In modern electrical installation, the speed and reliability of work come to the fore, especially when it comes to repairing wiring in the car or household communications. Wago's clemmings They have become the de facto standard for quickly creating quality connections without soldering and complex insulation. Many drivers and craftsmen are increasingly wondering how to use these devices properly to avoid overheating and oxidation of contacts in vibration conditions.
Use of the spring-plate It allows you to reduce installation time by many times compared to twists. However, despite the simplicity of the design, there are many nuances, ignoring which can lead to failure of electrical equipment. It is important to understand the difference between disposable and reusable models, as well as strictly observe current loads.
In this article, we will discuss how to use wags to connect different types of wires, what tools will be required and where their use is unacceptable. You will learn about the technical features of popular series and learn to avoid the critical mistakes that even experienced electricians make when they first get acquainted with products. Wago.
The principle of operation and the device of the Wago terminals
The basis of the reliability of the connection is the internal design of the terminal, which is based on the principle of spring-press. Unlike screw clips, here the force is created by a special flat spring of stainless steel, which presses the wire vein to the contact platform. This provides constant pressure and eliminates the weakening of contact with time.
The body of the device is made of a special polyamide resistant to aggressive media, oils and gasoline, which is critical for the development of the system. electrician. Inside the case is a contact chamber with a conductive copper plate. When the wire is inserted, the spring is decompressed and then presses the vein with force, providing tight contact over the entire surface.
⚠️ Attention! The use of damaged terminals with cracks on the body or oxidized contacts is strictly prohibited. This can cause the wiring to burn.
There are two main types of clamping mechanisms: PUSH WIRE and CAGE CLAMP. The first is designed for rigid monovils, where the spring simply fixes the wire. Type two, CAGE CLAMPIt is equipped with a lever that allows you to unclutch the spring for the introduction of flexible multicore wires without damaging them. Understanding this difference is key to the long-term operation of your electrical system.
Types of terminals for different tasks
The range of connectors is huge, and there is a specialised series for each task. The most popular in home and car repair 221 (universal with levers) and 773 (for monogiles) The 221 series is considered more modern and convenient, as it allows you to easily switch wires.
For conditions of high humidity or dustiness characteristic of the hood space, models with contact-paste inside. This paste displaces air and prevents copper or aluminum from oxidizing. Such terminals usually have a gray or translucent body and are often labeled as "Al-Cu", indicating the possibility of combining dissimilar metals.
- 🔌 Series 221
- ⚡ Series 773
- 💧 Series 222/223
- 🚗 Automotive series
When choosing a specific model, always pay attention to the marking of the wire cross section indicated on the case. Exceeding the permissible diameter of the vein will lead to incomplete contact, and a too thin wire can simply pop out of the clamp or be snacked by a spring.
Preparation work before connection
The quality of the connection directly depends on the correct preparation of the conductors. Before using the wags, it is necessary to clean the insulation. The optimal length of the cleaned area for most models Wago It's 10-12 mm. This information is usually applied to the side wall of the terminal body or to the packaging.
Use special ones. stripper or bokokrez with the function of removing insulation, so as not to damage the conductive vein itself. Bitten copper is the place of future fracture and increased resistance. If you work with a multi-core flexible wire, make sure all the fine hairs are intact and don't stick out to the sides.
☑️ Pre-installing check
If you connect old wires on which oxidized plaque is visible, they must be cleaned to shine. In the case of aluminum wiring, it is better to clean under a layer of technical lubrication or immediately enter the wire into the terminal with the paste to minimize contact with oxygen.
Installation technology: step-by-step instructions
The process of connecting wires with terminals 221 It is as simple as possible, but requires a sequence of actions. First, raise the orange levers on all sides of the terminal before clicking (usually at a 90 degree angle). This will open the clamp mechanism.
Put the cleaned end of the wire into the hole to the point. You have to feel that the wire has hit the end of the terminal. Then lower the lever back to the click, fixing the vein. To check reliability, pull the wire slightly - it should sit dead.
Procedure:1. Clean the wire (10-12 mm)
2. Pull the levers up
3. Put the wire all the way through.
4. Lower the levers to click.
5. Check the fixation with a light jerk
When using the leverless models (series 773), the wire is inserted by rotational-transitive movement. The spring will hold the vein. The main rule: to extract the wire from such terminals can only be by rotation, otherwise there is a risk of damaging the spring mechanism.
If you need to connect more than two wires, and the terminal is busy, use special adapters-combs or take a terminal with a large number of sockets, do not twist the wires before inserting into one hole.
Load table and specifications
For safe operation, it is important to know the limit current loads. They depend not only on the terminal itself, but also on the cross section of the wire used. Below is a table of correspondence for the most popular models used in cars and households.
| Wago series | Type of wire | Section (mm2) | Max. current (A) | Max. voltage (B) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 221 (412) | Poly-core/Mono | 0.14 - 2.5 | 20 | 450 |
| 221 (413) | Poly-core/Mono | 0.14 - 4.0 | 32 | 450 |
| 773 | Monojila | 0.75 - 2.5 | 24 | 400 |
| 222 (with pasta) | Al/Cu flexible | 0.08 - 2.5 | 20 | 400 |
Note that these currents are current at ambient temperatures up to +85°C. In the engine compartment of the car, the temperature may be higher, so it is recommended to choose terminals with a margin of current. Nominal voltage 400-450 Volts cover the needs of both the 220V home network and any 12/24V automotive network.
Never use 2.5 mm2 terminals on 4 mm2 wires, even if the wire is difficult to enter - this is guaranteed overheating and a fire hazard situation.
Typical errors and security measures
One of the most common mistakes is to try to shove a wire with insulation into the terminal. Contact should only be between metal and contact area inside. Insulation trapped in the clamp creates an air cushion, leading to poor contact and sparkling.
The rule of compounding dissimilar metals is also often ignored. It is impossible to combine copper and aluminum "directly" without paste due to electrochemical corrosion. Use only specialized terminals Wago It is labeled Al-Cu, which already has an antioxidant lubricant inside.
⚠️ Attention! Do not use Wago terminals to connect powerful consumers (starters, powerful amplifiers) directly without current margin. For currents above 30A, it is better to use bolt joints or sleeves.
Another mistake is the use of terminals in chains with high temperature without taking into account the reduction of current load. Plastic can melt if the terminal 221 series pass the limit 32 Amperes in a closed space with high temperature.
Can I use Wago in the ceiling under a stretch canvas?
Technically, it is possible if the load does not exceed the nominal value. However, in case of malfunction, replacing the terminal under the stretch ceiling will be extremely difficult. For hidden, non-removable connections in walls and ceilings, professionals often prefer sledding or soldering, as it is a more durable method that does not require maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I wall Wago terminals in the wall under plaster?
According to the manufacturer’s official recommendations, the terminals 221 and 773 series They are intended for use in free access distribution boxes. It is not recommended to wall them in concrete or plaster, since if necessary, replacement or check of the contact will have to destroy the finish. For hidden installation, guise is preferable.
Will the Wago terminals withstand vibration in the car?
Yeah, products. Wago Certified for operation in vibration conditions. However, for cars it is desirable to use models with a fixation (lever) or special car series. The spring clip holds the wire securely, but at very strong vibrations it is recommended to additionally fix the wire harness so that the load is not transferred to the contact point.
What to do if the wire fell out of the terminal?
If the wire fell out of a new terminal during a jerk, it is a marriage or improper installation (small depth of stripping). If from the old - perhaps the spring has lost its elasticity from overheating. Reuse of disposable terminals (series 773) is not recommended, they are better replaced. Lever (221) can be used repeatedly, if the spring is not deformed.
What is the difference between the original and the fake?
The original terminals have a clear marking, logo WAGO and the number on the case. The plastic of the original does not support combustion (self-extinguishing). Counterfeits often have the smell of burning when heated, a backlash of levers and a different number of contacts in a row. Buy products only from official dealers.