Modern electrical installation requires speed, reliability and safety, and it is these criteria that dictate the abandonment of old methods of twisting in favor of the new model. spring-plate. The use of specialized clamps allows you to exclude the human factor associated with untwisted screws or oxidation of contacts, which often causes fires. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to use WAGO various series to ensure the long-lasting operation of your wiring.
A high-quality connection of the current masters is the foundation of the safety of any object, whether it is a residential building, an industrial enterprise or a car. Incorrect installation can lead to heating of contacts, melting of insulation and, ultimately, short circuit. Therefore, understanding the principles of work contact groups This is a must-have skill for any specialist.
Unlike traditional twists, which weaken over time, spring mechanisms provide a constant force on the conductor. This ensures a stable electrical contact throughout the life of the product. Next, we will consider the types of terminals, their features and step-by-step algorithm of operation.
Advantages of spring terminals before twisting
The main argument in favor of using modern connectors is their ability to maintain the contact pressure unchanged. Unlike screw joints, where it is necessary to periodically tighten bolts, spring-loaded steel in the terminals. WAGO compensates for the temperature expansion of copper or aluminum. This is especially important in vibrating environments, such as in automotive electrics or manufacturing.
In addition, the installation speed increases several times. If a quality twist with subsequent soldering and insulation takes several minutes, the connection with the help of a clamping takes a few seconds. This reduces the complexity of work and minimizes the likelihood of error due to fatigue of the installer.
⚠️ Note: Using aluminum wires in older homes requires a special approach. Aluminum flows under load, so the usual screw terminals are not suitable for it - only spring clips with conductive paste are effective here.
It is also important to note the universality of application. Modern models allow to combine copper with aluminum, which was previously considered unacceptable without special adapters. Inside the terminal housing is technical Vaseline, which displaces air and prevents oxidation metal, providing reliable contact of heterogeneous materials.
Visual control also plays a role: the transparent body of many models allows you to make sure that the conductor is inserted to the point. This excludes situations where the vein only partially contacts the current part, causing sparkling.
Classification of WAGO terminals: Series and appointment
The manufacturer produces a wide range of connectors, each of which is designed for specific tasks. Understanding the labeling helps you choose the right tool. The main series are divided by the type of clamp and cross section of the connected wires.
The 221 series is a universal solution for most household tasks. These are lever-plum They are suitable for connecting rigid and flexible conductors. They are compact, can withstand current up to 32 A and allow you to easily re-switch the circuit without trimming the wire. The fixation mechanism is implemented here through a folding lever, which presses the conductor to the contact platform.
The 773 Series is designed exclusively for monolithic. This is a budget option, often called a push-in, where the wire is fixed when simply pushed in. Remove the conductor back without damage can only be with rotational motion, so for temporary connections they are not suitable. Within such terminals, contact lubrication is often already present.
Technical differences between the 221 and 773 series
The 221 series has a lever mechanism that allows wire to be inserted and retrieved repeatedly without losing the spring properties. The 773 series uses a maintenance-free clamp where the spring works to compress when single-injected. For flexible multicore wires, the 773 series requires pre-slinging or the use of tips, whereas the 221 works directly with them.
For industrial applications and high currents, the 2273 and 862 series are available. They have increased dimensions and are designed for sections up to 4 mm2 and above. The choice of a particular model depends on the type of insulation, the number of lived in the beam and operating conditions.
Necessary tool and wire preparation
The quality of the connection depends on the preparation of the conductor. To work with the terminals WAGO No complex tool is required, but compliance with the sweep technology is critical. You will need a stripper or a quality knife to remove the insulation.
The length of the wire to be cleaned is strictly regulated and usually 10–13 mm. This information is often plotted directly onto the terminal body in the form of a schematic image. If you clean the wire too short, the contact will be unstable, and if too long - the bare part may remain outside, which violates the rules. electrical safety.
☑️ Preparation for installation
When working with multi-core flexible wires, it is important that all fine hairs are inside the insulation. If during cleaning damage part of the veins, the cross section will decrease, and the conductor will warm. For the 773 series, flexible wires must be either pulverized or pressed with NSHVI-type tips, as thin springs can cut individual veins.
The tool should be sharp and clean. A stupid knife can flatten the copper vein, changing its geometry, making it difficult to enter the terminal. The use of specialized stripper mites speeds up the process and guarantees the perfect stripping length.
Step by step: installation of lever terminals (Series 221)
Lever connectors are the most popular due to their versatility. The process of installing them is intuitive, but has its own nuances. First, you need to raise the lever in the open position at an angle of 90 degrees. This opens the spring mechanism inside the body.
Then the cleaned end of the wire is inserted into the hole to the point. You should feel a slight click or resistance when the conductor reaches the internal partition. After that, the lever is tightly pressed against the body. The mechanism will fix the wire itself with the necessary effort.
To extract the wire (for example, when changing the circuit), the lever is again raised up, releasing the clamp. This allows you to use the terminal repeatedly without losing its properties. This capability makes the 221 series ideal for hardware testing and temporary connections.
When connecting copper and aluminum wire, use only terminals with contact paste (they usually have a gray or translucent body with visible lubrication inside). This will prevent electrochemical corrosion at the contact site.
It is important to make sure that two wires are not inserted into one hole, even if they are thin. Each nest is designed strictly for one conductor of a certain cross section. Violation of this rule will lead to poor contact and overheating.
Comparative table of terminal characteristics
For convenience of choosing the right connector below is a table with the main technical parameters of popular series. This data will help determine the maximum load and type of compatible wires.
| The WAGO series | Type of clamping. | Section (mm2) | Current (A) | Voltage (B) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 221 (Lever) | Leverage | 0.14 - 4.0 | 32 | 450 |
| 773 (Push-in) | springy | 0.75 - 2.5 | 24 | 400 |
| 2273 (Compact) | Push-in | 0.5 - 2.5 | 24 | 400 |
| 862 (Multipolar) | Leverage | 0.5 - 4.0 | 32 | 450 |
As you can see from the table, the 221 series has a widest range of capabilities, making it the leader in sales. However, for stationary lighting wiring, where frequent switching is not planned, the 773 series will be a more economical and compact solution.
Pay attention to the temperature regime. Standard terminals operate in the range of -35 to +85 °C. For conditions with higher temperatures, there are special series that withstand heating to +105 ° C and above.
Typical errors and security measures
Even with reliable components, mistakes can be made that will negate all the benefits. One of the most common is the use of terminals for other purposes. For example, an attempt to pinch a flexible wire without a tip into the "push-in" terminal often leads to the fact that the spring bites part of the veins, reducing the cross section.
⚠️ Warning: Never use terminals in circuits with currents exceeding their nominal value. The current reserve should be at least 20% of the calculated load of the line.
Another mistake is not cleaning the insulation properly. If the insulation gets inside the clamp, the contact will be through the dielectric, which will cause sparking and heating. Always make sure that the copper part is fully in the terminal.
It is also worth mentioning the fake products. There are many counterfeits on the market, the plastic of which does not have the necessary heat resistance and can catch fire when overloaded. Original products WAGO have a clear marking and logo on the body.
When installing in the distribution boxes, leave a supply of wire. Although the terminals allow the wires to be joined together, the presence of a small tail (10-15 cm) will facilitate re-mounting if the element needs to be replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can WAGO terminals be used for aluminum?
Yes, but only special batches containing a contact paste inside (usually a 221 or 773 series labeled Al-Cu). The paste prevents the oxidation of aluminum and provides reliable contact with copper.
Will the terminals withstand the load of a powerful electrical appliance?
The standard terminals of the 221 series are designed for currents up to 32 Amps, which corresponds to a power of about 7 kW at a voltage of 220V. For more powerful consumers (for example, electric stoves), larger cross-sectional connections or special power terminals should be used.
Do I need to isolate the connection after the terminal is installed?
The terminals themselves WAGO They have an insulated body and do not require additional insulation. However, they should be placed in distribution boxes or shields protected from dust, moisture and mechanical damage.
What to do if the wire fell out of the terminal?
If the wire fell out of a serviceable terminal, it means that it was inserted not deep enough or the wire cross section is less than the minimum permissible for this series. Check the strip length and the matching of the wire type (monolith/flexible) to the selected terminal.
Can I put the plugs in the wall?
According to the rules of the PUE, all connections must be available for inspection and repair. Burning the terminals in plaster or concrete is prohibited. They shall be in distribution boxes with lids open.