WAGO Lever Lock Connectors

[Dick in Wisconsin]

I recently watch an online video which covered replacing outlets and the presenter used WAGO Lever Lock Connectors on a 120volt, 15 amp circuit like those in the link below versus using wire nuts.

http://www.wago.us/products/termina...-for-all-conductor-types-222-series/overview/

A few years ago I bought some WAGO Lever Lock connectors. I was concerned they were built like the cheap backstabbed outlets, but it looks to me like the conducting surface is substantial and once the lever is locked down the clamping force is significant ... all of which should dramatically reduce or even eliminate the potential for weak connections and arcing. Hence a good alternative to wire nuts.

I realize they are a little more spendy than wire nuts. I envision using them to wire:

1. a 1000sf shop I just built (120volts, 15 and 20 amp circuits for outlets, lights, and electric motors). Using solid copper wire.

2. our motorhome and enclosed race trailer, which have 120volt, 15 and 20 amp circuits for outlets, small applicants, small electric motors using stranded copper (I'm expecting stranded, but haven't pulled anything apart yet) as well as 12 and 24 volt circuits using stranded copper wire.

What is the opinion of the experts out there? Are the WAGO connectors something I should use? or stay away from?

 

[rockwithjason]

i have heard of guys using these for motor connections and other applications where dissassbly is frequent. personally i see little advantage over wire nuts and certainly not enough to justify the extra cost. your mileage may vary

 

[_Dock_]

Nothing wrong with them they work good, if it gives you the warm and fuzzy feeling then have at it. A properly fitted wire nut connection will out last the building it's fitted in. I use the wagos but only when connecting multiple small gauge stranded wires together or an area where significant vibration is an issue. That being said if it were me I would use wire nuts in the shop and the wagos, multiwire connectors, or soldered connections on the RV.

 

[rsieracki]

i just used some on my home rewire job... there nice for 4-5 wire junctions vs wire nuts for keeping it all together neatly etc but they are a bit expensive but they made it simple to add wires to juntions as i rewired in stages etc

 

[yaidunno]

I plan on using them for some 4 wire connections i need to make in my new shop. No first hand experience, but you won't catch me trying to stuff 4-5 wires in a wire nut. WAGO provides a clean and professional solution that I think is quite affordable.

 

[Stuey]

I love Wago lever locks, and mainly use them for project wiring and tool electrical testing setups.

There's also a new slimmer size : http://toolguyd.com/wago-wiring-lever-connectors-221-series/

and cheaper/simpler push-wire connectors : http://toolguyd.com/wago-wall-nuts-pushwire-connectors/

Work like a charm.

 

[Rookie2]

They work great ,Wago was the first company that offered these. Too costly for commercial work but the push connectors are a time savor, I've had two or three failures after about 6 years in use.

 

[Basstracker34]

I bought 6 of these from Home Depot. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lithonia...S-2-32-MVOLT-1-4-GEBHL/202193181?N=5yc1vZc9h7

Their connector inside is the WAGO 873-902. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003K06OJ8/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I've never used them before but I'm impressed to see them being used.

 

[justsam]

I am a big fan of the lever lock type Wagos. I have not seen the 221 series available yet in the US. The 222 series is readily available.

I would not expect the high volume production guys to use them, too costly for little advantage, as well as reluctance to change.

 

[mobiledynamics]

I just looked as of 2 weeks ago. The 221 series still does not seem to be available statesde

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

I've had two or three failures after about 6 years in use.

How did they fail?

 

[67carl]

When I bought recessed lights for my garage I found the Wago connectors were included (pic on left). I had never seen nor heard of them and posted a wtf? on GJ. Others enlightened me. I researched them and ended up buying boxes of various sizes. I used them throughout my garage remodel and found them infinitely easier to use and pack into the box than wire nuts. That may not be the case for someone who does wiring often enough to be proficient at it, but that is not me. They hold fast and strong.

 

[Rookie2]

How did they fail?

They were stab ins. I believe the #12 solid wire was pushed in too hard and from heat from use the plastic (clear) cracked and the guts fell apart. The two piece plastic case holds the tension on wire barbs that lock the wire in place.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

I prefer nuts. I am used to nuts of all sizes and become accustomed to them. I can pack my nuts in tight places.