 0100-510. The carrier can be snapped onto standard DIN-rails horizontally or vertically, as well as screw-mounted to smooth surfaces. Open on one side, the carrier offers electricians the option of using an operating lever to open the module – even when it is already installed. Conductors can thus be conveniently connected and removed before or after the connector is inserted into the carrier. The design also ensures that a test slot is always accessible.

Proven Quality for New Distribution Cabinets

While the combination of 221 Series Splicing Connectors and Mounting Carrier allow standards-compliant expansion of existing wiring installations, there is an even better solution for new building projects: WAGO’s TOPJOB® S Rail-Mount Terminal Blocks. In this type of installation, the rail-mount terminal blocks are snapped directly onto the DIN-rail, which speeds up electrical system wiring. WAGO’s proven push-in connection technology saves time and ensures safety, because the terminal blocks establish a continuously dependable electrical connection.

With an eye toward the future, building installations with rail-mount terminal blocks provide greater options for subsequent changes to or expansions of electrical systems, while reducing complications. As a practical benefit, electricians can quickly disconnect conductors, and enjoy the safety of a clear wiring configuration with significantly more flexibility in circuit configuration as compared to installations using PE/N rails.

In addition to transparency and flexibility, safety for the electrical installations in buildings is a sensitive issue. One safety measure is so-called insulation resistance measurement. Since every insulating fault entails a potential hazard, this test is mandatory in fire-prone locations and for public buildings where crowds potentially gather. In practice, installation terminal blocks are used almost exclusively due to the requirements set forth in the standards that a simple measurement of the insulation resistance must be possible for conductors with cross-sections of less than 10 mm²/8 AWG

Voluntary Testing for Greater Safety

Insulation resistance measurement is also an integral part of voluntary testing. With E-CHECK, for example, lessors of private or commercial real estate can repeatedly document the proper condition of the electrical systems before the space is transferred. Some insurers have similarly recognized the advantages of the test and offer their customers reduced premiums if they regularly conduct it.

Clear Lines in Electrical Installations

Use of WAGO’s installation rail-mount terminal blocks also helps project a professional image. The appearance of the control cabinet serves as the visible calling card of an electrical installation company, so a tidy, well-structured electrical cabinet provides significant competitive advantages. Labeling each clamping unit with clearly legible marking also contributes to the professional impression made a distribution cabinet makes. With the TOPJOB^® S Series, WAGO offers solutions for quickly and clearly marking the rail-mount terminal blocks – up to three easily legible lines of text.

Conclusion

Installations using rail-mount terminal blocks are increasingly replacing conventional connection technology based on PE- and N-rails in both building renovations and new construction. WAGO’s system allows flexible adaptation and saves time during retrofits or expansions. In existing systems, WAGO’s new 221 Series COMPACT Splicing Connectors save both space and time. A carrier allows the connectors to be mounted securely on the DIN-rail.