In response to yesterday’s review of Wago Wall-Nuts push-in wiring connectors, several commenters mentioned their affinity for Wago’s lever connectors. I absolutely love using these connectors as well!
Actually, I like Wago Lever-Nuts even more than the Wall-Nuts. I use them mostly for lower voltage DC wiring, and they are far quicker and easier than using crimp-on terminals, screw terminals, or any other connector.
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Wago makes the 222-series Lever-Nuts in 3 sizes: 2-conductor, 3-conductor, and 5-conductor. They can handle 28-12 AWG wire, both stranded and solid, and are rated up to 600V (1000V for signs and fixtures) and 20A.
To use them, strip 9-10mm (~0.37″) of insulation off your wires. The bottom of the connectors have built-in stripping length gauges.
Strip your wire, lift the lever, insert conductors, close the levers. It really is that easy.
Here’s a quick video demo:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlL5nKkpNzo
Unlike the 773-series push-in connectors, 222-series clamp-down wiring connectors are reusable with all types of wire, not just solid core.
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A built-in test port allows for voltage and continuity testing.
Overall, these connectors are amazing. There’s no downside to them that I could see. I really, REALLY like using them. The only reason I use the push-in connectors is because they’re slightly more compact. The 773-series connectors are also more economically priced due to their simpler construction.
Price-wise, a box of (50) 222-series 2-conductor connectors costs about $20. The 3-conductor and 5-conductor connectors are a little more expensive. In comparison, I recently purchased (250) 773-series 2-conductor connectors for under $10.
Model numbers: 222-412 (2-conductor), 222-413 (3-conductor), 222-415 (5-conductor), 222-500 (optional mounting carrier).
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More Info(via Wago)
I purchased boxes of these connectors via Amazon. If you just want to try a few out, Wago 222 connectors are also sold individually via electronics suppliers.
Update: There’s actually a new version of these that is smaller and better featured – 221-series lever wiring connectors. It will be a while until the newer connectors are available in the US, but in the meantime we still very highly recommend the 222-series modules discussed here.
mike
These really are nice,the electrical guys at work use these all the time.
Quick and easy to use,nice solid connections.
fred
For the tool nuts out there – Wago offers quite a number of tools to work with their various wiring devices:
http://www.wago.us/products/search.jsp?action=search&frontendId=frontendGeneral_cms_en&lang=us&q=tools&x=0&y=0
A few of these seem to be available via Amazon Marketplace – but prices look really high. I found a different source that seems to offer most if not all of the Wago tool line – by just searching on a part number:
http://www.wagoproducts.com/
woecki
use them all the time (diy’er). little disadvantage: a bit bulky
Dave
Great post. Never heard of these. Thanks!
Side note: typo: “Strip your WORE, lift the lever…” made me giggle, sounds like a different activity altogether.
Walty
Was it wrong of me to assume that he forgot the h in “wore”? 🙂
Stuart
Whoopsie!
porphyre
Also awesome for gauging the gullibility of new hires. “Stick your finger in there!” *SNAP* “ooowwwww!”
Old guys who are smart know better than to stick fingers anywhere. 🙂
Those little clips have quite a snap to ’em.
Stuart
The packaging had a warning diagram explicitly saying not to do that. =)
I discarded the box and couldn’t find an official image, but here’s one from ebay – http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/7/1/1/1/1/4/webimg/623282731_o.jpg .
John
These are an interesting option for wiring. With a few projects coming up – garage outlets and lights, an eventual basement remodel, and a living room remodel that includes new power and lighting, these may be worth diving deeper into for me.
4 questions about these and how they would work for installation of receptacles, switches, fixtures, etc. on a typical residential 120/240v system:
Let’s say I need to connect 4 wires in one connector. Do I use a 5 port and leave the 5th empty? Do I have to use a short jumper to connect two 3 port connectors? If using the 5 port with an empty space, is there a concern of something getting in it and shorting the circuit? OK that was a a few questions but all around 1 topic.
A few comments on this post and the post about the standard connectors mentioned that they are bulkier than standard wire nuts. How does the NEC handle these in respect to box fill calcs?
Any pushback from local inspectors when using this system?
Does Wago make a larger connector that could be used with larger wire for 240v applications like an air compressor, welder, and other shop equipment?
Stuart
To be frank, I cannot answer any of these questions with high confidence. Your best bets would be to i) wait until a more knowledgeable reader replies to your comment, ii) contact Wago or a Wago USA representative, iii) visit your local supply house and see what they know.
The push-in nuts are specifically marketed as being meant for installation inside of junction boxes, but the Lever Nuts can be mounted via a carrier on DIN railing.
I *believe* that you should be okay leaving the unused slot empty. This should be construed as my opinion and not official advice as I am not an electrician or intimately familiar with the related safety codes.
I don’t recall seeing anything similar for larger wire. (Here’s their installation connectors lineup.) These can handle up to 12 gauge wire, but the 20A max current draw is the limiting factor.
The upcoming 221-series connectors look to handle higher current (32A) and *might* be suitable for your application.The upcoming 221-series connectors will also have a 20A max current rating.Shige
I still see it as 32A.
http://www.wago.us/products/terminal-blocks-and-connectors/installation-connectors/compact-spliciing-connectors-for-all-conductor-types-221-series/overview/
Stuart
Newer spec sheets say 20A.
http://www.wago.us/media/us/collection/brochures/221.pdf
It makes sense to me. The connectors can withstand 32A of current, but the max gauge wiring, 12 AWG, is rated for 20A max.
They corrected the specs to say 20A because, if I’m understanding it correctly, they don’t want to suggest it can be used with 12 AWG wire for higher amperage applications.
I’m only relaying what I’ve seen and what I’ve been told.
After talking with Wago, this is what I added to the post on the 221-series connectors:
Wago USA has explained that the 32A rating is in accordance with IEC and international standards. For the USA market and applications, the 221’s maximum current rating will be based on its maximum conductor size – 12 AWG – and will thus be 20A.
Mike
That spec sheet is all over the place, probably because so much of it has been cut and pasted from the 222 sell sheet and wasn’t changed.
It states a nominal max current of 32A, yet 20A. Nominal voltage of 400V, yet 600V, and most of their other tech literature says 450V. Depending on what particular square inch of the sheet you look at you may or may not be getting data from the 221 series.
Mike
Wago’s are AWESOME. We use them a ton! We go thru hundreds on most jobs.
I take them from work for home use as they are a bit costly to be using on a whole house wiring job. They are great for things that you change more often. So with my wife’s monthly changing tastes I put them on fans and light fixtures mostly.
You can leave any unused holes open, no special cap or anything. If you need 4 wires I’d just use a 5way. No reason you can’t connect 2 together but just gets messy and bulky.
They might seem bulky but I bet if someone does the math a 5way Wago’s volume is just a bit more then the right wire nut for 5 12awg. They do make a newer compact version that is like 40% smaller, but they are hard to get. If you wire smart it shouldn’t be a problem.
They are UL listed so if you get crap from any local inspector it’s cause they have no clue what they are. We use them all the time on large commercial jobs and have never had a problem. Usually once you show them how they work and how well they hold, they love them.
These are rated up to 12AWG and 400V. So depending on the tool no reason you can’t use them at 240v. They don’t make a larger version unfortunately, that is my complaint about them. If you want to make something sexy with larger wire look into Din Rail Terminal Blocks. They make terminal blocks that go up to 4/0AWG I think.
Stuart
Yup, the post about the newer version just went up at https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/wago-wiring-lever-connectors-221-series/%3C/a%3E . It looks like these were only announced this week, and won’t start shipping for another 6-8 weeks internationally.
LindaB
Do you close lever on the the empty fifth port or do you leave the lever open? I’ve never used these before and they look easy and secure. Thanks.
Stuart
The levers are normally in the closed position unless you’re actively about to insert a wire.
LindaB
I assued that, but I wanted to be sure. Thank you!!!
DC
I have a few of these: http://www.posi-lock.com/ I really don’t see many people using them but I have never had an issue with their products.
firefly
I used them for automotive and they are compact and work well. I can’t imagine using them for anything else though.
AussieDan
I’m a big fan of Wago Lever-nuts, the new version looks even better!
FYGHEISE
Hi I would be interested using these for drones quadcopters, in DC with potential 15A per motor cumulating 60A at less than 20VDC with 16AWG silicone wires. Would anyone, recommend it for such load or not please?
Great product it seems, and if so it would be really handy for this hobby!
Stuart
No, you cannot feed 60A through one of these to 4 motors.