Are All Wire Lever Nut Connectors Created Equal?

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ค. 2023
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    Lever Nuts are my go-to wire connector for all my DIY electrical projects around the house. I have been using WAGO 221 lever nuts exclusively but there are some tempting options on Amazon that look the same for half the price. Today I decided to put a couple of these options to the test to see if there is anything unique about WAGO 221 or if any lever nut will do.
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    Knockoff 2 - amzn.to/46GQcBv
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  • @davidyeager2096
    @davidyeager2096 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +177

    An important point is that Wago connectors are UL listed, most knock offs are not. I'm glad that you showed the spring design, I use Wago connectors for uneven wire sizes such as connecting a #12 wire with a light gauge wire from a celing fixture. The springs need to be independent.

    • @Milanesa2010
      @Milanesa2010 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +9

      Knock off 1 is UL listed

    • @beecee5990
      @beecee5990 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +33

      ​@@Milanesa2010 knockoff #1 has a UL marking, but depending on the source, it may not be worth the ink used to put it there. There's lots of fraudulent items out there.

    • @soundspark
      @soundspark 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      I'm sure Wago also stands by their products.

    • @LuLu_World
      @LuLu_World 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      how do solid vs stranded wire work? any pull tests on conductors?

    • @ghostridergale
      @ghostridergale 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      I use to think UL LISTED actuality meant something was good quality and safe to use. But then after having many different UL listed items actually get very hot and eventually did catch fire. I learned the hard way that UL listed doesn’t mean much at all for quality or your safety. Especially with items like portable heaters as well as some plug ins that have those little holes to quickly stick wires in to make connections that are really very dangerous since there’s very little contact on wires where it’s being connected and that causes even more heat and do eventually fall!
      I have had them burn out and fail leaving black marks inside the box where it was really border line of catching fire.
      If you ever been thru a house fire where you lost everything and it wasn’t your fault that caused the fire especially! The devastation and lost is horrible to have to live through. You don’t realize how the loss of some items that can never be replaced can hurt for many years and the only thing you’ll have is your memories of those items that will tend to haunt you that you don’t have them anymore!

  • @markk3652
    @markk3652 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    I had never heard of wago connections until I hired on with a contractor thru my union hall. They were the only connection device approved for this project. After using wire nuts for so many years in my career, I was dubious about this new system. It took a while to become acclimated to them, but they are much easier to use. The twist bundle that wirenuts connect can have a pullout or missed connection. The wago holds each wire independently in each bay, making a very sound connection. We were mandated to wrap electrical tape around the wago after terminations were complete to prevent the levers from releasing upon installing into boxes or devices.

  • @bradley3549
    @bradley3549 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +42

    My concern with the Wago clones of dubious origin is that even if one batch looks good, it's pretty much a crapshoot as to whether your next batch will be equally good. Or bad as the case may be. One thing you tend to get with a known, UL listed brand is that you can expect the quality to be pretty consistent.

  • @tamazerd
    @tamazerd 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +48

    One strength of the Wago 221 compared to simpler push in variants is that you can mix solid and stranded wires, it would be interesting to see how the knockoffs perform in such a test scenario.

    • @tookitogo
      @tookitogo 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      Yeah, mixing solid and stranded is a massive advantage of them!

    • @joshcarter-com
      @joshcarter-com 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +10

      So many in-wall dimmers and smart-home switches have stranded wire. Being able to safely attach those to house wiring with 100% consistency is the single biggest advantage of the Wago 221 for me.

    • @testman9541
      @testman9541 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      you can mix both in the simple push variand by adding a sleeve on the stranded wires 👍 Quite handy for compact setups...

    • @picklerix6162
      @picklerix6162 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      It looks Home Depot is selling Wago and Lowes is selling a knockoff made by Ideal. I have used the Ideal push connectors for low current LED lights only.

    • @libertyrich555
      @libertyrich555 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Menards sells both WAGO and knock offs too.
      @@picklerix6162

  • @melissataylor5494
    @melissataylor5494 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +16

    Very interesting. I just used Wago connectors for the first time since I watched your first video on them. This video on the heat build up of the cheapest imposter is alarming. I wish this video would go viral. People need to understand what can happen to cause fires in their homes. Thank you.

  • @slushbilly5893
    @slushbilly5893 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    I just used Wago's for the first time. I am sold! These connectors are amazing.

  • @biblejournaling66
    @biblejournaling66 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Great job and thank you. Electrician over 30 years, now Retired by still love the trade.

  • @Scott-sm9nm
    @Scott-sm9nm 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I *love* your empirical testing and taking them apart. Really add to your videos.

  • @AlanDavison
    @AlanDavison 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +15

    I use the 222 model for electrical safety testing (think world leader in safety testing 😉). We reuse them hundreds of times and regularly put up to 40 amps through them. They are some of the most reliable connections that I have ever seen. They are completely safe for home use when installed properly.

    • @greggv8
      @greggv8 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      Would be nice if the Connexbox Wagoboxes could get UL listing. They've passed such tough European testing they're approved for inaccessible installation such as inside a wall without and access cover. The trick is the special slots the WAGO connectors slide into to ensure the levers cannot come open. The boxes hold the 5 wire lever nuts or a 2 and a 3 can be put into a slot. But as a person at Connexbox told me, UL wants a telephone number size amount of money for testing.

    • @77thTrombone
      @77thTrombone 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@greggv8it's up to the mfr to get the cert, not the cert org.

  • @TheSlimHim
    @TheSlimHim 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I was looking for this sort of review a while ago and couldn't find anything. Thank you very much for making this!

  • @philipstaite4775
    @philipstaite4775 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you for performing this test, well done. I have watched another test where Wago, wire-nut, and outlets were tested to failure - it requires a significant overload current to get them to melt. IIRC something more than 2x - 3x what you were using here. But that test was conducted on a flat surface, in open air.
    For me the choice seems pretty clear. As a homeowner/DIYer I might use 10 of these in a year. The quality and history of success of Wago is worth the price. So is the peace of mind. If I were in the business and installing 10 of these before lunch, then I might consider the knock-off #1.

  • @unixpro2
    @unixpro2 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Love the video, great data. Keep up the good work!

  • @billmongiello4885
    @billmongiello4885 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    just in time...i just ordered these style connectors on amazon because of the prime day prices. i ordered wagos, the green ones and the grey ones you didn't test. i will only use the wagos on on my 110 volt house wiring but i figure i would use the knock offs on garden light wiring and other low voltage applications, maybe even in the car. i like the grey in-line splice ones because you can hook them together (side by side) which i think might be good for garden light wires....thanks for doing the testing for all of us that don't have the time to do it ourselves

  • @texasbelliott
    @texasbelliott 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great information, thank you for the detailed analysis. Really appreciate it.

  • @mcorrade
    @mcorrade 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +17

    my dad told me this growing up and I live by it especially with tools, "always buy the best and your never be disappointed" and this has held true in "most" cases :)

    • @paulbrogger655
      @paulbrogger655 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I wanna hear one where it didn't!

    • @mcorrade
      @mcorrade 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@paulbrogger655 sorry don't have one

  • @johnstangel8918
    @johnstangel8918 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks for the info I was considering buying the knock off connectors because they look ok on Amazon im glad you did this video you saved me a lot of headaches. Happy Newe Year and be safe out there.

  • @petersonfamily6223
    @petersonfamily6223 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks just ordered the Wago 221.

  • @emcsquare62
    @emcsquare62 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    I needed this video. I need an outlet up behind a tv wall mount. I'm following your previous vid of how to do that. I need these lever nuts to trust on my project.

  • @Blahnik1182
    @Blahnik1182 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +12

    Thank you for testing that, Scott. It's disheartening and scary to see the lack of quality controlled products that we have unobstructed access to.

  • @rogerk1710
    @rogerk1710 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +29

    Name brand for me all the way. Why save a few bucks on lesser brand? Call backs or fires are not worth the savings and you include those costs in your bid. Great content Scott just like always. Thanks.

    • @EverydayHomeRepairs
      @EverydayHomeRepairs  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      Thanks Roger, I appreciate the support 👍

    • @itachii267
      @itachii267 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      There are some actually great knock off brands out there though. We use the term knock off as a blanket way of saying less than or not as good as the original but for some brands this couldn't be farther from the truth.
      No different than having off brand medicine which are equally comparable to the main line brands that charge exorbitant prices that consumers can't afford. Sometimes, the only thing different between the quality of a knock off and a name brand is how much R&D was spent developing a product but once the blue print is out there it's easy to copy for knock offs at a lower cost making it more accessible for everyone.

    • @WalterMelons
      @WalterMelons 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @@itachii267True but I’ve seen some lever nuts that don’t hold up at all. They do go through lots of heat cycles being in a commercial reptile habitat with heat lamps though. The levers just snap right off. They’re not wago.

    • @huejanus5505
      @huejanus5505 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@itachii267. Your comparison between medicines and connectors is wrong. Knock off medicines are exactly the same in ingredients and dosages as the originals. The connectors are, however,made differently and with different materials.

  • @jonstangel7583
    @jonstangel7583 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Love your videos... especially as a WAGO Engineer! 🙂

  • @sjpropertyservices3987
    @sjpropertyservices3987 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thank you for sharing. I did buy some Ideal connectors at Lowes to try since they are available locally while the Wago are not.

  • @mcorrade
    @mcorrade 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Man I just discovered (or rediscovered) Wago and I love them. There are the best.....

  • @Branson720
    @Branson720 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Man! I was just talking with a coworker today about Wagos and making sure he buys the real ones. Great video!

  • @OldVermontGuy
    @OldVermontGuy 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great comparison, thank you.

  • @georgemartin7717
    @georgemartin7717 29 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Extremely informative. If I hated my house, then I'd definitely use knock off #2!

  • @AXNJXN1
    @AXNJXN1 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I for one REALLY appreciate you putting this out there! Not to crush the competition, but to SHARE the proclamation of safety when it comes to knock off products - that can hurt or kill you. Yes, it's small and yes a CB can usually stop it from progressing but that's not the point. Is the PRODUCT safe and you clearly showed the negatives of their design and dis-function. Enough for me to ONLY consider WAGO at this point after viewing this. Thank you!

  • @JamesJones-ql3kr
    @JamesJones-ql3kr 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    thermally scanning outlets every now and then with a load, seems like a great idea. I just got a flir, and i'll check out the outlets in my old house which has aluminum wiring.

  • @jacoblittle3209
    @jacoblittle3209 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I've been using lever nuts since I first saw you use them on this channel. But I gotta say, I've always used knock offs. Still haven't had any issues but also haven't put them through a major stress test. I still love them though

  • @PartTimeRonin
    @PartTimeRonin 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    If I'm sure I won't need to change anything soon I usually put heat shrink or electrical tape over the Wago to make sure the lever won't get snag and open itself up but I can still cut it open and reuse the connector quite easily.
    The knock-off is quite useful for end-of-the-line connection to low-current stuff like LED light etc., other than that I definitely use the Wago.

  • @fanaticofutube
    @fanaticofutube 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    When you do the Ideal video please include a pull /tug test. sometimes floodlights gotta hang when you dont have a "S" hanger 🤣

  • @name.terrie
    @name.terrie 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks so much for this info!!!

  • @hassanbazzi3545
    @hassanbazzi3545 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    This proves that you get of what is your money worth. Great data and really is surprising that Amazon sell stuff that is not tested. Thank you for sharing

    • @cynic5581
      @cynic5581 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      If you ignore the best results being from the wire nut (cheapest). 😂

  • @rwefree9469
    @rwefree9469 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I wasn’t aware of Wago connectors before seeing your videos. I bought a nice assortment for a reasonable price and used a couple on a recent home project. They made the install incredibly fast, simple and secure, not to mention the space saving. Bye bye wire nuts. The cost vs. wire nuts is not an issue as I only work on my own home so don’t have a use for large quantities. However, even if I did, the time savings might be enough to offset the cost difference. Thanks for opening my eyes to this product.

  • @awesomedee5421
    @awesomedee5421 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I'm not surprised. This is also true with XT connectors, Anderson Powerpole connectors, SAE J1772, etc. The knockoffs are not rated to the same spec as the original manufacturer. Even NEMA 14-50R cheap knockoffs overheat and I've seen them and almost cause a fire. Not worth the risk if in your house unattended. Great video. I haven't seen these knock offs yet, but since I use Wago, I would have wondered.

  • @jefferylebowski7355
    @jefferylebowski7355 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +16

    Thanks so much for this video! I was hoping someone would do a comparison like this. I have a couple comments: 1) IDEAL brand "in-sure" seem to have some lever connectors now too, but I have only found them at Home Depot so far 2) Leviton "Edge" are decora outlets and switches with integrated levers (HD only right now) 3) I would like to see comparison testing on force required to yank out a wire, this has historically been the problem with "push in" connectors and "stab" type connectors on outlets/switches. Keep up the good work!

  • @HeikosGarage
    @HeikosGarage 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    WAGO has been a staple for electrical installation in Germany sunce the 70s. When the US was using wire nuts, germany used a push in connector made by WAGO. In my electrical installation kit i have some WAGO push in connectors from the 80s.
    The lever nut is a new design but the concept if a easy to use connector is very old. It is amazing that it has taken so long for it to make it yo the US.

  • @curtisbme
    @curtisbme 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Would love for you to test the wattage reduction when doing these comparisons. The heat testing is a bit of a proxy for showing you that energy is being lost in the form of heat, but it does not tell us the specifics. Especially important to know if you are planning on wiring a series, like outlets, with them as the power loss could become meaningful by the end, especially for products like like knockoff #2.

  • @disklamer
    @disklamer 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great illustration of the difference, that heat cam makes it all very real.
    The resistance between the connector and spring and busbar translates to heat. The exact material of the busbar/spring can make a big difference. Obviously WAGO uses spec materials, where your chinese knockoffs may use whatever is available, which may not be the best conductor ie. heat up more. This could even be batch dependent as someone pointed out.
    And not only are you creating heat, you are losing power. It would be interesting to see resistance / powerloss over each connector, you know, for science, and because the loss percentage translates directly to your power bill.

  • @dhollm
    @dhollm 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great information, this is an awesome video format. Would be nice to see the zero point on the chart, since they all should have started approx the same initial value. Suggest a further test could be pull-out resistance force. Thanks!

  • @alisadcoable
    @alisadcoable 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Always wanted to know if those ali express wago copies were good. Great work Scott.

  • @technerd9655
    @technerd9655 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Great video! I'd like to see one of the torture tests on the knockoffs, see how much current they can handle and for how long before they fail, how the fail, and if they cause a fire and if so under what conditions. This would confirm (again) how good the Wagos are, how good knockoff 1 might be, and just how bad knockoff 2 really is.
    It would also be nice to include the new Ideal brand lever connectors and the new Leviton lever receptacles and switches just to be thorough.

  • @100vg
    @100vg 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    So wire nuts, most likely when installed absolutely correctly, run cooler than the WAGO lever nut, but, really, that's to be expected. There's more contact area when the bare wires are twisted correctly inside the wire nut, while a lever nut has much less contact area. I bought a WAGO kit from your link and am happy with that purchase. When I need more or for larger gauge wire, I'll get them there again. Thanks, Scott. What a revealing comparison. For the people who want or need to save money, it was very nice of you to link Knockoff 1 and 2 and let them know which one to avoid! Keep up the great work.

    • @beerbeforebreakfast
      @beerbeforebreakfast 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Yep. Love me some Wagos and I preach there use...but..... I'm not hooking up electric water heaters with Wagos. Definitely 3m Yellow/reds for that for me. But for lights or a 120 junction 🤷‍♂️ I'm cool with that. Works very well for me.

  • @kalijasin
    @kalijasin 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I used an IDEAL in-Sure x25 Push to connect connector on a junction box a couple years ago. Everyone told me its going to catch on fire, wiring will come lose, it will short out, etc... but none of that happened. Its working just fine. No issues whatsoever.

  • @DaleSchweers
    @DaleSchweers 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Got the knock offs #2 used on a three-way and was having problems with lights working correctly, put the multi pack in a bucket with other items like screws. Wife cleaned up. Throwing them away, by accident. I ordered wagon 221 and went back to the three-way when they came i. I realized that the knock off #2 had been arching in the connector, changed out with wagon and everything worked as expected.

  • @lolslim690
    @lolslim690 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Very informative video, I actually have knock off #2 BUT! since I was suspicious about them I use them with low voltage projects of mine (5v). Those knockoff #1 I may grab some. I have wago 221, I plan to buy more, and use them in my more serious projects.

  • @MrNerdHair
    @MrNerdHair 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    I have used both original Wagos and Knockoff #1. Both are UL listed, well constructed, and have good pullout resistance.

    • @soundspark
      @soundspark 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Have you verified the UL listing of Knockoff #1 and that it is not a counterfeit mark?

    • @MrNerdHair
      @MrNerdHair 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@soundspark The UL file number for Knockoff #1 is E497783, and you can double-check the listing in the UL "Product iQ" database. They're produced by Guangdong Ojun Technology Co but marketed under a variety of other brand names -- check the model numbers molded on the side opposite the wire entry holes to identify them. They're OJ-26x, where x is the number of connector positions.

  • @Eddy63
    @Eddy63 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +10

    Cheaper is not always the way to go ... I've been using Wago's for 2-3 yrs with no worries or problems ...Thx for the demo ... I think Ideal would be ok as well ... Thx ✌

  • @1kreature
    @1kreature 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    You should do a test on the Wago after clamping like you normally do, and then repeat with a proper "tug" on the wires after clamping to seat them.
    The Wago bites in a bit as you check the connection by giving it a tug to make sure it has taken hold. It changes the resistance quite dramatically in my tests.

  • @jimviau327
    @jimviau327 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great video! Useful content. It would have been interesting to see an electrical resistance test. I'd be curious to see how many milliVolts RMS is lost in each connector at 15 amps RMS. Also, a mechanical resistance like how many times these connectors can be reused before showing signs of degradation. Perhaps a content idea for a next video.

  • @slipstreamvids7422
    @slipstreamvids7422 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Ive used them with car audio and found how easy it is swap components without dealing with crimping tools or soldering

  • @gnic76
    @gnic76 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I have some knock-off inline ones, I used them to extend some speaker wires and would use as a temp connector or low amp stuff. If I decided on something more permanent I'd swap with Wago.

  • @RapidRepair
    @RapidRepair 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I LOVE Wago connectors for DIY’s

  • @markfalcon5949
    @markfalcon5949 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thanks for your test and your info on this video. I had purchased some wago style connectors from Home Depot some time last year, but have never used them. I will need to check what brand I purchased, and just may have to take them back.

    • @mattfleming86
      @mattfleming86 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      If they are Ideal brand they are fine. I like Wagos, but they'll work fine.

    • @markfalcon5949
      @markfalcon5949 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@mattfleming86 Thanks Matt for the info

  • @Aurleis
    @Aurleis 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Thank you for doing this Scott. I hope that more people who are considering these sub-par non-Wago knockoffs (especially #2) see your video before pulling that trigger. The Amazon link for knockoff #2 alleges that they have the same 105C (221F) as the Wago; however I consider that the Wago has about 100 degree buffer before failure where the knockoff is getting much, much closer to failure (assuming that the company that makes #2 is telling the truth). Knockoff #2 is also not UL certified. I would much rather spend the $0.60 per Wago and get quality (and not have my house burn down) over cheaping out with the the $0.20 per knockoff connector and result in loss of life.

  • @thenorseman8964
    @thenorseman8964 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Being somewhat poor, I've purchased what you called knock-off #2 for my home use and can attest they are definitely not great. I still use them but have thrown several away because I felt the springs were too loose and didn't pass a pull test. I've since found the Ideal brand lever nuts from Home Depot and have been very happy with those. I think the levers on the Ideals have a tiny little bump on the sides to help lock it down in place, which helps immensely in preventing accidental lifting of the levers as one is maneuvering in tight electrical boxes and the positive locking also provides a little extra strength helping to prevent wire pull outs.
    Thanks for the info!

    • @szlash280z
      @szlash280z 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I had wires pop out of the #2 style I bought when I was pushing the wires back into the box. I sent them right back after attempting just one outlet. 😬

    • @petrushka1611
      @petrushka1611 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@szlash280z I had the same thing happen with the brand Lowes carries!

    • @szlash280z
      @szlash280z 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@petrushka1611 was that the push in type or the newer ideal lever nuts?

  • @ericpike5856
    @ericpike5856 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks!

  • @oliviafox3605
    @oliviafox3605 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you.

  • @FatherOfTheParty
    @FatherOfTheParty 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +12

    Started using the Wago's last year. Love them. Between them and Sharkbite plumbing connectors, my life as a handiman has gotten much easier.

  • @markb3866
    @markb3866 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Nice job

  • @JLneonhug
    @JLneonhug 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Hi,
    Great video, I work in the industry, though Wago is one of the competition. From professional to consumer design in electronics connectors and switches seems to be last on peoples minds.
    Always the least budgeted item and believe that because its such a simple device/end result (ie joining connections together) they can skip on costs.
    Sadly most of the time the failures are on these connection points, its not on the silicons/passive components etc. Its really on connection, be it poor assembly or poor quality of manufacturing.
    Few additional points to note on off brands - the QC is most likely to be more relaxed, in both assembly of the part and the tolerance of the materials, moulding or forming of the metals. As a manufacture of consumer goods, typically yields of 90% is "acceptable". Can you imagine the destruction it can cause if 1/10 of your connectors fail? In reality the consumers acceptable range would be 1/10,000 to 1/100,000, which is getting closer to automotive level of manufacturing.
    Now realise you are paying $0.x for something nearly automotive grade product, that extra $0.0x difference is what you are paying for.

  • @alanrkanter
    @alanrkanter 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    As a homeowner with an electrical engineering degree, I will stick with wirenuts (after pre-twisting of course). I will use a WAGO in line if I need to join solid to stranded wires.

  • @sbfloyd5343
    @sbfloyd5343 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    As usual, great videos Scott. On the heat/temp measurements, heat is generated from the resistance at the junctions of the wires. Where there is higher resistance, there will be higher heat. SO, if you use a hi quality ohm-meter, you will get immediate effeciency results without the need for the heat measurements... just saying. Keep up the great videos!

    • @Hoaxer51
      @Hoaxer51 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      You’re absolutely correct, but for the average home do it yourselfer, ohms probably means very little but heat buildup just about everyone understands.
      It would be a good teaching technique to show both tests to get the point across.

  • @esthermcgough3995
    @esthermcgough3995 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks

  • @bobclarie
    @bobclarie 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thanks ! Your evaluations are much appreciated . . . I haven't searched your channel; have you tested the " Ideal " brand of wire connectors ? Thanks, Bob

  • @gcraig0001
    @gcraig0001 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Need to look at the Ideal version also.

  • @evildead1791
    @evildead1791 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Love wagos, great video

  • @poptartmcjelly7054
    @poptartmcjelly7054 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Where i'm from we do have connectors that look very similar to the knockoff number 2's, the difference being that the levers are a light blue color and they have all the UL and other safety listings on them.

  • @jnri9581
    @jnri9581 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    The WAGO connectors are by far the best on the market. The quality is second to none.
    Ideal makes a connector where you push the wire into it. I prefer the locking lever.

  • @Verminator151029
    @Verminator151029 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great video. I have some knockoff ones as well, not sure what brand and frankly it's impossible to tell. I'll use up the knockoff ones for low-voltage 5-volt projects, and save the Wagos for the AC power.

  • @gonzalez7805
    @gonzalez7805 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Awesome video... Im always interested in the less expensive alternatives.... Not a fan of paying for a name over function...

    • @huejanus5505
      @huejanus5505 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Me too. But i’m also not a fan of my wires heating up more than they have too.

  • @Resist4
    @Resist4 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +15

    Sadly Wago isn't part of Amazon's Prime Day sale. I really was hoping to pick some up during this sale. But keep up the great videos, as I've said in the past I'm pretty handy around the house but I've learned stuff from you. So thank you!

    • @soundspark
      @soundspark 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Is Prime Day promoting the knockoffs?

    • @Andrico77
      @Andrico77 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

      I wouldn’t trust anything on Amazon claiming to sell wago unless it’s directly from wago

  • @peterbechard1900
    @peterbechard1900 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    The first thing I thought about knock-off #1 was the direction you pressed to close the lever. It was in a direction that has you pushing in the direction that could result in having the wire slip out from the connection. I could see that really being a pain in the butt it tight areas. It’s electricity, just buy the best to remain safe.

    • @WAGOCORP
      @WAGOCORP 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +9

      That's the idea. Because we patent everything, knock-off lever nuts have resorted to a design that is different than WAGO's. Our 221 connector was carefully engineered for the best performance and cannot be effectively replicated.

    • @foogod4237
      @foogod4237 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      Ironically, I actually like the reverse direction of Knockoff #1s levers, because it means that if anything pulls on the wires, it will pull the connector in a direction that _will not catch_ the levers and potentially cause them to reduce tension on the connection and let the wire slip out.

    • @saltyroe3179
      @saltyroe3179 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      ​@@foogod4237I bought some IDEAL lever Connectors just to see how the preformed. They are easier to use because the levers are reverse of WAGO. The reverse levels may be helpful with some access problems. But..... I like and have used WAGO lever nuts for years. The high relative cost is easily offset by the advantages. My favorites are that lever nuts do not twist up the wires and makes a sure multiple wires are connected. In my collection of old technology are porcelain wire nuts made by IDEAL and extracted from a 1929 house.

    • @GodlyNoghri
      @GodlyNoghri 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@foogod4237 I came to post exactly this. Plus, the direction of pull will impose an additional closing force vector on the lever (inside the connector), whereas the opposite is actually the case for even the true Wagos

  • @MatthewCrawford
    @MatthewCrawford 18 วันที่ผ่านมา

    With the power running through the spring, it will cause it to warm, heated springs will lose its resiliency and lose the tight lock on the wires
    Thanks for the review and tests, I will be rewiring my girlfriends house here in Thailand and I was debating to go Wago or wirenut... looks like the best path is to use a mix based on loads and wire types
    Use the right tool for the right job :)

  • @paulprobusjr.7597
    @paulprobusjr.7597 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Actually, I bought some of the knock-off inline splices about two years ago or sometime before Wago made their own inline splice. I use them for low voltage applications. They are not the transparent Wago copy, they were knocking off the older gray bodied Wago's. I got them from Amazon.

  • @grasstreefarmer
    @grasstreefarmer 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great video. I had been using knock offs and just recently bought a bunch of genuine Wago. I was confused when I took apart my knockoffs which are the same as your no2 because the spring seems to be the same as in your no1. The spring is joined on the bottom fixed side but the working sides are split. I looked more closely and yours are the same, you were just showing the non working side. We don't seem to have the reversed knockoff no1 here in Australia.
    People should also beware that colour is not a reliable indicator of what type these connectors are. The very cheap clone no2 is available in lots of different colours, not just the orange but alos blue, red, green, white, pink and probably others. Clone no1 can be found as Ojun OJ-26 connectors and they have inline models as OJ-28. They are pretty expensive though and in some cases Wago are cheaper.

  • @budgetaudiophilelife-long5461
    @budgetaudiophilelife-long5461 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    🤗👍 THANKS SCOTT ,for sharing this …what about Leviton? 💚💚💚

  • @amsoiltek
    @amsoiltek 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hello Scott, great video. I see lots of RV mfg now using those connectors and I wonder how they hold up to a moving earthquake? Maybe you can add a vibration test to your routine.

  • @kurdtpatton5039
    @kurdtpatton5039 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Oh man, project farm missed out on this one; good job though! 😉

  • @realvanman1
    @realvanman1 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    One thing that might happen with the ones with the shared springs when the connection ages and oxidizes is more current might begin flowing through the spring and thus it might get hot enough to loose tension sooner than the Wago will. Obviously this is a non issue with actual wire nuts as the conductors are tightly clamped to each other, vs comparatively loosely against a flat bus bar.

  • @emiller7040
    @emiller7040 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I just watched April Wilkerson's newest video and she used Ideal. You need to test those.

    • @EverydayHomeRepairs
      @EverydayHomeRepairs  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Agreed, they will be coming up in the next month and I will test them on the same setup so I can overlay the results

    • @emiller7040
      @emiller7040 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@EverydayHomeRepairs Great, thanks!

  • @amcoffee4me
    @amcoffee4me 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I have some of knockoff #2 (bought by mistake) and they are fussy to how well you strip the wire. If you don't strip the insulation enough, it is hard to insert the wire fully into the connector. With wire stripping length correct, they insert correctly and hold well. But I would never use them for any serious work. I use them in testing wiring for home built battery boxes, or other prototyping. For household wiring, use WAGO brand period.

  • @smashthings4fun
    @smashthings4fun 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hey I got a video suggestion. You should do a video on hyper tough receptacles and light switches and test to see if they’re any good

  • @CodeOptimism
    @CodeOptimism 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +28

    I appreciate this! I'd love to see the IDEAL (Lowe's) brand lever nuts compared.

    • @EverydayHomeRepairs
      @EverydayHomeRepairs  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +19

      I know, I can’t believe I haven’t done that video yet. Should have the video out in the next month or so 👍

    • @aaron74
      @aaron74 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@EverydayHomeRepairs Should've/Could've/Would've been in this comparison!

    • @SuperJman991
      @SuperJman991 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      @@EverydayHomeRepairs I work at a lighting fixture manufacturer and we use ideal push nuts, and Wago lever nuts. So there ya go!

    • @wxtrails
      @wxtrails 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Agreed, these are available at my local Lowe's and I've already picked up a few packs for a low-voltage application. Wonder if I'd be willing to use the rest on my next outlet project.

  • @frijoli9579
    @frijoli9579 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Interesting video. How about pull tests? Right now, I'll stick with Wago and wire nuts.

  • @anthonymarino4260
    @anthonymarino4260 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    piece of mind priceless

  • @Sam-ey1nn
    @Sam-ey1nn 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Would have liked to see you test the force required to pull the wires out for all 3 too.

    • @mjc0961
      @mjc0961 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      Well, I'd like to see it for knockoff #1. Knockoff #2 can just go in the trash, no point testing anything else since the recommendation is already "never use them"

  • @jonathanadams2623
    @jonathanadams2623 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I bought Wagos online. Went into Amazon first to look and it was crazy. All the knock offs mixed in with the actual brand. It could be confusing if you arent 100% certain what youre looking at. I went to Platt in the end and ordered through them.

  • @fu1r4
    @fu1r4 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    It would have been nice if you showed Celsius too. I would have been easy to do in the Excel sheet ...
    It is the same for those blade fuses. They use one fuse for them all (6A to 30A) and change the label and the color only ... So I'm not surprised at all. You get what you pay for!

  • @davidkahler9390
    @davidkahler9390 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    If you can get your hands on the Ideal version, I'd love to see that

  • @volkhen0
    @volkhen0 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I have my solar PV panels connected through Wago 221-613 which has two numbers printed on it. 30A / 41A. There is about 3,6kW flowing at noun which is about 15A. The connector doesn’t even get warm to the touch. Connected cables are 4mm-sq.. this connector can take up to 6mm-sq. which is 10AWG.

  • @thespencerowen
    @thespencerowen 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I’ve been using the knockoff 2 for about 2 months. I didn’t realize they were knock offs. I’m going to rip them all out next week

  • @Fred2-123
    @Fred2-123 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great, I bought knockoff#2 on Amazon in May 2019. Same exact thing, but mine had the name "BUYGOO". Same too small test ports, my standard probes would not go in. I paid $15.19 vs. today's price $15.59.

  • @802Garage
    @802Garage 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    One of the best uses for any of these knock offs is small electronics projects like wiring an Arduino or robotics.

  • @ncooty
    @ncooty 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great PSA. That cheap knock-off stuff isn't just crap; it's *dangerous* crap. It's like that for fuses, tools, wire connectors, pharmaceuticals, climbing gear, towing equipment... EVERYTHING.

  • @streaky81
    @streaky81 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    It's kinda interesting about testing things like the 221 - basically all the world is on ~220V, so they're more designed towards those markets so half the current for equivalent loads, that will have a huge impact on things like temperatures at operating currents. Wire nuts nobody else really in the whole world uses (I know there are exceptions, don't @ me), so are more designed towards the NA 110V market and are likely overbuilt conductors as a result. Which isn't to say that 221's are dangerous in the NA market, but the difference is fairly obvious - I could make a strong argument for using the higher rated ones only in the 110V market (the 20-10 AWG rather than the 24-12 AWG ones shown here which have almost 150% the load rating); it might be entirely unnecessary, but I could make the argument.

  • @DashPar
    @DashPar 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great info. I will stick with Wago too. I noted that knockoff #1 is UL listed, knockoff #2 does not indicate it is UL listed.

    • @petrushka1611
      @petrushka1611 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Someone else commented that they checked the UL website and there was no mention of knockoff #1 there.

    • @drtbantha
      @drtbantha 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@petrushka1611If you search for the certification number on the Amazon listing, it does at least return a series of lever nuts with the same part numbers, from a Chinese manufacturer. Guessing that is the manufacturer and the Amazon listing is just a reseller brand?

  • @charleshoyt8191
    @charleshoyt8191 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I've used the Wago's for a while. Very good for tight areas. Make a video on the use of the "new to me" ferrule crimp connectors. Can they be used in outlets and routine electrical work? I use stranded copper wire in almost everything. Thanks.

  • @LuLu_World
    @LuLu_World 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    would love to see a weight pull test on the terminations.

  • @stevenwisniewski
    @stevenwisniewski 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Was the ambient temperature the same across all of the tests? I didn't notice any mention of it.