Maintenance free connectors

Discussion in 'Electricians' Talk' started by Ieuan, Sep 11, 2017.

  1. Ieuan

    Ieuan New Member

    Good Morning

    I am wanting to clarify something about maintenance free connectors like - wago / spliceline

    Should you need to extend a lighting circuit, using these connectors in an inaccessible location i.e. Under floor boards, will it comply with regs?

    Cheers

    Ieuan
     
  2. Dr Bodgit

    Dr Bodgit Super Member

    Yes, assuming if using Wago, you use the connectors inside a Wago box. Regular junction boxes won't comply with regs as they're not maintenance free, so Wago type thing is the best option.
     
  3. JP.

    JP. Screwfix Select

    Concur Doc - mounted in a suitable enclosure with grips, the Wagos etc are absolutely brilliant. Also the Ashely maintenance free range of JB's are excellent.
     
  4. seneca

    seneca Screwfix Select

    Yes they are fine as long as in an enclosure of some sort, I normally use a "choc-box". I have been using the spliceline connectors for some time which are good. When extending a ring final and the connectors are in a back-box I consider that to be an enclosure.
     
  5. Risteard

    Risteard Screwfix Select

    Wago connectors are NOT maintenance-free.

    Only the entire assembly can be maintenance-free. With Wago connectors the ONLY way of achieving a maintenance-free connection is to enclose the appropriate Wago connectors within a Wagobox. (The Wagobox is also only designed to accept certain types of Wago connectors to achieve MF certification.)
     
    leesparkykent and Bazza like this.
  6. retiredsparks

    retiredsparks Super Member

    Sorry Sen, but Risteard is correct...for once.... as the applicable BS specifies.
    ;)
    RS
     
  7. leesparkykent

    leesparkykent Well-Known Member

    Or use a hager J803 junction box.
     
  8. Pollowick

    Pollowick Screwfix Select

    The Ashley and Hager are the same product - J803 - three way and J804 - 4 way. The connectors inside are actually Wago ... Ashley/Hager just make the box and fit the connectors.
     
  9. seneca

    seneca Screwfix Select

    Yeah ok RS, but I never put connections in truly inaccessible places, I only mentioned extending ring finals using Wago's or Splicelines as I think they're less likely to give poor connections than choc-blocks whithin back boxes etc. We tighten the choc-block screws but they do get moved about a bit whilst replacing the socket fronts so could end up loosening a off bit.
     
  10. seneca

    seneca Screwfix Select

    Good point Pollowick, so therefore those saying that Wago's are only m/f compliant when contained in a Wagobox is rubbish isn't it!
     
    Pollowick likes this.
  11. leesparkykent

    leesparkykent Well-Known Member

    773 and 222 wagos are the only compatible wagos
    I know ;)
     
  12. oddbod2

    oddbod2 Member

    One more vote for wago and wagobox. Derated to 24A IIRC
     
  13. Pollowick

    Pollowick Screwfix Select


    There are some new products due imminently ...
     
  14. JP.

    JP. Screwfix Select

    pacman-emoticon.png Its amazing
     
  15. Risteard

    Risteard Screwfix Select

    I'm always correct.

    Once I thought I was wrong but I was mistaken.
     
    Jord86 and leesparkykent like this.
  16. DIYDave.

    DIYDave. Screwfix Select

    I'm only diy myself but have extended the ring in a couple of rooms to add / move sockets. Was certain that sockets were connected via a 'ring' as on a 32 breaker, 2.5mm cable, 2 cables into each socket, and when I pulled both brown cores out the socket, both ends were live

    Anyway, I used wagos and put them into a choc box, under floorboards, as much cheaper than the wago boxes

    I know I'm diy but like to think I do a nice job and follow recommendations (can't test circuit though as don't have the equipment or full knowledge) :eek:

    To my mind, the humble choc box fulfills several requirements;
    Acts as an enclosure, requires a tool to open it as secured by a screw, has holes so can be mounted to a joist and has cord grips at each end

    To my mind, along with the wagos, that's good enough (obviously would be even better to use a proper spark and put some money in his pocket but ............:)

    If I'm wrong, I'm always happy to learn from the pros :D
     
    seneca likes this.
  17. Rulland

    Rulland Screwfix Select

    I'm still a little concerned that wagos etc, that rely on a simple spring mechanism, and in my view, a very small contact area, are up to the job, whereas a 30A junction box, with huge contact area via a decent screw, are deemed as insufficient.
    Yep I know screws can work lose through load, but tbh I've yet to see it in the real world.
    Views, people?.
     
  18. oddbod2

    oddbod2 Member

    @DIYDave. Know what you mean re choc boxes.. but since they aint rated maintenance free we cant use them!

    @Rulland. I use them cos of the covenience. I'd hate to go back to juntion boxes. They do seem tiny i know, bu those who know more than I have tested them, and I haven't seen one go in service......yet.
     
  19. leesparkykent

    leesparkykent Well-Known Member

    John ward done a video on this and the wago starts to give up around the 70A mark.
     
  20. DIYDave.

    DIYDave. Screwfix Select

     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice