In the process of building the linear part of the wiring, you have to implement a large number of connections of individual wires. This procedure can be performed in various ways, incl. on twists, using sleeves, etc. In recent years, in certain areas, the use of so-called terminal blocks as a splicing element is rapidly gaining popularity.
Spring-loaded quick-connect wire components are available from a number of companies. Nevertheless, according to the name of the company that developed and first mastered the mass production of such terminals, they are often called WAGO. In fact, a picture has developed in electrical engineering similar to copying technology: the corresponding machines are called copiers after the name of the first copier manufacturer.
Types of terminals
A number of characteristics can be used as classification elements for spring-loaded wire connectors. In fact, they boil down to a few and intuitive parameters in terms of the nature of use (disposable and reusable), the number of wires to be connected, as well as the possibility of using flexible stranded and soft single-wire conductors.
The presented list can be supplemented with the cross-section of the spliced wires, the maximum passed current, by connecting to them the possibility of splicing an aluminum wire with a copper one. The result is a set of parameters that can describe the vast majority of products that an electrician deals with in the process of performing daily work.
WAGO snap-on terminals
A latch, otherwise called a lever, is a characteristic recognizable feature of reusable terminals, Figure 1. With this element, a simple turn of 90 degrees closes the latch that holds the wires in a connected state.
To visually highlight the lever, it is specially made of orange plastic, the color of which contrasts with the gray color of the case.
A feature of lever terminals of different series is that the lever can be directed with its free end both to the side of the socket for installing wires, Figure 1, or to the opposite, Figure 2. At the same time, regardless of the orientation of the lever, to ensure the simplicity and convenience of using the element during operation, its end slightly protrudes beyond the overall body.
Lever terminals have the following features:
- used in that part of the wiring in which changes are expected during operation;
- the maximum cross-section of a flexible stranded conductor is approximately 1.5 times the cross-section of a rigid single-wire;
- at low amperage, each slot can accommodate up to four separate thin wires without compromising connection reliability.
WAGO terminals without latches
This type of terminals, Figure 3 refers to disposable products, which is provided by the transition to a special shaped internal spring contact. They are used in the fixed part of the wiring. Due to the lack of control elements for the retainer, it has good weight and dimensions.
Ease of use is ensured by the fact that the wire stripped from insulation over a length of about 10 - 12 mm is pushed into the housing by linear movement along the axis of the installation socket.
Conclusion
Original WAGO terminals are a convenient and reliable element for wiring formation. Lever and leverless versions of its design have clearly defined areas of application, the most suitable for servicing household electrical appliances and devices of small and medium power. The only serious limitation is that it is advisable to install with the ability to access during operation.