Which Splicing Device is Best? Push Ins Vs. Wago Vs. Wirenuts

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ส.ค. 2022
  • In this video I talk about the pros and cons of some of the most popular splicing devices used today. I also talk about some of the places I use them, along with where some of the pros in the field that I talked with, use them as well.
    Items In the Video:
    Ideal Tan Wire Nuts: amzn.to/3Sx6Lsw
    Ideal Red Wire Nuts: amzn.to/3cZswRu
    Wago 221 Assortment Beginner Set: amzn.to/3EN5Cqw
    Wago 221 Larger Assortment: amzn.to/3k5cciv
    Ideal Push In Connectors Assortment: amzn.to/3SrIjsC
    Lineman Pliers: amzn.to/3rMcXkO
    Wire Strippers: amzn.to/3EDfwee
    Don't see what you are looking for? Here is my How To Home Amazon Store, where you can find many of the tools and shirts I use and wear in my videos! amzn.to/3mcqu1E
    Thank you for watching and for subscribing. You can support the channel at no cost to you by using one of the above affiliate links. This helps support the channel for new content!
    Blessings,
    Adam
    How To Home assumes no liability for damage or injury. How To Home highly recommends using proper safety procedures and professionals when needed. Our content is for entertainment purposes only. No information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not How To Home. How To Home will not be held liable for any negligent or accidental damage or injury resulting from equipment, tools, electrical, fire, electronics or any items contained in this video. Attempt projects and repairs at your own risk.
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  • @HowToHomeDIY
    @HowToHomeDIY  ปีที่แล้ว +54

    Which splicing device are you using and why? I always appreciate the feedback as I am constantly learning new things no matter how big or small, and it can help the community here as well. Thanks a lot!

    • @tonysicuro3491
      @tonysicuro3491 ปีที่แล้ว +25

      Wago

    • @ehsnils
      @ehsnils ปีที่แล้ว +20

      I have to come to like the Wago, the wire nuts are a bit tricky since they works best if you splice the same wire type/dimension, but aren't good if you mix. Especially mixing single and multi strand wires.

    • @B5Blue1968
      @B5Blue1968 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      I've started using Wagos more and more, they cost a little more, but are time savers.

    • @HowToHomeDIY
      @HowToHomeDIY  ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@B5Blue1968 That they are. Thanks for the input!

    • @fredashay
      @fredashay ปีที่แล้ว +14

      Well, since you asked...
      First choice: Western Union splice, soldered, taped.
      Second choice: pigtail splice, soldered, wirenut, taped.
      Third choice (only for things that need regular replacement like ballasts and all-in-one LED fixtures, etc): Wago, wrapped with tape so the levers don't open (flip the end of the tape over to make a grab end to make it easy to remove the tape).

  • @xepherys
    @xepherys ปีที่แล้ว +178

    The Wago connectors are great. I started using them a couple of years ago and won't look back. I've also got in the habit of putting a Sharpie dot on the lever of LINE (as the others will be LOAD), and a mark on the LINE wire as well. This is especially useful in junction boxes where you may have multiple LOAD wires running out of the box. Takes a few seconds, but saves time down the road if you ever open the junction box back up.

    • @DougCube
      @DougCube ปีที่แล้ว +13

      Sharpie dots are a good idea. I've been using the slot with the Wago logo on it to indicate for myself. But I guess either way, another electrician isn't going to notice the convention. Some put a small flag of brown electrical tape on the line wire, which I might start doing.

    • @SLaird22
      @SLaird22 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Same - I can't believe it took me so long to try them

    • @JL-yo1du
      @JL-yo1du ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I put electrical tape on the line since often a load is black too.

    • @Taino871
      @Taino871 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Jessie Williams, after reading this statement I think 2 or 3 Months ago, I now have ALL my crew doing exactly that. I have them marking the load wire with a bright red Sharpie. Black marks on anything in the heating industry means it has a neutral connection ( anything with a emergency light, or tied into 220v) somewhere on that unit, So we use red. Thank you Jessie I took your idea and now over 16 guys use your method.

    • @Taino871
      @Taino871 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@DougCube I was using that method but then the company got cheap and bought “ Knockoff “ wagos. After that one delivery I told upper management NEVER send knockoffs.

  • @josephbrewer7026
    @josephbrewer7026 ปีที่แล้ว +82

    If you want to avoid having the Wago lever pop open when inserting it into a box you could place a wrap of electrician’s tape around the device to hold all levers in place.

    • @jacobfreeman5444
      @jacobfreeman5444 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      My man, I was just thinking that as I was watching. I get that would slow down swapping parts out and waste tape...but tape is meant to be wasted. And what are you gonna do with those few seconds, speed demon, that would be fruitful? I just rather not be forced to do the same job twice.

    • @cableapostle
      @cableapostle 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      Same here. Those levers tend to pop up out of place. I make two wraps of electrical tape across the connector levels to ensure safety connections of the splices.

    • @srobeck77
      @srobeck77 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @@cableapostle more of a perception, than actual reality

    • @Edward55221
      @Edward55221 25 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Or get the Wago 2773 series. same thing but no lever

  • @TrinitronX
    @TrinitronX ปีที่แล้ว +197

    One correction: When you're talking about sticking a probe in the open terminal slot on that Ideal push-in connector: “You can actually stick a probe in there and test to see the ~~amperage~~”
    You probably meant *Voltage* because amperage would require either an in-series measurement probe or multimeter in Ammeter mode, *OR* a non-contact coil type ammeter that wouldn’t require contacting the metal at all (e.g. Fluke Ammeters with the “crab claw” current sensing loop that clips around a current-carrying conductor.

    • @HowToHomeDIY
      @HowToHomeDIY  ปีที่แล้ว +44

      Yes you are correct. I did mean voltage. Thanks for the respectful correction.

    • @michaelbignell8813
      @michaelbignell8813 ปีที่แล้ว +28

      Yup that's when I turned off the video. When someone doesn't know the difference between amperage and voltage wants to tell me which way is best to secure a wire connection, that's a hard pass.

    • @staind288
      @staind288 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      @@HowToHomeDIY the feller didn't seem disrespectful to me to deserve such a smart-ass response from u! Wow.. Michael's was way more disrespectful

    • @HowToHomeDIY
      @HowToHomeDIY  ปีที่แล้ว +26

      @staind288 yes you are correct. That reply was to someone else that it appears they have since deleted their comment. You can see my original reply to James thanking him for his respectful call out. I just didn’t even reply to Michael since he is clearly perfect. Thanks!

    • @pibbles-a-plenty1105
      @pibbles-a-plenty1105 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@michaelbignell8813 Why does there always have to be at least one party pooper????

  • @chuckwest-zn8ip
    @chuckwest-zn8ip ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Great presentation. Only thing I would add is one of the reasons the wire nuts are so popular is they fit a wide variety of joints, including different wire gauges and a variable number of conductors. I think the red wire nut you showed us is the Ideal 452, which can connect a minimum of 2 18 AWG wires, and a max of 4 10 AWG connectors, according Ideal's web page. Also, I learned a trick from your presentation which is after pre-twisting the wires and prior to installing the wire nut, you cut the ends of the connectors flush so the nut grabs the connectors easier. Many a time I've had to try several times to start the wire nut because I didn't do this. Awesome video!

  • @robertpeters579
    @robertpeters579 ปีที่แล้ว +305

    As someone who got their electrical contractor license in 1970, over time you can get arthritis in your hands from constantly twisting wire nuts. The WAGOS are the answer and so much easier to work with. I’m old school, but now I won’t use anything but genuine WAGOS.

    • @joeboxter3635
      @joeboxter3635 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Wago at 5A, 110V continuous. Wago at 10A, 110v intermittent. But continuous 10A and above, would not use Wago. Wire nuts, butt connectors, or old fashion solder with shrink tube.

    • @leosedf
      @leosedf ปีที่แล้ว +35

      @@joeboxter3635 WAGO connectors go up to 41A at 240V

    • @Willeexd1337
      @Willeexd1337 ปีที่แล้ว +27

      @@joeboxter3635 Everyone I know in Sweden use them even at 400v 32a no issues.

    • @robertbell5779
      @robertbell5779 ปีที่แล้ว +22

      Solder connections are no longer a legal connection method.

    • @andrewvandorn388
      @andrewvandorn388 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Been using wire nuts for a long time for switches and plugs can light and so fourth come with push connectors. As long as it will pass code it’s good for me and I trust my work .

  • @junkerzn7312
    @junkerzn7312 ปีที่แล้ว +84

    I gotta say, once I started using WAGOs I couldn't go back to anything else. They are just too useful, easy, and reusable. Love the test holes, too. I've twisted my last wire-nut :-). I think the WAGOs are also superior to the push-in connectors... with the push-in connectors its often too easy to ride the contacts up onto the insulation without realizing it. And as you noted, with the WAGOs you can see everything that is going on and verify (before or after installation) that everything is good.
    Sometimes I put one or two wraps of electricial tape around the WAGO, but most of the time I don't bother. And sometimes I put a few wraps of tape around the wires a few inches away from the WAGO to reduce strain or simply to keep the collection of wires together.
    The wire-nuts work well but its harder and harder to find quality wire-nuts. In fact, I began looking at alternatives when a batch of wire nuts started to break on me just while I was twisting. I think that's my biggest issue with wire-nuts these days. The quality has gone to hell.
    -Matt

    • @maxking3
      @maxking3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Yeah. Same here. No more nut-jobs… 😉

    • @integr8er66
      @integr8er66 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That's great if you aren't the one paying the bill

    • @user-ln7of9gs4s
      @user-ln7of9gs4s ปีที่แล้ว +1

      What’s the difference between a Wago and push in connector? Same concept. I’m debating what to buy right now.

    • @neilmarsh1904
      @neilmarsh1904 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@user-ln7of9gs4s I found out from recent experience that if you're installing a fixture that comes with stranded wires you'll rue the day you tried to use push-in connectors. WAGOs, on the other hand, take stranded wires in stride.

    • @AwoudeX
      @AwoudeX ปีที่แล้ว

      For 'industrial' level of electricity usage, i defenitely recommend wire nuts, since the connection has the lowest resistance of them all. I love the brand Conex, it comes with a nice aiding piece which you can put in your drill to screw the nuts on quite fast. Another thing is that the insulating cap can be twisted off to check your work. The spring inside will remain on the copper ends of the wires, given that you've used them correctly.
      you need to pretwist the copper wires, 3 minimum, 5 maximum, cut to proper size and then twist the wire nut on. When you have a big factory with lots of connections, you want the lowest amount of heat generated uselessly and reduce risks of overheating and damaging connections and wires. Downtime often costs millions.
      For domestic usage, wire nuts like those Conex quality are not needed. The wagos are fine.

  • @user-nl1di8gt4p
    @user-nl1di8gt4p ปีที่แล้ว +242

    In Germany we exclusively use the WAGO push in connectors since at least 30 years without problems. I think WAGO were the first one on the marked with those. The wago lever connectors are very handy when connecting solid to stranded wire, for example when connecting a light fixture (there are also WAGO 224 connectors especially for this usecase which I highly recommend).
    Also intersting: In Germany WAGO connector is a synonym for the push in types not the lever ones since they are uses for a long time.

    • @garyhochstetler7082
      @garyhochstetler7082 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      In the USA we’ve been using wire nuts without issue. They are the only connector with a wire to wire connection. All you’re doing is adding more connections which adds more possibilities for faults.

    • @wgmskiing
      @wgmskiing ปีที่แล้ว +67

      @@garyhochstetler7082 There are plenty of issues with wirenuts. Anyone who has ever worked around electricity for very long has found a loose, hot, or otherwise damaged wirenut connection

    • @garyhochstetler7082
      @garyhochstetler7082 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@wgmskiing
      You’re welcome to your opinion.

    • @wgmskiing
      @wgmskiing ปีที่แล้ว +37

      @@garyhochstetler7082 it isn't my opinion that there are workmanship and quality issues with wirenut installs..it's an easily verifiable fact. Find a hobby.

    • @garyhochstetler7082
      @garyhochstetler7082 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@wgmskiing
      Anything can be installed incorrectly

  • @Lordjerm78
    @Lordjerm78 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Been using wagos for about a year now, no issues. I do wrap them in electrical tape if there is not a lot of room, just to make sure they stay closed. All residential use. Worth every penny

  • @ns3v3n
    @ns3v3n ปีที่แล้ว +14

    I recently bought some wago lever connections and I thought about buying some knock offs but decided saving a few bucks is not worth starting an electrical fire or short something out. They were great!

    • @schrodingerscat1863
      @schrodingerscat1863 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Wise decision, there are huge number of cheap Chinese fakes out there that are absolute rubbish. Paying a bit more for decent connectors is a lot cheaper than an electrical fire.

  • @mikeking7470
    @mikeking7470 ปีที่แล้ว +41

    Looks like you could also put a turn of good electrical tape around the Wago to keep the levers from flipping. Wagos are also great when connecting stranded wire to solid core. I also like Wagos to extend leads in boxes that previous DIY'ers clipped the leads too short. That said I always keep a box or two or "wire nuts" around, too. I prefer the Scotch-Lok type.

    • @AwoudeX
      @AwoudeX ปีที่แล้ว +2

      just be carefull when you fit the connected wires in the box. you have eyes, ears and touch to notice what you're doing, use them all. I've NEVER had any of the levers flipped...
      also if you're only connecting solid cores, use the push ins by wago without the levers, they consume less time in the right hands, are cheaper to manufacture too and have no risk of flipping levers in clumsy hands.

    • @andrewtadd4373
      @andrewtadd4373 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      You don't need tape to hold down the levers on Wagos, it takes more force to open them than you realise, and if you get your fingers on the way when you close them you will know about it.

    • @rickydm75
      @rickydm75 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      I use these wagos , and yes I put a small amount of electric tape around the lever s

    • @inq752
      @inq752 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Not allowed. The connector wasnt designed to be wrapped in anything. Affects heat dissipation.

    • @scottslotterbeck3796
      @scottslotterbeck3796 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      ​@@inq752Your opinion, or code?

  • @jonnyrockets4756
    @jonnyrockets4756 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I started using the lever wagos in the rv service last year. Love them . Great for the stranded wire we use.

  • @infinityphotorob
    @infinityphotorob ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love Wagos from my old industrial days. We used Wago Terminal blocks and they saved so much time for wiring control panels. The lever things are super cool. I discovered them doing a project on my van. Super easy for stranded wire. And multi size wire applications you will run into with RV stuff. I had a weird box that when I was jamming wires into I kept unlocking levers. So I did a wrap of electrical tape for safety and all is good in the world.

  • @jeffw8057
    @jeffw8057 ปีที่แล้ว +974

    WAGOs, WAGOs, WAGOs...there is nothing better. Do not use 'knock-off' brands. WAGOs save time, are highly flexible (24-12 gauge, stranded and solid wire), saves space, easy adjustments, and are very secure (add elec. tape on levers if you're concerned with them lifting off). I rarely use traditional wire nuts anymore.

    • @jkmacgyver
      @jkmacgyver ปีที่แล้ว +52

      Yep, only way to go. I severely dislike wire nuts. It's either euroblock ideal push in or wago in crowded boxes! Plus neat and quick for prototypes.

    • @pgood7266
      @pgood7266 ปีที่แล้ว +72

      Wire nuts are superior to wagos

    • @mikeharries308
      @mikeharries308 ปีที่แล้ว +74

      Use Wago for literally all general household wiring, used correctly they are brilliant, huge time saver.

    • @1988dgs
      @1988dgs ปีที่แล้ว +53

      Wago now is pretty much the only fit and forget connector, all others need to have access provided for maintenance. Plans are already underway for Wago type switch and socket face plates

    • @picobyte
      @picobyte ปีที่แล้ว +25

      @@pgood7266 Wirenuts are superior but use more space when properly done. Also time is money these days and doing a proper wirenut takes some practice.

  • @otakelblanchemanor0659
    @otakelblanchemanor0659 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Informative video. From the video plus reading some detailed comments, I have gathered that wagos would be best suited when installing light fixtures, something stationary, not with something that vibrates. As an older female DIYer that has changed out many a light fixture and have a few more planned for the future...the wagos will be on my list to buy! I never feel that I get the screwed on one's tight enough so I wrap electrical tape around them...then it's a real pain to get them back in the box! Thanks for the pros and cons on all of them!

    • @mikehenthorn1778
      @mikehenthorn1778 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      WAGOs are great for things that vibrate. many of my pumps ( 50HP and above ) have them and they stay tight and cooler than the wire nut ones. the thing for all of them is to have some slack in the wires.

  • @ChrisTexan
    @ChrisTexan ปีที่แล้ว +36

    Haven't gone through comments, but it seems like a simple "prevent lever flipping open" option would just be 2 wraps of electrical tape around the body/levers when done, prior to inserting into box (still keeping thumb on it also of course while pushing in as a safety factor), wrapping tight onto the wire insertion side, thus keeping the levers down and/or preventing anything sliding up under them in the first place.

    • @eyeofhorus70
      @eyeofhorus70 ปีที่แล้ว

      I was thinking the same thing!

    • @deker0954
      @deker0954 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Not much of a time saver if you have to futz around with tape.

    • @Alphasig336
      @Alphasig336 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      @@deker0954 plenty of electricians do the same thing in wire nuts

    • @drecojohnson6427
      @drecojohnson6427 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I use all 3 in the chemical plant (Exxon) and its mandatory to put electrical tape on them so that is why I don't see a problem

    • @itninja9503
      @itninja9503 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      who would install these without securing them with electrical tape? I thought that was the default.

  • @robertorion6559
    @robertorion6559 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Very interesting. Good information. A great follow on video to this would be to connect two sets of wires, of the same size, one WAGO, and one Wire Nut, and then run say 20AMP through them for some time and measure the temperature of each. The WAGO says it is good up to 30AMP so that should handle most normal household connections. A video showing a test of temperature would be very interesting.

    • @acecabezon
      @acecabezon 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      This video already exists on TH-cam, the guy runs like 200 A through a Wego and it’s still holds on…

  • @aurvaroy6670
    @aurvaroy6670 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    WAGOs are awesome. I use them all the time in my ceiling fixtures. Makes wiring so much easier. That being said, I still use wire nuts for switches and outlets. It is trickier to join stranded with solid but if the stranded wire leads the solid, the stranded will stay inside the wire nut during a pull test.

  • @jackpestaner1716
    @jackpestaner1716 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Excellent review of the three devices, I am still a wire nut guy, but have seen problems from stranded #12 and #10 not making good contact. I like to pretwist the individual stranded wire in the same direction as the wirenut with my lineman's pliers to get a better grip. As with fake Wago's, i will never use the cheap Chinese twist-ons that come with light fixtures, ceiling fans, etc. Ideal or 3m are the only ones that should be used, as they have good spring force, and high temperature plastics.

  • @GastonGalibois
    @GastonGalibois ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Wirenuts have been around for a long time and proven very good. I tested some over 50 years old rigid wires connections with wirenuts and they were still excellent, pre twisted wires the better. On the other hand, almost every connection using wirenuts older than 10 years with the mix of rigid and stranded wires were completely loose probably due to metal fatigue I believe.
    We can see this situation with thermostats, baseboards and convectors, those units are supplied with stranded wires and the house wires are rigid. So every time I see this situation, I re-strip the wires and change the wirenuts with Wago 221. These Wago 221 are also great for light fixtures since they are easy to disconnect and re-use without damaging the wires.

    • @MrDrako2012
      @MrDrako2012 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I think Wagos are great for homeowners but can never replace well spliced wires under a Quality wire nut. I say quality wire nut because all of these videos compare a Wago, which is a pricey quality product, against the cheapest piece of garbage wire nut I've ever seen. None of these splicing devices compare to an Ideal R/Y+ installed onto a professional splice

  • @ericrichardson3332
    @ericrichardson3332 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    they also have high heat wire nuts made of ceramic for specialized applications, like ovens / other appliances that get hot near glow coils or igniters along with the wires usually covered with heat resistant shielding like fiberglass

  • @ThorsonWiles
    @ThorsonWiles ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I've used the WAGO connector for a few motorcycle farkles (aftermarket add-ons). they worked very well, especially when I wanted to add another connection. (Pull the 2 connector, switch to a 3)

  • @ericl5973
    @ericl5973 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I like the Wago connectors for putting in smart home switches or light fixtures since they normally have stranded wire. For electrical outlets, I will use wire nuts.

  • @mikegreene9215
    @mikegreene9215 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Exactly the answer I was hoping to find! Was looking for a way to combine three sets of wires in my rv that has a very small space. Never heard of a WAGO but looks like the exact piece I need. Thanks for posting!

  • @BearStar1
    @BearStar1 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Those Red 3m or Ideal Wing Tip Scotch Locks Wire Connectors are MY preferred method of making good solid wire conductor splicing connections and has been for many many decades ! I'm a State Licensed Journeyman Electrician / Sub Contractor with over 55 years in the trade ! I also use the Yellows, Grays, & Blues when required !

    • @kevindesilva8030
      @kevindesilva8030 ปีที่แล้ว

      Interesting here in the UK , Scotch locks are not allowed in mains wiring as they are not rated to any specification . but great for auto use.

  • @greggoldman893
    @greggoldman893 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Wire twist, solder, then tape or wire nut is the way they used to do it, would last 70+ years. I love the wagos….awesome for remodeling and retrofit, indispensable for light fixture going from braid to solid without having to fight to get it right.

    • @markkilgore5509
      @markkilgore5509 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Code does not allow for soldered connections

  • @realShadowKat
    @realShadowKat ปีที่แล้ว +16

    I usually use wire-nuts for my purposes but recently replacing a ceiling light with a fan, the wire run was very...very stingy and the box very tight where I did not trust there to be enough room for all the wire-nuts, and the ceiling fan was stranded wire. I went out to get some Wago connectors -- first time to use them -- and was greatly impressed by how easy, foolproof and compact they are.
    But for outlets and junctions where current draw could be anywhere up to the breaker limit for an unknown amount of time, I'd still trust wire nuts. Light switches and ceiling outlets with a low known load, Wago is a good alternative.

    • @Vanilla_Icecream1231
      @Vanilla_Icecream1231 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yep 100% I will say the wago 221 is just incredibly, it far exceeds it’s 32 amp rating for long periods of time so I think it’s fine for high loads.

    • @computeraddic675
      @computeraddic675 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Vanilla_Icecream1231 Yep!That test was here somewhere on the web..It was very hard to get them melted.

    • @tookitogo
      @tookitogo ปีที่แล้ว +2

      There’s no reason to think WAGO connectors can’t handle their rated current indefinitely- it’s literally what they’re designed to do, and WAGO isn’t some fly-by-night operation, it’s a huge company with a near monopoly on the electrical connector market in many countries.

    • @realShadowKat
      @realShadowKat ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks for the info everyone! I'm just thinking old-school, especially since in my area where we require everything to be routed in solid conduit.

    • @clockworkvanhellsing372
      @clockworkvanhellsing372 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@realShadowKat The main benefit of wire nuts is that they are considerably cheaper. :D
      If ut's simething that may be changed (i.e. lights ,...) use wagos.

  • @skylark4901
    @skylark4901 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    As another person mentioned, taking a small wire tie and wrapping around the Wago to keep the levers from flipping open, as well as doing the same around the wires an inch or so down from the Wago can insure a safer set up. If using 2 Wago's, put them back to back levers facing each other and wire tie.

  • @jeltechtv4624
    @jeltechtv4624 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I was taught to use splicing with wire nuts and still use to this day. For residential and especially remodeling with limited wires I love using wagos

  • @LeadSkillets
    @LeadSkillets ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I use wire nuts or DIN rail terminal blocks. Have used nut, bolt, & rubber tape on some lugs too. Wire nuts always get a good wrap of electrical tape though. No matter how good of a job you do, heat cycles and vibration can and will cause problems. The accidental opening of Wagos can also be solved with electrical tape. Just be mindful of install location due to the messy goo electrical tape can create.

  • @stevekovacs4093
    @stevekovacs4093 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    Those push ins are especially handy when someone cuts short the wires and you don't have much length to work with outside the box.

    • @wizard3z868
      @wizard3z868 ปีที่แล้ว

      or for multi grounds you may need to separate for testing trouble shooting been there both times

    • @chipburns4123
      @chipburns4123 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@wizard3z868 I opened a 3 gang box (fan, vanity lights and ceiling lights) and it has power going to outlets as well. Its a big mess. Just banging around the wall the lights were dimming and the fan would stop working.
      I opened the box and there is a huge blue wingnut wrapped around about 6 wires. I want to clean it up and fix the arcing so Im thinking a WAGO 221 5 port with a jumper wire to a second wago for the sixth wire. Is that ok?

    • @wizard3z868
      @wizard3z868 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@chipburns4123 should be thts what I wld do also do a wire box fill calculation all those wires snds very close to being overfilled

    • @chipburns4123
      @chipburns4123 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@wizard3z868 thank you for the reply. The box has been installed and the bathroom is finished years ago so changing the box would be very time consuming as its right next to permanent shelving. Im doing a heated tile floor (3amp, very small)and was only taking power from a nearby outlet. I didnt even need inside the box. I just wanted to fix the fan and light dimming when I bang on the wall but I was surprised at what I found. Someone came in later and added things. I am installing the thermostat above the switches with a remodel box. I think using the wago will solve both problems. Make a better connection and give me more room.

    • @wizard3z868
      @wizard3z868 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@chipburns4123 snds good just make sure those wagolevers are closed and maybe wrap some tape if it's looking tight. I've shoved them in before and had them levers open on me lol

  • @jameskennedy673
    @jameskennedy673 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I’ve used wire nuts for years, that’s what I was taught to use, always use the tug test to make sure the wire nut has connected. The guy who taught me how to use wire nuts preferred the soft 3M ones verses the hard plastic ones. I was taught in the mid seventies

  • @edwardgensheimer6640
    @edwardgensheimer6640 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks for the knowledge your giving for doing little things that need done safely around the house.

  • @jwar2163
    @jwar2163 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    In the late 1990s I took a full time job with a Children's Hospital as a Plant Engineer. It was a brand new facility with state of the art technology even in the walls. I was tasked with designing and building a workshop for the custom wheelchair department. I really liked the Receptacles that had a built in pigtail that plugged into a socket installed on the wiring at the electrical boxes by electrical contractors that wired the entire Hospital. At the time there were no Wagos, Ideal push locks only wire nuts an this new system that was installed. I have used the Ideal style for my own home and have yet to have any issues. much cleaner than wire nuts. I have over the course of 32 years wired many control centers, motor control panels with din rail systems with push lock termination terminals along with spring lock terminals for low voltage communications and control wiring. I have used Wagos a few times but always worried about the latches opening upon moving wires around. So currently I use the Ideal connector and wire nuts for loose stranded wire at light boxes for light fixtures.

  • @larrystuder8543
    @larrystuder8543 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Have you ever seen the "old school" set screw type wirenuts? 3 pcs- a brass sleeve with a set screw in it, and a separate cover. You put the wires inside, tighten the setscrew, then screw on the plastic top. A couple of issues with them- the plastic cap is rigid, like bakelite, and breakable. They also unscrew. We used those exclusively at one place I worked. More labor, and we ALWAYS wrapped them with tape.

    • @brnmcc01
      @brnmcc01 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I've seen them in new equipment, such as a plate warmer for a restaurant. The used them to connect the high temp wire from the heating elements to the wiring to the external temperature controls. High temp version of the plastic cap, but they still get brittle and disintegrate after 10 years of continuous use.

    • @kman2308
      @kman2308 ปีที่แล้ว

      YES! In my parent's house 50 yrs ago in NYC -- the only place I have run across them.

  • @mattpoling3376
    @mattpoling3376 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I've found that the Wago lever lock are great also in low voltage work as well. It's much easier to trouble rs485 loops when you can connect and disconnect a single loop without bothering the rest.

  • @gregcaron6627
    @gregcaron6627 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I have been using the push in type connectors for my DIY projects. I find them easier to use & fit into tight boxes than wire nuts. After watching this video I will try the Wago type because I like that they can use solid wire & stranded wire. I also like that they can be opened up if you need to change things, with the push type I have to cut them off & throw them away. I think that the simplest solution to the possibility of the levers getting flipped open would be to wrap around the levers with electrical tape.

    • @matthenard
      @matthenard ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Actually if you read the packaging on the push type all you have to do is twist and pull and the wire releases. Works pretty flawlessly.

  • @michaelpetrik334
    @michaelpetrik334 ปีที่แล้ว +94

    Never had issues with genuine Wago’s. You can also wrap tape around if you are worried about a lever opening. You can also get high current Wago’s.

    • @justinfufun5483
      @justinfufun5483 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      They melt within their rating not good.

    • @LeverPhile
      @LeverPhile ปีที่แล้ว +9

      @@justinfufun5483 Do you have a source for that claim?

    • @justinfufun5483
      @justinfufun5483 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Personal experience. Was shocked to see the state of them after 4 weeks.
      Yes that was a pun.

    • @zachreese6540
      @zachreese6540 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      😂😂😂😂😂

    • @congoparrot
      @congoparrot ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@justinfufun5483 you did something wrong.

  • @cybermaus
    @cybermaus ปีที่แล้ว +14

    WAGO also has push ins that are smaller than the push ins you show. Very useful for overly full boxes. Usually I use those, unless if I have either stranded wire, or if I know I need to disconnect still (either temporary or often changed connections) The nuts I rarely use anymore. Good for very high current, but too easy to accidentally get wrong, and too much space.

    • @JL-yo1du
      @JL-yo1du ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah, they have really small 6 wire one that I have a supply of.

  • @moorefab8192
    @moorefab8192 ปีที่แล้ว

    Im just a DIY guy. I only use the wagos for connecting stranded to solid wire like when installing a light fixture. Other than that, it’s all wire nuts. I feel like they can handle more amps because of how much more contact the wire has like you said. Great video. Thanks.

  • @MrNside
    @MrNside 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I've used those ideal push-ins for running can lights. They aren't super expensive and they are fast and take up less space when you have a weird junction.
    Braided doesn't work easy with them, but you can use a small wire nut and a solid pigtail to the connector to the actual fixture.
    While that may seem counter-productive, if you have to disconnect the fixture for some reason, it's a braided and solid under each nut. So you aren't having to deal with every other wire running through that box all under one massive nut.

  • @InterstellarTrevor
    @InterstellarTrevor ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I am a licenesed electrical contractor and I use the Ideal push-in connectors whenever possible for residential work. Saves time and are safe to use. But I'm an electrician who relies on data, not anecdotes, tradition, and superstition like a lot of electricians.

  • @alf1519
    @alf1519 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Have a WAGO 221 in hand. It is rated 20 amps @ 300 V. I have not used it at that rating. A company I worked for used the DIN rail mounted WAGO connectors on crawler mounted mining machines. The connectors were reliable in that high vibration use, mostly 24 VDC. That gave me confidence in the actual connection technology. Easy to use and inspect. Can insert wire and make connections with one hand with WAGO 221. I am a retired Electrical Engineer, still keeping my P.E. license active for one more 2 year cycle.

  • @LawMan62
    @LawMan62 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have been using the WAGO splicers and LOVE them! No messing around, and I am not using crazy voltage, so No heating up as well! I use Mostly strand wire and have had No problem with anything coming loose. I am also thinking of Kalolary Wire Connectors, but need them with 3 holes, not just 2. So far, I am staying with the Wagos.

  • @jimyeats
    @jimyeats ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Both options are good. Wire nuts put on correctly are incredibly strong, and also cheap and widely available. True Wagos are also good and reliable, easy, but also more expensive and not as available and flexible with regard to how many wires they accept.

    • @AwoudeX
      @AwoudeX ปีที่แล้ว +1

      for me the main reason to use wire nuts is when you will use alot of power for longer periods of time. In regular domestic usage, this is quite rare, but when you have a woodshop or some other workshop using all sorts of power tools for prolonged periods, you ideally want a good brand of wire nuts. I go with Conex, but you'll need to pretwist the wires tight enough so they won't undo by themselves even when you cut the twisted part to fit into the nut. Then you twist the nut on (comes with a bit for your drillhead so you can twist it on really fast). Bonus is that the insulating cap can be twisted off without undoing the actual electrical connection so you can check wether the connection was made correctly. Look em up if you like.
      The wire nuts i've seen in many videos here on youtube from the USA seem very inferior to the Conex variety i use. I've used knock offs a couple of times, but only on customer demand, for myself i always return to Conex. It's like the wago of wire nuts to me. You have cheap knock off push ins and cheap knock off with levers, i avoid them. They are expensive when your shit burns down.

  • @kenschmidt6522
    @kenschmidt6522 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    When using wire nuts, I tug on the wires to be sure they have a good connection before adding a couple more twists.

  • @wayneyadams
    @wayneyadams ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I like the Wago for low amperage lights, especially fixtures that have stranded wire. It's so much easier to connect the solid house wiring to the stranded fixture wiring than fighting with wire nuts.

    • @HowToHomeDIY
      @HowToHomeDIY  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I totally agree. Thanks for the input Wayne!

  • @jekinneys
    @jekinneys ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The Wago's I always suggest putting a tiny or one loop of tap to keep the levers down and helps with possible heat. I have had them open the lever a few times too.

    • @unitrader403
      @unitrader403 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I woder if that was a knockoff or you used them without strain relief so it was pulled out of the box and the lever got stuck somewhere.. because the lever prefers to be closed rather than be open..

  • @kevinboothe9991
    @kevinboothe9991 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I prefer the wire nut, if you pretwist the wires together you can make sure you have a good solid connection. At that point the wire nut is more of an insulator. Also you mentioned the downside of wirenuts is the more wires you put in a wirenut the bigger it needs to be, of course that is true but most electrical codes will only allow you to put a certain number of romexes in a box. In my state, in a standard size single gang outlet or switch box, you can I put 3 14/2 romex cables in it or 2 12/2 romex, in a deep box you can put 4 and 3 respectively. Of course that's different in a multi gang switchbox but then you generally have more room for a larger wirenut.

    • @HowToHomeDIY
      @HowToHomeDIY  ปีที่แล้ว

      I agree Kevin. Thanks a lot for the detailed feedback!

  • @JohnTurner313
    @JohnTurner313 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    I'm no electrician, but I feel a LOT better about homeowner stuff like light fixtures and whatnot using the Wago vs old school wire nuts. You never know for sure what's going on inside a wire nut. With the Wago you can see, hear and feel the connection.

    • @JoeC92
      @JoeC92 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      As an electrician, I've seen more issues with wago than wirenut

    • @jimyeats
      @jimyeats ปีที่แล้ว +2

      You know whats going on with wire nuts because you have already twisted the wires together and they are ridiculously strong, and THEN you out your wire nut over that. OR, you don’t pre-twist and put your wire nut on and ensure that you twist it enough that all the wires begin to twist, and then you test each one. But yes, the wagos are convenient, particularly for small jobs.

    • @scottc9630
      @scottc9630 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@JoeC92 what types of issues?

    • @JoeC92
      @JoeC92 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@scottc9630 joints coming apart, arcing due to lose connection

  • @TacoTruck17
    @TacoTruck17 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm a Master electrical and have been in the field for 35 years, the lever nuts are best for mechanically holding the conductors in place, also very good for speaker wire in low voltage. Tape on the lever nut is a good install.

  • @BeADad2447
    @BeADad2447 ปีที่แล้ว

    Huge thank you! For many of us electrical work is a mystery, great to learn from you.

  • @ashrafanuar2251
    @ashrafanuar2251 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    The Wago 221 are hands down the best connectors u can buy. They can't be beaten in terms of convenience, practicality and size. The only downside I have encountered is that there's a max of 5 slots, but that can be easily solved with another wago and a jumper. Even price I feel is not really a factor coz as a DIYer u probably won't use so many that u will feel the pinch(small assortment packs can be had for less than 20 bucks easily) , and as a professional u just price it in to the job. There were many times I felt like cheaping out on a job and using cheap connectors instead of my Wagos and on the handful of occasions I do, every single time I regret it because the money saved is never worth the time wasted.

  • @steve11211
    @steve11211 ปีที่แล้ว +37

    In UK been using WAGO connectors for years, seen a number of tests done on them and they can handle way more amps than they are actually rated for, never seen any issues of overheating, the resistance between the connections is extremely low, in the UK we have a lot of testing even with using a lot of these in a circuit the resistance is less than 0.001 ohms.. Because we also have electrical inspections that require the conductors to be separated WAGO's make this so much easier, because of this and for fault finding most electricians in the UK hate when people twist the conductors together as it can weaken the copper when you then have to un-twist... Every time I see twisted earth conductors (we call it cpc), I cut them off and reterminate using a WAGO... A lot of people were sceptical at first and used what we had for years connector blocks, but now almost everything is push inconnectors or WAGO style connectors, they cost a bit more but the time they save ofsets this, I guess it will just take time for people to come away from old habits... I want to say they are the future but in the UK an Europe we have been using them so long they are the standard, you can always tell a DIY job as they don't use WAGO's as they come in larger boxes...

    • @jonathanbuzzard1376
      @jonathanbuzzard1376 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Hum, when I do DIY it's WAGO's ;-) However what is not covered in the video is that the WAGO bites into the copper deforming it causing a very solid connection. Also they are certified as vibration resistant. Frankly if they are failing with overheat they where not installed correctly.

    • @steve11211
      @steve11211 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@cykes5124 I don't know where you got this information from, UK uses mostly solid conductors, above a certain size becomes stranded and we use stranded in single insulated cables, SWA and flex but the majourity of residential and commercial properties are wired in what we call Twin and Earth which has a Live (or Hot) and Neutral that have a double insulation and a single insulated cpc (or earth), most wiring is in 2.5mm, 1.5mm and 1mm which is all solid core. The resistance of a wago connection is that of about 4 inches of wire, not enough to be of any real significance, good practice in at least the UK is to ferrule stranded cables.

    • @steve11211
      @steve11211 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@cykes5124 Industrial maybe but Residential and Commercial as a UK spark I can assure you is mostly Twin & Earth which is solid for the mainly used lower guage conductors.

    • @keirstitt8277
      @keirstitt8277 ปีที่แล้ว

      Doing an EICR is so much easier with WAGO's. And I've never once seen a high resistance issue that's down to either a lever or push type connector. 90% of such problems are from screw terminals.

    • @keirstitt8277
      @keirstitt8277 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@cykes5124 there's a difference between finely stranded and stranded. Anything 4mm and above is stranded but those strands usually comprise of relatively large strands.
      Finely stranded is less common in fixed installation. Only really for singles - to aid drawing through conduit - and we often see it within consumer units for e.g. neutral connections. Consumer unit manufacturers usually provide finely stranded leads which are die finished so we don't need ferrules. I have a set of ferrule crimps in my bag because in my work I do a lot of e.g. electrical panels and I'm an engineer as opposed to an electrician. But I think most UK electricians wouldn't be carrying a ferrule crimping tool in their bag - in fact a lot of UK electricians probably wouldn't know the difference between a ferrule crimping tool and a lug crimping tool.
      Ultimately electricians deal primerily in fixed installations so solid is what they use.

  • @billmaghan
    @billmaghan ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hello 'How To Home.' Yesterday I used Wago Lever Nut connectors for L.E.D. tail lights on a trailer. The wires were short, and only three fingers could fit in the enclosure. Also, auto captions work good in your video. Cheers!

  • @tubularfrog
    @tubularfrog 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks Adam. In some European countries they can use only the WEGO style connector. Wire nuts are not allowed. But as the power there is 220VAC, the current used is going to be less than in the USA, which goes along with your preference for using WEGO connectors for low current use.

  • @davebrown6552
    @davebrown6552 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    thewire nuts are great if you only have 2 or 3 connectors that have not been work hardened. reworking an old box with nuts is a nightmare if they have been pretwisted and there is not enough spare wire to be able to trash the ends. That can be a lot of rewiring and dry-walling just to fix what could have been a minor problem. It is a pity no one imports the stuff they use in the uk. screw held slots in lumps of brass. all tested to 600 volt and 100 amp.

  • @HeliosFish
    @HeliosFish ปีที่แล้ว +5

    There’s a use case that you didn’t mention for WAGO connectors. Dissimilar metals. Many newer budget light fixtures come with tinned or aluminum stranded wiring. Rather than having to add bonding paste it’s pretty much a no brainer

    • @MrCyberP
      @MrCyberP ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Wago was made to be used with cooper wires. Do not use with aluminum wires. Connectors are made with galvanic cooper an react with aluminum degadeting bouth, wire and vonector. Read wago instructions.

  • @stephl1995
    @stephl1995 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I have been using Wago for 3 years and I love it. As many here have suggested when you are in a junction box or have a risk that the levers will pull up. You just wrap around with electrical tape to keep them in place.

  • @richardvanbuskirk6709
    @richardvanbuskirk6709 27 วันที่ผ่านมา

    These things rock! The best thing for me is a cleaner fit inside of the junction box!! The ability to connect many lines is a big plus!! Thank you Wago….

  • @capnmark4
    @capnmark4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I've had too many issues with either crappy wire nuts (no metal insert) or not being able to get a good connection between solid and stranded wire. Switched to Wagos for a project where I knew there wasn't going to be much room in the box and they solved both issues (size and mixed media) so I'm a believer.

    • @40steeleb
      @40steeleb ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Like anything else use a good wire nut brand Buchanan

    • @40steeleb
      @40steeleb ปีที่แล้ว

      If you twist the wires and then cap them you know what's going on under the wire nut

  • @40beretta1
    @40beretta1 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    It seems you had to apply some extra force to unlock the Wago 221. I would have to think, if the lever flipped open. The electrician was jamming 5lbs into a 1lb bucket. I'm excited to try the WAGO. Looking them up... you can buy a big set of WAGO...2 - 5 pin. where as the wire nuts in bulk you will pay a lot more

  • @lanier1000
    @lanier1000 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You have a knack for explaining and an easy-to-listen to style. You'd be a good, professional teacher at a tech school.
    Thanks for the video !
    .

    • @HowToHomeDIY
      @HowToHomeDIY  ปีที่แล้ว

      You are welcome. Really glad you liked it. Thanks a lot for all of the feedback!

  • @Psychobob
    @Psychobob ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I just got some Wago 221s. They're just so much easier for wiring than the wire nuts if you mess up and have to redo something.

  • @drstefankrank
    @drstefankrank ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Wago push-ins are cheaper than the 221s and are sufficient for most connections. Especially if you just have solid core for house hold cabling. Also they are a bit smaller for tight spaces. I never used wire nuts and I've never seen them in Germany.

    • @outlet6989
      @outlet6989 ปีที่แล้ว

      The real reason they are not used in Germany: During WW2, the German war industry used them, and Germany lost the war. Lesson learned the hard way.

  • @bjornb.6662
    @bjornb.6662 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    In Switzerland we use Wagos since ~1980 everywhere and i have never seen a burnt wago connection.

    • @williamhortman9454
      @williamhortman9454 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      In Switzerland, do you use solid or stranded wire for residential?

  • @tadmarshall2739
    @tadmarshall2739 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Very well done video, thorough and direct with great visuals so viewers can see exactly what you are talking about. Thanks!
    I'm new to the non-wirenut solutions but I've opened up too many boxes to find wires have slid out of their wire nuts. Pushing wires into a crowded box makes it way too easy for the wire nut to separate from the wires. The connection still "works" because the wires remain in contact, but it's an accident waiting to happen.

  • @davidcoke2130
    @davidcoke2130 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I am a DYI'er and I like the Wago. I have two issues with the wire nuts that you didn't discuss. The first is that when you have to go back into a box and undo a wire nut it involves fatiguing the wire and/or just having to shorten the wire. Do that enough, and there may not be sufficient wire for future maintenance/changes. I'm not sure, but I think I've heard that you are supposed to cut off the twisted wire every time you undo it.
    The second problem is that they don't do nearly as well as the Wago when connecting solid wire to stranded wire.
    And, I've seen tests where the amp rating of the Wago was significantly exceeded before there was any damage caused to the Wago.

  • @matzehali
    @matzehali ปีที่แล้ว +33

    Wago is producing push ins and levers for a very specific reason. The push ins are used when using solid wires which usually are not serviced because they are in wall. They have the lowest foot print and even if you need to connect a lot of wires it's possible in very little boxes. The lever ones are for elements where potentially a non electricians needs to access and exchange elements, eg light fixtures or fan outlets, or other situations where you need to interconnect stranded wires with either stranded or solid wiring. So it's not a question of either push ins or lever ones, it's a question of where you use which type, but always use Wago brand ...

    • @maxking3
      @maxking3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yep. 221 & 2273 series co-exist for a reason. They are nearly exclusively used in Central Europe these days - if you see a wirenut, you know the house is >50 years old.

    • @nightfiremovingpictures5632
      @nightfiremovingpictures5632 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      The main selling point for electricians is the ability to mix stranded and solid in the same clamp with ease. Also a main cause of problems are the push-in types, where the wire is not uninsulated for the correct length, is not pushed into the clamp in a straight line and not deep enough etc.
      Also lots of cheap knock-offs that look like Wago are made of very inferior material and therefore do not hold the contact well after some time.

    • @lal12
      @lal12 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I use the lever ones for combining stranded wires with solid ones. And when I know I have to change that junction box again.

    • @BPo75
      @BPo75 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ViD and Hellacon are just as reputable as the Wagos... what you need to look when buying are the certifications which can be verified.

  • @MrDallaskincaid
    @MrDallaskincaid ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I absolutely love the wago connectors. One thing I do though if I'm working in a tight area, I'll wrap a piece of electrical tape around it to hold the levers down.

  • @travel734
    @travel734 ปีที่แล้ว

    I use Wago when I am connecting stranded to solid core. They give me a more secure connection if I think that I may have to replace something like a ballast or light fixture. For solid core to solid core I still use wire nuts.

  • @Nonsense62365
    @Nonsense62365 ปีที่แล้ว

    I’ve known about wego connectors since one of my former electricians should be back in 2005! He use them in junction boxes installed above the ceiling joist in my kitchen remodel!

  • @felaxchow207
    @felaxchow207 ปีที่แล้ว +48

    I've been using Wago connectors for quite some time now, I haven't had any major issues with them. I use them quite a lot when transitioning between solid and stranded wires just because it is pretty much "id10t" resistant. Majority of the failures I find in the repair field melted wirenuts caused by bad connections on solid to stranded transitions and one failure of a Wago caused by water intrusion, not the failure from the product itself.
    Also, I work on quite a lot of telecom equipment which is dominantly DC powered using stranded wire and the usage of wirenuts are an absolute no no. Not sure if they're rated for DC applications, but I've used them for my 52 volts DC nominal circuits derating the ampacity of the nominal wire size by 60% for continuous duty applications and haven't seen any signs of thermal stress the last time I checked it with a thermal camera.

    • @TheEmpowerment1
      @TheEmpowerment1 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I fully support your choice of using wago brand splice joints. They are an amazing product and like you said "id10t" resistant. The problem is commercially they are too expensive to justify. If an electrician put thousands of dollars for splice materials on an invoice the general contractor would for sure fire you and never use you again.

    • @krashanb5767
      @krashanb5767 ปีที่แล้ว

      Stranded wire in Wago without crimped on ferrules? Sounds iffy.

    • @isaackvasager9957
      @isaackvasager9957 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@krashanb5767 the stranded literally bite better than solid conductors.

    • @isaackvasager9957
      @isaackvasager9957 ปีที่แล้ว

      dude...this is the internet and it's 2022. You can say the word 'idiot'.

    • @Marcel_Germann
      @Marcel_Germann ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@krashanb5767 That's what the manufacturer actually tells to do. Ferrules aren't necessary on the 221 model, on the contrary, they reduce the maximum conductor size you can insert into them.

  • @ajmedeiros77
    @ajmedeiros77 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love wagos, question, should you tape the levers of the wago to prevent them from being opened? Always thought about it. Thanks!

  • @watavuemountain481
    @watavuemountain481 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanx for the simple explanation of the pros and cons. I accidentally purchased some push on’s thinking they were Wago. I feel confident now I can use them for my DIY light install. Be Safe!!

  • @MojoPup
    @MojoPup ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I always pre-twisted my wires when using wire nuts to make sure the connection was secure. But others are correct, 2-3 wires at most usually. I use the Wago's these days. So nice for replacing or reworking a box.

  • @antoniskonstantakis5474
    @antoniskonstantakis5474 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    The wirenuts are the best if you pre twist the wires like you suppose to

  • @stinkyham9050
    @stinkyham9050 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Those wago connectors look cool but I've never had an issue with wire nuts or marrettes as we call them in Canada in the 22 years I've been in the HVAC trade. In fact the few electrical fires I have seen were all due to issues that had nothing to do with wire connections. My favorite was the electrical panel that caught on fire after a boiler pump leaked and sprayed water all over the panel in a boiler room. I had to pull the fire alarm and evacuate an entire apartment building in February, good times.

    • @matt123231
      @matt123231 ปีที่แล้ว

      We wont use them in hospitals in Windsor. I wont even talk about the stab Loc style for obvious reasons. I can also see the little funky levers on the Waggos rubbing on the box or other wires and opening when someones pulls on the connections from other boxes when troubleshooting a circuit. Someone said to wrap them with tape. Wouldn't the inspector lose this mind if he saw that? It risks introducing glue from the tape onto the connection raising resistance and thats bad Ju Ju. What happens when you reuse a Waggo for # 16 after it had been used on #12? Wouldn't you have lost some of the connectors clamping force with the smaller wire ? They look expensive how much is a bag of 500? Ill take a pass thanks lol

  • @billylenox
    @billylenox หลายเดือนก่อน

    I always use a piece of Electrical Tape to place over the WAGO Levers and Wire Nuts to secure them to move position.

  • @berndkruger5030
    @berndkruger5030 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I've been using Wago clamps for over four decades. Tens of thousands of them. No connector has ever failed. Not a single one. I've seen a lot of melted or defective imitations, but never a Wago terminal with problems.

  • @keldon_champion
    @keldon_champion ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I work as a commercial food service and refrigeration service tech, I think you nailed most of the pros and cons of all of these. I would like to addto what you said, my experience with wagos is that the heat can be a problem at least from the equipment I work on but another larger problem I have seen with the wago connectors is if they loosen even a little from say vibration from a compressor, a fan motor, or the equipment just getting moved around they can melt just like any loose connection, I think that it happens because they vibrated against something and popped the lever up but it is hard to say because by the time I arrive all that left is melted plastic. I think that it is kind of funny because with the push for HC refrigerants (all of which are flammable) some manufacturers have started using these because they are "spark free" but I find them melted off with alarming regularity the most recent of which melted the plastic electrical box off the back of a refrigerator and the fire department had to come out, also brand new under warranty. Sorry for the long post but for the work I do I don't like them but I can see why someone would.

    • @HowToHomeDIY
      @HowToHomeDIY  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      No I and I’m sure many others will appreciate your post. Thanks for taking the time to write it!

    • @nightfiremovingpictures5632
      @nightfiremovingpictures5632 ปีที่แล้ว

      In my experience it is hard to pop the lever up unless the whole clamp suffered severe degradation. Ok, maybe some prolonged time of vibration could do this, I do not have personal experience here. But another thought: How good is the chance for liquids or oil (near the compressor you might have oil spray due to some micro leaks) to go into the Wago clamp and cause high resistance?

    • @schrodingerscat1863
      @schrodingerscat1863 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      If you are finding them melted regularly I can almost guarantee they are being used way above their rated current. When the lever is flipped down the connector bites into the wire so resistance is very low and it is impossible to shake them loose. In Europe Wego are used everywhere and if there was a problem with them there would be fires breaking out all over the place.

    • @keldon_champion
      @keldon_champion ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@schrodingerscat1863 I don't see them melt in building wiring, it is in equipment such as fryers and refrigerators, I think it is being caused by the lever rubbing on something and popping the lever up either from vibration or people moving the equipment. It doesn't cause fires because the wire either doesn't touch anything (no short) and the equipment just stops working or it touches the frame and pops the breaker. Also remember when I say I see it happen I'm not saying all lever nuts are garbage and they are melting all the time but if I see it once in awhile I'm not going to use them because I'm the poor bastard getting the phone call at 9pm that a freezer broke and I need to come right now. What I am seeing is a very small rate of this happening but I never see a properly installed wire nut just fail and because of that I just don't use them.
      On a side note I'm done replying to this comment thread because I'm getting a crazy amount of hate from people saying things like I've never seen this therefore you're wrong/lying or whatever some ignorant shit said flat out that I must hate them because they're European, in short I am not seeing constructive conversation just hate for anyone who doesn't think lever nuts are the greatest invention in human history and dares to suggest they have any flaws. So if people can't have a productive conversation about the pros and cons without insulting people then I see no reason to engage with them at all.

    • @maxking3
      @maxking3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Here in Europe, many appliance makers now use WAGOs by default in their devices. Heating, refrigeration, pro-kitchen… you open a slot and find WAGOs.
      Also, if you are worried about maximum A, take the 221-6xx series. They’re 6mm2 and 48A…

  • @rachaelb9164
    @rachaelb9164 ปีที่แล้ว

    I’ve never even heard of WAGOs until watching your channel. That is so much easier! You don’t have to try to get the correct size for the wire and my issue in twisting is that half the time I end up with one wire that stays straight and the other twists around it. Not secure and easily pulls out.

  • @AndyGaudet
    @AndyGaudet ปีที่แล้ว +1

    01:07 the fly at the top-right of the screen when he filmed this had me going nuts. 😂

  • @rpmspeedyblue
    @rpmspeedyblue ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Good info on wagos and wire nuts 👍. I use electrical tape on the 221 over the flaps in in tight areas. In the electrical field(commercial)we use wire nuts. Wire nuts are cheaper. Depending on certain applications we use wagos when we need to add more lighting/devices into a junction box.

    • @phillallen01
      @phillallen01 ปีที่แล้ว

      In the uk wago produce junction boxes for use with the wagos dont know if you can get them in the usa

  • @Sparkeycarp
    @Sparkeycarp ปีที่แล้ว +8

    A solution for the Wago accidental opening is a bit of tape wrapped around it.

    • @ronb6182
      @ronb6182 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sounds like a wire nut fix. You should never need tape on a connection. I still think screw down connectors are the best. 73

    • @intercity125
      @intercity125 ปีที่แล้ว

      It's a non-issue, they take a good bit of force to open, if they're coming apart accidentally someone needs to stop ramming things in like an angry gorilla!

  • @diverdave4056
    @diverdave4056 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    47 years ago I had to instal a lot of ballasts in old live fluorescent lights in a department store during store hours ( i wasn't allowed to turn the power off ) what fun it was to see wire nuts that were loose and fell off or dried up and cracked ! Never ever install wire nuts without also wrapping them with some High temp electric tape to help insure that the wire nuts stay on ! I never used Wagos but perhaps you can also give them and the wires leading into them a wrap of tape !

    • @sku32956
      @sku32956 ปีที่แล้ว

      I did the same thing, had some friend tell me you want the nut to breath from the heat ,not sure if he was making shit up ?

  • @allegory7638
    @allegory7638 ปีที่แล้ว

    Your videos are great! Straight to the point and yet very informative. Thanks again!

  • @B-and-O-Operator-Fairmont
    @B-and-O-Operator-Fairmont ปีที่แล้ว

    Our model railroad club has made extensive use of 3- and 4-hole push-in connectors for hooking up 20 AWG "drops" from the rails to the 12 AWG "bus" wires under the benchwork. Of course, these are all low voltage (about 16 volts AC) and low amperage (less than five amps) applications. It has saved hours of time soldering connections. As an added bonus, it is easy to put a number label on the block. I concur that I wouldn't be too keen on using them for 110 applications.

  • @lorenrickey5481
    @lorenrickey5481 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I’ve started using 3m wire nuts and Ideal lever nuts (now available at Home Depot). Really like their construction and capabilities.

    • @snaplash
      @snaplash ปีที่แล้ว

      I found the winged wire nuts can easily be bumped loose. I switched to Wagos when I recently installed my generator transfer panel. 12 GA max.

  • @shriker5969
    @shriker5969 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Biggest drawback of the wirenut for me is that it damages the wire. If you have to shorten the wire after a certain amount of time of redoing it, that fixed installed wire is going to be too short. That's why I love the Wago, especially for stranded wire.

    • @chuckg2016
      @chuckg2016 ปีที่แล้ว

      @ Shriker
      Agreed. Damage to the conductors from the twist and the space the wire nut takes up.

    • @shriker5969
      @shriker5969 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@chuckg2016 I'm not sure what the most common way to install wires in America is. But I've seen a lot of videos where they installed the wires directly into the wall, which would really suck if you had to replace a wire. I believe this is illegal in Europe, we install conduits and pull in the wire afterwards. This would make replacement a lot easier.

    • @chuckg2016
      @chuckg2016 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@shriker5969
      Except for industrial and some commercial apllications, a lot residential wiring routes through walls at some point. The runs are anchored periodically to the framing to prevent accidental pulls. Personally, I like the "everything in conduit" approach of your land ---- wherevet that is.

  • @michaelwright1602
    @michaelwright1602 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love these Wago connectors! I installed a new outlet, a fancy floor mounted flip up unit, and had to join stranded copper to solid copper, and did not want to use a wire nut. I found these on Amazon and am not looking back. I ordered two kits.

  • @esmokah
    @esmokah ปีที่แล้ว

    I have learned to love wago lever nuts. I never did like the twist ons. I was a telephone tech and took off so many!

  • @paultech9385
    @paultech9385 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Great video. Any potential heat buildup is a deal breaker. The issue with wire nuts for me is just training. Don’t overcrowd and so on.

    • @mikehenthorn1778
      @mikehenthorn1778 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      when i test connections on my boilers and chillers, WAGOs run cooler than wire nuts. soldered connections run coolest but you can't replace bits as easy. i have to test qt on motors up to 460 AMP and 150 HP to control wire for temp sensors. i note he said you could get heat but didn't test. this sounds like a project farm video . lol

  • @KillerBvideos
    @KillerBvideos ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I work in industrial controls and we us Wago exclusively. Whether ‘push-ins’ or lever, they’re super reliable, and can handle their rated amperage without issue. Plus their anti-vibration design prevents any backing out of the wires, unlike wire nuts. Found too many wire nuts backed off inside of boxes over the years. Wago connectors DON’T fail!

    • @johnh8546
      @johnh8546 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      We tried Wagos in the plant I work at. We found them too failure prone and now don't use them. The vibration from machines running cause the wires to wiggle and its a bad day. We started taking them but finally figured if we are going to be taking them might as well just use wire nuts. Wire Nuts are for everything. Wagos are for lighting because it's low current.

  • @mavirek
    @mavirek 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Are the inline connector by wagu good for extending wires? I have a outdoor outlet that needs to move 8". The wires reach it through 1/2" conduit. I intended to cut the conduit/wires in the middle, add 8" of conduit/wire, connect that new 8" section with either crimp/shrink connectors on both sides. Now I'm envisioning using the inline connectors, in a staggered formation with the other wires, so that they all fit in the the narrow conduit.

    • @HowToHomeDIY
      @HowToHomeDIY  7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Yup, I use them for that. Even have a video on the channel showing how I do it.

    • @mavirek
      @mavirek 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@HowToHomeDIY Thanks! On my way to see it.

  • @nachtdiertje1972
    @nachtdiertje1972 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I agree to a certain level with you. Wirenuts are the ultimate, but are also laborintensive , spaceabsorbing, difficult to manipulate and userunfriendly. I think the wago's are a great alternative and also very reliable. I use them (not only the 221's) for decenia. I'ver been teached the wirenut-way, but love the wago-way. The big disadvantage of a wirenut is that it can be mounted in so many wrong/dangerous ways. The wago 221's are close to foolproof and more diverse. To be honost, I only use wirenuts in situations in which my connection needs to be very secure (high or unreachable places) or is demanded (hospitals, military, etc.). For the rest I only use Wago(-like) connections. Also the push-in connector from Wago are very relieble. These I used to use before the 221 and had very little failure, and I still use them, because they are cheaper then the 221's and comparable relieble.

    • @HowToHomeDIY
      @HowToHomeDIY  ปีที่แล้ว

      That’s a fair assessment. Thanks for the input Barrie!

    • @musiccitymanpresents
      @musiccitymanpresents ปีที่แล้ว

      Labor intensive is relative, wire nuts are much faster than the twist, solder, and tape method they were meant to replace.

  • @clutteredchicagogarage2720
    @clutteredchicagogarage2720 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I think part of the reason that the Wago connectors are more popular in Europe than the USA is because AC in homes is 220V in Europe vs 110V in the USA. Higher voltage for the same wattage means that the amperage will be lower in Europe than in the USA, and, for a given resistance, you get more heat generated with higher amperage. So in the USA, where devices will draw higher amperage, we need to optimize connectors for minimal resistance to avoid heat. As you stated, with a properly installed wire nut, you can have more surface area and less resistance in your connection.
    In general, this is a great video, and I think you give people good advice. In my house, I've been slowly replacing older LED cans with halogen bulbs to LED lighting over time. The LED lighting draws significantly lower current. Whoever installed some of the can lights 15 years ago did a terrible job with some of the wiring. I've found several lights that didn't work because the wire nuts weren't installed properly, and the lights stopped working due to faulty connections and open circuits. As I've been replacing these with LED lighting, I've mostly used WAGO connectors because I don't like being up on a high ladder fumbling with overhead wiring in the ceiling. Since the new LED lighting uses less current, it's OK if the WAGOs might have a little bit more resistance than an optimally-installed wire nut. I think your AVERAGE WAGO install will probably have lower resistance than an average wire nut install with wires that aren't perfectly spliced. When I'm doing this up on a ladder and reaching up inside a lighting can when some wires are a little short, I think I might not do a perfect job with wire nuts every time. So it's nice to use a WAGO and get the job done faster with, in my opinion, less probability of installer-error.

    • @schrodingerscat1863
      @schrodingerscat1863 ปีที่แล้ว

      WAGO make a high current variant if the regular WAGO isn't up to the current you need. These take wire up to 10 awg and rated up to 41A.

  • @delliott777
    @delliott777 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    WAGO’s look easy and simple, could use tape to lock them. But considering the amount of physical contact a wire nut facilitates, I still feel better with wire nuts.
    However, I have seen a wire slip in a wire nut and not get adequate contact and fall out easily.
    I know speed is important, I wonder if adding solder to any of these devices would help?

  • @KevinBenecke
    @KevinBenecke ปีที่แล้ว

    With those Wagos, if you know you are going to be adding more to the circuit later on, can you put a bigger one on and just not use a couple openings? Or do you have to use all openings? The wire nut can also better twist the wires together as well. If you pretwist the wires before putting the wire nut on, make sure you twist the wires in the same direction you twist the the wire nut on, otherwise you might untwist the wire as you tighten the wire nut on and cause a bad connection or even have a wire fall out.

  • @EngineMotor
    @EngineMotor ปีที่แล้ว +12

    I just put some electrician tape over the wago to make sure they stay closed

    • @HowToHomeDIY
      @HowToHomeDIY  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That would definitely hold them down anyways. Thanks for the feedback!

    • @aurvaroy6670
      @aurvaroy6670 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      WAGOs can stay closed without tape. Just because the lever sticks out slightly doesn't mean the wire is loose.

    • @TC-dk6do
      @TC-dk6do ปีที่แล้ว

      Lol

    • @HowToHomeDIY
      @HowToHomeDIY  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes you are correct but they are sometimes opened while pushing them into the box past the point you are talking about.

    • @KeiganApparel
      @KeiganApparel 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I like to use duct tape