Wago terminal blocks: purpose, decoding of markings and subtleties of application

Twisting and soldering is a very reliable way to connect wires, but such methods are not always convenient. When wiring, many people prefer to use Wago clamps. They quickly connect the wires and allow them to be disassembled several times, followed by reconnecting. Terminal blocks of this type are available in several series.

Series 222 - Only Copper!

These are reusable clamps with a lever. They come in 2, 3 and 5 nests. On their case there is a technological hole for control devices (current detector, multimeter). The series is designed for rigid and flexible wires with a cross section of conductors from 0.08 to 2.5 square mm. Also, the clamp is suitable for very flexible wires with a thin-wire core up to 4 square meters. mm having a flexibility class of 5 and 6.
Wago 222 is for copper wire use only. On the terminal block case there are inscriptions with information about the load currents. On the sides are data according to the standards of Japan and the USA, where 110V is supplied to the network. For European countries and Russia, current information is indicated below. On the case of clamps it is embossed that they can be used on wires with a cross section of up to 2.5 sq. mm with load current up to 24A. When using very flexible wires 4 sq. mm current 32A is allowed.
An important condition for wiring is the introduction of a straight core into the clamp housing without bends or traces of oxide. It must be stripped of insulation for a fixed length of 10 mm, which is indicated on the back of the terminal block.
In the absence of a stripper, stripping can be done manually and check its length by attaching the end of the wire to a special mark on the back of the clamp, which is on any series. If stripped too short, the insulation will fall into the clamp and there will be no contact.
If you overdo it with a length, then a clean core will protrude from the terminal strip, which threatens with electric shock.

Series 221 - for copper!

A distinctive feature of the Wago Series 221 Lever Terminal Blocks is the presence of two process sockets for measuring voltage parameters. Such pads have a transparent body, which allows you to visually control the process of clamping the cores.
Wago 221 is significantly more compact than the 222 series. They allow installation of wires with a cross section of 0.2 to 4 square mm. Permissible load current up to 32A, regardless of the type of wire. The series is intended only for copper conductors.

Series 2273 - Copper and Aluminum!

This series is also equipped with a transparent case for visual control of the clamp. It has a slot for indicator devices. It can be used to connect only monolithic wires with a cross section of 0.5 to 2.5 square meters. mm, since it is not equipped with a lever, therefore, to fix it, the core must be pushed. The series is primarily intended for copper conductors. To connect aluminum wires, it is available in a version with a special paste inside the terminal block, which prevents metal oxidation. Clips 2273 are intended for connection of wires in a junction box. Another option for their application is to build a broken aluminum wire in the socket. Permissible load current for such clamps with a wire cross section of up to 2.5 kV. mm is up to 24A. When applying modifications to clamps with paste for aluminum conductors, the load current is up to 16A.
The 2273 series also has tags on the back of the chassis to control wire stripping lengths. The main condition for using the paste option for connecting aluminum wires is the need to clean the surface of the cores from oxide to shiny metal.
The principle of clamping in this series requires that after fastening the wires fit into the mounting box with a bend at a certain distance from the terminal block. If mechanical stress is created, then under load the cores can jump out.

Series 224 - for copper and aluminum!

The series differs from the previous ones in that it has a conditional entrance to 2 wires and one exit. With its help, it is connected to a monolithic wire with a cross section of 1-2.5 square meters. mm At the output, fixing of rigid and flexible wires with a cross section of 0.5-2.5 square meters is possible. mm
Series 224 is designed specifically for connecting fixtures. The clamps are fixed on the main wire with a monolithic core, and allow connecting with flexible wires that go directly to the lighting equipment. The series provides an embodiment with a paste for aluminum conductors. The presence of two inputs on the clamp allows the installation of lighting equipment under a cable, which may be required when wiring spotlights. There is also an option to use clamps of the 224 series for temporary connection of an extension cord to a wire without installing an outlet, which is important during construction and repair work in rooms with unfinished electrical installation.
Observance of all the intricacies of the wiring with the selection of the correct Wago clamp guarantees a reliable connection without the risk of overheating of the terminal block or loss of contact. Wago clamps are not limited to the 222 series, which is often used in absolutely all cases, including in conjunction with aluminum conductors. When wiring, you must first calculate which connections will be made, and select the appropriate type of clamps for them. This will guarantee safety and reliability.