BEST Electrical Wire Connector? Wago, Wire Nut, Ideal In-Sure, Lever Nut

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Wondering which solid copper wire connector is best for residential or commercial use? Look no further than this video! High current and reliable testing for Wago, wire nut, Ideal In-Sure, and lever nut. You'll see AC voltage drop measurements across each twist, push-in, or lever type connector, as well as connector temperature measurements using a thermal imaging camera after a 15 minute high current load. Electrical connectors put to the test. Helpful money saving video. Enjoy the video!
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18 сен 2021

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Комментарии : 589

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

There are MANY viral videos on RU-vid that have made claims about Wire Nuts, Wagos, and others. Sadly, very few(if any), have performed the tests shown in this video for the most popular residential conductor type, solid copper wire. Wondering how secure a solid copper or stranded wire is inside the lever and push-in nut types? Watch my other video below. Thank you! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-afSai-fQIjg.html

@realdevbro447 2 года назад

In india we don't have solid cu wires. It's all class 5 wires used for wiring.

@illestofdemall13 2 года назад

You can also use a big red or blue wire nut if you need to join more wires, and you can twist them with lineman's pliers, first. I am sure you know that, but just for any one else.

@BajanAlan 2 года назад

@@realdevbro447 I thought solid copper wire was dangerous!

@jeffscarff1655 2 года назад

I also have seen and heard of the virtues of the Wago connector. This gives me pause. Thank you.

@garagekeys 2 года назад

@@BajanAlan it is but I heard the black pipe is the most dangerous

@ProjectFarm 2 года назад

Awesome testing! Looking forward to your next video!!

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

Thank you!

@coryulrich6489 2 года назад

I love your videos. Can you please do a follow-up to your battery powered shop vac video? You released it right when Milwaukee released a new brushless model that's supposed to be a lot more powerful.

@vegasfordguy 2 года назад

You know you've got a good channel when project farm shows up!

@Idontrunntoofast 2 года назад

An endorsement from PF! Looks like this channel has finally "Made it" 😂

@nathangilbert1344 Год назад

From the GOAT himself!

@TMNT39 2 года назад

Thanks for the thorough tests, they are always appreciated and enjoyed! I figured the wire nuts would win out due to the direct surface contact of the wires, but it's also great to have detailed information on how each connector performs against another. Another excellent video!

@rj.parker 2 года назад

I use wagos for 120 vac control wiring where #14 or #12 is needed. As indicated they work well for three to five conductors and allow easy testing. For general purpose residential box splices they do save space in small boxes especially when pigtails would be required with wirenuts. I have never seen them fail. However their biggest issue is cost.

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

Agree, another great use for them is when you have limited space.

@loktom4068 Год назад

That is why I only use them when someone before me either selfishly cut it too short or snapped it before my turn.

@Remas20007 11 месяцев назад

Isn't there different sizes of wagos? It looks like he was using the bigger one that fits a 10 gauge wire

@MyWasteOfTime 2 года назад

I like the clear ones so you can confirm your wires are all the way inserted. I used this for temp situations and then follow up with wire-nuts when finalizing my work.

@SupremeRuleroftheWorld 2 года назад

the movement in the wago's is intentional. its designed to allow the wires to move so they can absorb movement and dont work loose over time and operate in mobile/heavy equipement applications. dont forget, its copper and it work hardens. you want to absorb the motion, not pass it along. that is also the main problem with wire nuts: they loosen up over time. and nutting a bunch of wires messes up the wires. not to mention if you have to do repairs you have a serious and time consuming problem with redoing nutted connections as you are basically forced to cut off several inches. especially using nuts properly. lever style is much more forgiving and tolerant to abuse and stupidly faster in repairs and maintenance.

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

Disagree. The movement isn't the same for both conductors, I checked. If both were locked down very tight, and both conductors moved together as a unit, then I'd agree with you. One conductor clearly moved more than the other in the clamped area, and that's not good. That's an indication of a poor connection. For stranded copper wire, I have no issue with lever connectors. I lived in several homes over the years, and visited homes where I used wire nuts 30+ years ago, and my work was just fine. I never had any problem removing a wire nut and re-using the wires. The only time I have to cut off wire and strip the ends again, is when the crimp ferrule has been used.

@hasserecht3678 2 года назад

@@electronicsNmore while arguing so much about the possible reliability of lever connectors... why didn't you just du a pull test for every single one of them? I mean just saying "i worked 30+ years with XYZ ... therefore it has to be good" isn't really scientific.

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

@@hasserecht3678 Already done. :-)

@matticussilverman6179 2 года назад

No way in heck would movement like that be intentional. Just from watching this video, I wonder if the Wago connectors would develop a hot spot and start a fire if it was used on a circuit with extremely high load. I've only ever seen wago like connectors in built as terminals in certain low wattage LED luminaire products.

@SupremeRuleroftheWorld 2 года назад

@@matticussilverman6179 i talked to a wago engineer in germany during a forum. the movement is intentional. and it can handle the same or more current as a nut. it is tested to 300% of its offical wire current capacity before melting the plastic. the metal stays connected even when the plastic has melted. so, no. a wire nut is not "better". at worst its equal and at best its vastly superior.

@dansaver8247 2 года назад

Terrific. Thanks. I bought a box of the number threes in the end with the larger taller orange levers for solar and cheapo temporary connections to see if something works while I'm out camping. My stranded, flexible wire connections work fine.

@ag100pct Год назад

Nicely done. Thoughtfully presented. Easy to understand. Thank you!

@GigsVT 2 года назад

Thank you for showing the proper way to install a wire nut. Most people don't know how hard you need to twist. You can always tell bad DIY electrical work when you take a wire nut off and the wires aren't twisted.

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

You're welcome. Sometimes I'll make a very nice twist using lineman's pliers, then screw on the wire nut.

@JOEZEP54 6 месяцев назад

Nice detailed test. I am running new lines with a couple of outlets & switches and after watching a few videos promoting the Wago connectors I was considering using them. But after watching your video I will stick to pre twisting & using wire nuts. If I had to connect several wires or had to work with an preexisting older outlet box with limited space I would then give the Wago a try. Adding another 👍 to this video. Stay safe, Joe Z

@Dr_S Год назад

Thanks for posting this. I agree% assuming the wires are miraculously correctly installed in the wire nut! But I have not found that to be the case over my 30 plus years in the industry. I moved to Wago about 10 years ago and I’m not looking back!

@thomaswayneward 2 года назад

Best test I have seen on the connectors yet.

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

Thanks Randy! Be sure to share.

@jerseyjim9092 Год назад

Interesting test. I've been biased against using wago type connectors for some time, believing old school was best. But seeing they've become more amd more mainstream without any known failures, I've finally started using them on a limited basis. What really pushed me over was seeing them already in stalled in some recessed lights I installed. I can also see their value in saving my wrist and elbow joints which are plagued with neuropathy issues. And of course, when there are 5 or more wires to connect. I hate using the big blue wire nuts.

@seasidescott 6 месяцев назад

big blues take up half the space in the box!

@neplatnyudaj110 2 года назад

Assuming your measurements are correct, wago adds about 500 µΩ of resistance. It's the same as 4 inches of #12 wire. Not saying it's nothing, but given wide variety of wago connectors(up to 8 conductors) and the fact that you need less wire to work with, one could argue that box wired with wagos might produce less heat than one with wirenuts. Anyway keep in mind that most people who advocate for wagos are probably from 220/230V countries, where the contact resistance is even less of an issue.

@silentferret1049 Год назад

No they are from the US that advocate for them. Thats where these things got their rep. I have seen those wirenuts, like what he used vs the more rounded cap, melt where Wagos would not. With old wiring, sometimes it can be cut down so much that you can't get the wire needed to twist. Another which has been tested many times is Wagos atleast don't wear out easily and the larger grey and orange is the older form that Wago started but now its free for others to make. Wago can also do 10 gauge wire with the same connector which might be where its giving so much play. Thats why they are favored as they are. Like he showed, if you have something easily slide up into the cap then it can contact and easily become conductive and that can lead to fire. Finally if you have a new user then its worse for wirenuts as they can easily throw them into a container instead of their box and not know the size which can lead to using the wrong size nut for the wire. That means the possibility of using a larger nut than needed is very likely and lead to far worse connection and will lead to melting and fire.

@skyfoxrinoasfr4778 День назад

Cable amperage ratings are indeed crucial, not voltage. In Europe, 1.5mm² cables are typically used for 10A circuits, while 2.5mm² for 16A. However, reality is more complex. Even in expensive homes, it's common to have multiple outlets on one line. This can lead to exceeding nominal current, especially with high-consumption devices like heating elements (3000W) or gaming PCs (700W+) = 4000W. It's true that an old 16A fuse might withstand (4000W)17A for a few minutes without tripping. But this doesn't mean it's safe or recommended. Long-term overloading can cause overheating and hazards.

@jeffm2787 2 года назад

For wirenuts its 'when you do it right' for sure. Problem is many can do it wrong. Pro's don't normally make any mistakes. Genuine WAGO connectors are hard to get wrong and have the circuit still work.

@chrisford8403 2 года назад

"Pro's don't normally make any mistakes." That's funny! Instead, let's say pro's make fewer mistakes and/or fix them before calling the job finished. LOL. I'm a general contractor (not an electrician) and I use Wagos but only for my personal use in mock-ups for low voltage stuff or for testing 120v issues that a real electrician is too busy to fix. I like the wago and everything says they are fine to use but my actual electrician will not use them but he also will not use integrated LED's unless the customer expressly requests them.

@asuchemist3371 2 года назад

@@chrisford8403 Great reply Chris. I just opened up some receptacles that a supposed electrician installed during my house build. Terrible work, simple loops on wire screw not done, no pigtails, and sloppy wire stripping. Maybe electrician had his son or cousin do the jobs. I blame the GC for not having oversight on the trades. Still passes inspection but is a sloppy job.

@boeing757pilot 2 года назад

Agree.. The wirenuts, especially the 3M brand, are outstanding and offer a fantastic connection--provided they are properly installed..

@norwegiannationalist7678 Год назад

@@boeing757pilot Ya but when they heat and cool they get loose and fall off and your house burns down.

@boeing757pilot Год назад

@@norwegiannationalist7678 That won't happen with the 3M brand. Guaranteed :))

@azstanp 2 года назад

Excellent test. Results are as one would expect.

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

Thank you! Cheers!

@billmaghan Год назад

I enjoyed this. Good science here. Autocaptions worked perfectly.

@peanutbutterjellyjam2179 2 года назад

Your video was great and helpful. The scientific methodology used for testing was confidence inspiring.

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

Glad you enjoyed it! Please share the video link with others, and watch my latest video below on these connectors. Thanks ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-afSai-fQIjg.html

@Locksnut 2 года назад

Excellent and thorough as usual! If a test hole in the other connectors meets code maybe the wire nut manufacturers should consider the same. It just makes sense

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

True, but it is easy to insert a test probe. Glad you liked the video!

@veggiepowered Год назад

Iam your newest subscriber great videos

@sapelesteve 2 года назад

Great testing procedure as always eNm! Never knew that there were other connectors besides the Wire Nut connectors, which I prefer. Now I know! Thanks 👍😉👏

@ruftime 2 года назад

Thank you! I love using Ideal connectors, especially in tight boxes, but they ARE tough to use with soft stranded wire. In those cases, wire nut is still my go-to😎

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

You're welcome! Please share. Thanks

@jeffm2787 2 года назад

Genuine WAGO connectors work great for stranded wire. Wirenuts are just fine if Done Right.

@michelcobetto288 2 года назад

great analysis of the components, answers a few questions which bothered me, I will continue using wire nuts since your demonstration confirmed they are still out there for a reason. my compliments on a very professionally done and well explained video.

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

Glad you enjoyed the video Mike! Be sure to check out my wide range of videos and share.Thanks

@beru58 Год назад

I believe simpler is often better. The wire nut is the only connector where the two wires are in direct contact. That is a plus in my book. In THEORY the wire nut could be all plastic and still have the advantage of a huge area of contact. But it has the bonus of that conical spring with sharp edges that cut in and ELASTICALLY holds it all together and further contributes to the conductivity. Those we have here in Sweden often have a hole in the top for testing.

@vinitsingh8962 2 года назад

Awesome video man, I really loved it.👍👍

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

Great to hear!

@Adrianyoutubing Год назад

They are from Europe, which is pretty much all 230 to 240V and an 18 amp circuit in Europe is very rare. most sockets in Europe are on 16A breakers, or in the UK we have a weird ring circuit with a loop on a 32A breaker. but they should be designed so that each leg of the loop circuit takes half the current, so again a max of 16A. the only circuits which would likely see anything over 10A would be in the kitchen, or an electronic shower/heater or possuble an EV charge circuit or other new green tech related system. but oven, cookers, showers, and heaters etc are wired on their own separate "special" circuits, with larger cabling (normally 6mm2 or 10mm2) and individual breakers, so you wouldn't be using these wagos on those. Wago do a larger model but the springs are stronger and all round much larger, so the results would be different. Wagos come into their own when the wiring has to be removed often. I work in industrial control, and Wagos are a godsend for quickly connecting and disconnecting sensors and other control devices. these devices are very low current/voltage (24VDC 4-20mA). Another reason these are popular in the UK anyway, is that these are certified as "maintenance free connections", meaning that they can be "buried" behind walls/under floors in hidden junction boxes. Other types of connecters (screw type) are not allowed to be hidden, and must be accessible. this is because the spring holding the wire can "breath" with the expansion and contraction from the heating and cooling in the conductor. where as other connectors (screw type) can come loose over time.

@simonhanlon7518 15 дней назад

I wouldn't call a ring main weird, I would call it superior.

@sirwaffleking Год назад

This is a fantastic test. Thank you for creating this content. I think the angle of the infrared camera reading may give an advantage to the wire nuts. The "top-down" angle in those measurements reads the temperature on the exterior plastic of the wire nut. The "bottom-up" angle on the Wago products reads the temperature near the junction of the wire and the metal in the connector, which is where the heat is generated. I would love to see destructive testing that gives the mean time to failure for a sample of each of these units. Thanks for showing us this excellent comparison.

@electronicsNmore Год назад

Glad you enjoyed the video! I have many other testing videos on my channel, so be sure to look over my extensive video playlists below for videos of interest to you, and most importantly take one minute to share a link to my channel with others. Thanks ru-vid.complaylists

@scotta.ellsworth3766 Год назад

OUTSTANDING VIDEO.

@smokinsoldier6892 Год назад

I'm still going to use lever locks for light ballast. just makes replacement so easy.

@amundsen575 2 года назад

strong tight mechanical connections cant be beat

@TimShelnut 2 года назад

Thanks for this test I was just looking at these connectors on Amazon then seen you had posted this about them. I already use these lever nuts was looking for one to accept larger gauge.

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

I think you can find up to 10 gauge.

@TimShelnut 2 года назад

@@electronicsNmore yes sir that's the largest I think there is which due to clamping force I'd say largest I would want. Anything more lug or set screw style.

@mandefo2 Год назад

Excellent test, especially for doing it under 18 amps, which allows a load evaluation between medium and high, which is not commonly seen in other tests. The temperature detail is definitive when considering which is safer for medium/extreme conditions. My conclusion for use in connections of 10 amps and up I would only recommend a screw terminal box or wire nut used professionally. just my opinion.

@richardl341 2 года назад

Thank you for making this very helpful video.

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

You're very welcome Richard! Be sure to check out my other video on this subject below, and most importantly share the video link with others. Thank you ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-afSai-fQIjg.html

@washellwash1802 2 года назад

To all those saying they're going to stick to wirenuts, all new construction in the Netherlands have been using inserts for solid wire and lever types for solid/stranded mix or stranded alone for 20+ years. It's fine. You have less faults, because when you're doing a hundred houses worth of wirenuts, enough will be wrong. We never use the 221 as shown here. Labour is more expensive than the small wattage lost in the connectors or their higher price. Also, due to the way we build our domestic installations, it's not uncommon to have to connect 6 to 8 wires, which is trivial with wago's connector that accepts 8 wires.

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

It's really not that difficult to line up 2 wires and twist on a nut. If you have 3 or 4 wires, twist them together first using lineman's pliers, trim the ends even, then twist on the nut. You won't get a more secure connection. For Wago to be used more often, the prices need to come way down to 2-3x the cost of a wire nut, not 6x. Thanks for watching!

@washellwash1802 2 года назад

@@electronicsNmore never said it was difficult. Netherlands uses central boxes in the ceiling with up to 8 pipes down other boxes, the fusebox and to the switches and sockets in the wall. Doing 3 to 8 wirenuts overhead per box with 20 to 30 boxes in a home is excessively time consuming and tiring. Strip em, stick em in a wago, fold whole thing in the box, close it up. Much quicker. Wago's are fine, and like I said, we don't use levered ones for solid wire, unless there is a stranded in the bunch.

@rterry2752 2 года назад

I see so many loose connections with wire nuts , they can be finicky. Very well done video.

@BigInjun05 Год назад

I use the ideals. Work great.

@robertarnold9815 9 месяцев назад

Very helpful. I use wire nuts when doing final work but have used lever nuts when making temporary connections. Was considering moving to only lever /wago option for everything but your demonstration convinced me otherwise. Sort of surprise how hot those connections get under load. Never thought it be more than 100*

@superscort57 11 месяцев назад

Great informative test

@sirrodneyffing1 Месяц назад

Fantastic test. Thank you.

@electronicsNmore Месяц назад

Glad you enjoyed the video! Be sure to check out my wide range of videos and share. Thank you

@aguszhoe7660 2 года назад

Interesting..... Very good explanation, very very usefuly.

@joegim7680 11 месяцев назад

Very informative and timely video as I'm doing some rewiring in the bathroom. I'll be using Ideal connectors instead of the Wago. For receptacle branch circuits (esp. kitchen & AC outlets) I'll stick with the wire nuts.

@Pyridox 2 года назад

Thanks for the testing, good to know. I use the Wago connectors for low voltage, and for temporary and testing mostly.

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

You're welcome Pete!

@garthhowe297 2 года назад

I used several of them on my motorcycle to aggregate wiring from a number of accessory lights... wasn't too worried about 12 volts, but I wouldn't use them for permanent 120v wiring.

@mrjakobt 2 года назад

@@garthhowe297 I use them for 230V and 400V permanent wiring. No issues whatsoever.

@skyfoxrinoasfr4778 День назад

@@mrjakobt Cable size has nothing to do with voltage. 1.5mm² cable is rated for 10 amps. 2.5mm² is rated for 16 amps, and 4mm² for 20 amps. Voltage, even if it's one billion volts, has nothing to do with cable size. Cable insulation, however, is related to voltage rating.

@brucesamuelson7541 2 года назад

Good to know thanks for professional testing video

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

You're welcome Bruce! Be sure to share the video link with others. Thank you

@ededmonds8792 2 года назад

Great Review.

@JasonEmanuel 2 года назад

Excellent! Thanks for sharing this

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

Glad you enjoyed it Jason!

@LV_CRAZY 2 года назад

I think if you open up some German or Swiss commercial equipment and check the wire connections, well, you're probably not going to be happy. The push on or locking lever style connections work and are reliable. Some things take some getting use to.

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

Push-ins get an A+, lever type are a waste to use unless you plan on taking the wires apart often.

@smoideen 11 месяцев назад

Thank you so much for this video. I just assumed there would be no voltage drop or increased heat regardless of the type of connector. Going to stick with wire nut.

@markcaldwell1245 2 года назад

Thank you for a solid test confirming my suspicions about the different connectors.

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

You're welcome Mark! Please share. Thanks

@mromutt Год назад

Pretty interesting results. This will be handy to know when I get new batches of project connectors, Been more and more using power tool batteries in projects and well you can draw a lot of current from them (and melt wires lol) so the heat part was extra helpful. What surprised me most was the soldered spade connectors heat performance, I would have expected at least higher than margin of error difference in temp and feel like I might need to double down on using them in more semi permanent connections that I want to be able to connect and disconnect still for maintenance.

@professorg8383 9 месяцев назад

If you can wiggle it, it's not a good connection. If the current is very low, you can "get away with it". But the heat increases exponentially with higher currents. Twice the current in a connection means 4 times the heating. This may not be intuitive, but it is the way the math works.

@MatiRast 2 года назад

This is the test I was looking for. I always use Wire Nuts because Wagos in Argentina are really expensive (each one 6 times more expensive than Wire Nuts). Besides this, I've always thought that Wire Nuts were better in electrical-related perfomance. Even if the difference is small, is there. And we exclusively use stranded wires so they work great for us!

@stevejohnson6053 Год назад

i've suffered so much using wire nuts and is the reason i am on youtube looking at videos. i still wanna try the push-ins. it has the 2nd least heat

@jamienoel 2 года назад

Very helpful, thank you! I've always used wire nuts, but had been considering using quick connects; I no longer consider them!

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

The lever type are good for electrical boxes with very limited space, or if you'd like to connect 4 or 5 wires together.

@jp040759 2 года назад

Excellent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanx

@hanseich 5 месяцев назад

very interesting test. I moved here from Germany about 20 years ago, and first hated the wire nuts. I got used to it and actually really like the blue ones. I've also come to use all kinds of Wago connectors recently, and I also like them. It makes total sense that they are not as good in your test, because of the solid copper wire you use. I think they are mainly used for braided wire in Germany (where I first saw them used by friends). Those wires in return, work very poorly in the nuts, so to each their own I guess.

@stefanmayer444 2 года назад

A lot of debating on the best connector and a lot of approaches and viewpoints. It would be interesting to see actually failed connectors and see were the weaknesses were.

@seasidescott 6 месяцев назад

Wire nut problem is that many people don't tighten them enough. It's not about pre-twisting wires together, just need to tighten hard and feel for the bite into the wires, use pliers to give it a bit more bite without twisting so much you break the ends which happens more often with cheap copper. Wagos are great for mixed sizes or braided meeting solid.

@boeing757pilot 2 года назад

Really excellent evaluation. I would be interested to know the outcome using the gold standards of "wire nuts".. The 3M Secure Grip and 3M Performance Plus. Both are just outstanding and, I believe, a step above the Ideal nuts. That said, really great job in this video.

@techmetal2292 Год назад

Why do you think they are better?

@boeing757pilot Год назад

@@techmetal2292 Sorry that I didn't notice your reply until now. First, the "spring" is much heavier and it's grip is superior. Also, the spring has a durable, defined sharp edge that bites into the conductor and creates a gas-tight connection between conductor and spring. This edge is superior, IMHO, to the other brands. Thanks for your reply..

@dansanger5340 2 года назад

Very impressive testing. I think you've found an area where wire nuts are clearly better. However, I think I still prefer Wago overall because they are more idiot proof, and that's more important to me. I've run into more loose connections on wire nuts than I would like (some of them even mine), and I'm more concerned about a loose connection causing arcing than I am concerned about a Wago being a few degrees warmer.

@heathwirt8919 2 года назад

The one area where wire nuts are better is the single most important aspect of a multi wire connection. The lower contact resistance means less heating, less possibility of arcing and more current delivered to the load.

@jpmacoo 2 года назад

@@heathwirt8919 Less heating, but does 6 deg +/- really make that much difference (wire nut temp at 106 vs the others at ~110 deg)? And the voltage loss difference between the wire nut and the Ideal push connect and the others seems negligible too. As Dan Sanger said, I'd rather go for a secure connection, where no wires are going to pop out when you push them back into the box. I've definitely seen wires come out of wire nuts when there's more than two twisted together. Can you even twist 4 or 5 wires inside a nut? I'd be concerned about that. You can easily connect 4 or 5 with the right push connect.

@heathwirt8919 2 года назад

@@jpmacoo "And the voltage loss difference between the wire nut and the Ideal push connect and the others seems negligible too. " If the voltage drop was negligible the temperature rise would be almost identical. Obviously there is a convenience factor to consider using the Wago connectors. If you need to connect 4 or 5 wires using wire nuts you can easily daisy chain the connection using additional wire nuts. My biggest gripe with the Wago connectors is that they should offer equal or better electrical performance than wire nuts, clearly they don't.

@jpmacoo 2 года назад

@@heathwirt8919 I didn't say the same, I said, "negligible". 5mv vs 8mv. Do you think that and the 6 degree temperature difference are substantial differences? And why do I want to add additional wires and more wire nuts in the box, when one push connect can do it all, more securely, and in much less space? You're after adding many more potential problems and chances for disconnects

@boeing757pilot 2 года назад

I depends on the quality of the installation, as you mention. Poor makeup of "wirenuts" will clearly lead to a problem; proper makeup won't. Have you tried the the 3M Secure Grip or 3M Performance Plus wirenuts? They are outstanding and likely the best wirenuts made. Properly installed, they form an outstanding, cool splice. I'd trust them over Wagos... But, I do agree with you that Wagos are more idiot proof, and that is definitely a benefit..

@JhunDumsTVXj 2 года назад

Wow nice content very informative.

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

Glad you liked it! Be sure to rate thumbs up and share. Thanks

@ericfraser7543 2 года назад

Great Video, no surprise wire nuts are the best connection.

@pierrettebrouard5603 2 года назад

I just wish you'd conduct the same tests with the mix of solid with stranded wires together. Not only one solid and one stranded, but also with 2 or 3 solid plus one stranded. This is where the Wire Nuts get the worst connection especially with electronic thermostats and also with the heating baseboards or convectors, everywhere you have a mix of solid and stranded under higher current. Wire Nuts seam to make a decent connection at first, but after pushing them at he bottom of the junction box they may loosen and also after 15 to 20 years the connections get loose, dangerously loose due to metal fatigue I believe. They often fail ! This is where the Wago 221 may be a very interesting solution.

@daveinwla6360 2 года назад

Yeah, connecting solid and stranded wires together takes a bit more care to expose more of the stranded wire and to wrap it around the solid wire before wire-nutting them. Wiggling is more of a long-term problem, too, with stranded wire because the strands break more easily. Taping the wires together to prevent relative movement helps, but it's laborious. A video devoted to dealing with stranded wire would be invaluable ..... :-)

@thebrokenbone 2 года назад

hi thanks for the video. not having the data you presented here i always went for the insert type (lever type unobtainium here) i use helacon connectors bulky but positive with stranded wire (for some reason code here prohibits single conductor wire). had some issues with nuts finding only 3m brand worth of any trust (then again hard to find here). take care. your channel is awesome

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

You're welcome! Glad you enjoy my videos.

@davidkay4174 Год назад

Very thoughtful ,

@aytviewer2421 2 года назад

THANK YOU for this video. Much appreciated. Was just going to go wire up my wife's newly constructed she shed and **was** thinking about Wagos to save time and space in the boxes. I am shocked by these results and will save my money and go with time-tested wire nuts instead. WOW!

@sectokia1909 2 года назад

Ummm... did you not see the results? The Wago was 16mV, the nut 5mV and wire was 4mV. So the difference between using a wago and a wire nut is the same as adding 3 inches to the length of your wires.... All of these connectors are 100% ok. Remember: just because you can measure a difference doesn't mean there is any practical difference. Wagos have their use for saving time and re-doing connections and for situations with vibration.

@aytviewer2421 2 года назад

@@sectokia1909 In the end, I used traditional wire nuts in the bulk of my boxes where there was a simple romex in and out to the outlets. I did have two places where five wires (x3) were needed, and in that box I ended up using an Ideal connector to make it easier and to save room.

@dansanger5340 7 месяцев назад

Excellent test. I'll continue to use Wago because they are more than good enough when it comes to resistance and much better when it comes to simplicity, ability to rework, and being idiot-proof.

@NoRogeR 2 года назад

Thank you!

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

You're welcome! Please share the video link with others. Thank you

@rhondakendrick2563 Год назад

GOOD INFO THANK U VERY WELL DONE 😃😃😃

@electronicsNmore Год назад

Glad you enjoyed the video Rhonda! Be sure to look over my extensive video playlists below for many other videos of interest to you, and most importantly take one minute to share a link to my channel with others. Thanks ru-vid.complaylists

@MURUR1025 Год назад

Nice job.

@electronicsNmore Год назад

Thank you! Cheers!

@andrewt9204 2 года назад

All of my wiring projects are stranded type in conduit for easier pulling. I avoid romex when possible so changes are easier in the future. Lever nuts are by far the easiest to use with stranded. If I am working on solid and I'm joining 2 or 3 wires, then I will tend to use a standard wire nut. Unless it's lighting circuits as they are usually lower amperage and with LED's in almost every fixture, an entire floor's lighting circuit might only be a couple amps. I also pull test every connection. I've had failures on wire nuts, push-in connectors, and the lever nuts using both stranded and solid. I saw a video or two where someone was putting a lot of amperage through all these connectors, like 50+ or something. Well over double the rated. I remember the Wago connectors did pretty well. The wire insulation and connector plastic was all melted/burned off, but the metal spring connectors stayed intact. I think even at 30 amps, the heat was still within acceptable levels with all connector brands.

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

Probably used stranded copper wire, I'd expect close results. That test wouldn't do too well using solid copper.

@PatrickInCayman 2 года назад

Thanks for this! I was about to buy a bunch of Wago connectors from Amazon for a new build! Who knew the trusty old wire nuts were as good or better.

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

The push-in connectors are very good for the money.

@Neuron43 2 года назад

I had doubts about using Wago because of the faulty connections with older yellow Wagos I found in a few commercial lighting applications. I'm still using wire nuts but at least now I have the option of using the Ideal connectors. Thanks for the information.

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

You're welcome Ron! Please share. Thank you

@jeffm2787 2 года назад

Too many Fake WAGO connectors floating around. People use the term WAGO like Kleenex. WAGO is often getting a bad rep because of all the fakes.

@Faddnn 2 года назад

You should have no doubts about using the WAGO, it is the best connector out there, and every electrician outside the US would agree.

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

@@Faddnn You clearly ignored tests and didn't understand why the video was made. Wago or other brand push-ins, excellent choice, lever type, I'll pass on.

@Faddnn 2 года назад

@@electronicsNmore Sry, but no. These are tested and tye approved in all developing countries. They work for all types of wires, even though you claim they don't. If you look outside your US bubble, WAGO is exclusively used by thousands of electicans where we moved on from old tec 15-30 years ago. I've read through the documentation provided by WAGO and I've seen their load capacity excide 3 times without faluire.

@enujnehc912 2 года назад

This is eye opening. I never thought that the good ole wirenut is better than the newer cool-looking gadgets.

@DukeEastway 2 года назад

Great video, great tests! I'll stick with wirenuts, thanks.

@garthhowe297 2 года назад

I've almost always used the wire nut style that has a set screw... just gives me more confidence I have a really tight connection. I would say given your high amperage load, all of those connectors did quite well though.

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

Yes, all did well. Even at 16+ mV, still a low value.

@norwegiannationalist7678 Год назад

@@electronicsNmore Wagos are used all over europe and alot of the world, And in my 20 years of experience as a industrial electrician i have never seen a wago or a terminal block and push in wagos fail even in 400 volt three phase applications in hot envoirments and moist envoriments even acid envoirments in factories. Your concern with the connection being too loose is false as i hanged my whole body off a wago connection using solid copper wire, Over the years ive had multiple calls when wire nuts are so loose that they are arcing and the plastic had melted leaving only the spring, I always replace wire nuts with wagos if i find them and all the time ive seen a wire nut not once had it been secured tight as it works itself loose as it heats and cools.

@IAmThe_RA Год назад

@@norwegiannationalist7678 thermal expansion

@loktom4068 Год назад

Those are the best.

@christopherkujala2054 9 месяцев назад

I've always used wire nuts, I highly recommend Garner Binder wire nuts, I've always had great results from them, I personally wouldn't recommend anything else for connecting wires.

@no1slisteninganyway 2 года назад

Good to know. I've never used the lever-lock connectors on solid wire, only stranded. I'll be sticking with the wire nuts for the solid stuff. BTW the meter was easy to read on the video.

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

The performance of lever nuts are very close to a wire nut when using stranded copper wire. I tested a few. :-) As for solid copper wire, the video made it very clear. Thanks for watching!

@raynoszs5267 2 года назад

@@electronicsNmore Nice video! Would joining a stranded to a solid core be better done with a Wire nut or Wago lever?

@spreadcreekjr1731 2 года назад

This is great.

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

Glad you enjoyed the video! Be sure to check out my other videos and share. Thank you

@JohnDoe-jq4mr 2 года назад

Thank you

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

You're welcome! Be sure to share. Thank you

@86FxBdyCpe 2 года назад

Thank you.

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

You're welcome Steve! Be sure to look over my extensive video playlists below for many other videos of interest to you, and most importantly take one minute to share a link to my channel with others. Thank you ru-vid.complaylists

@Sheevlord 2 года назад

In my experience Wago-style connectors work better with stranded wires than with solid wires.

@EngineerMikeF 2 года назад

Ditto, Wago type compress a group of copper fibers in multi strand wire & get better contact vs solid wire where the contact patch is small. If the multi strand is small enough U can lightly twist 2 wires together & insert in a single Wago wire port for better wire to wire contact

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

Correct! The connector conforms to the wire, crushes it, which gives more surface area contact. The majority of people working in their homes will find solid copper wire, and that's why I tested them using solid. Thanks for watching

@JT-lq4yd 2 года назад

Correct. 90%+ of the time, a connection will be between a solid to a stranded conductor, such as a supply to a fixture.

@jeffm2787 2 года назад

Please don't go with Wago-style. Many of the Fake WAGO connectors are garbage.

@Sheevlord 2 года назад

@@jeffm2787 John Ward tested genuine Wago connectors and knockoffs. Surprisingly, even knockoffs performed quite admirably. The genuine ones still worked better.

@cirdiam1800 2 года назад

Good one - I can see that getting a lot of views over time. I had considered Wago and the like - but after seeing this I’ll be sticking with good ole fashion wire nuts.

@sublimationman 2 года назад

My 40 year old house has had at least 6 wire nut failures (installed by a pro with over 30 years experience) fail and a few almost caused fires. I found the 221 Wago connectors and have been using those to replace the failed wire nuts. I heard wire nuts are illegal in Europe because of long term failure (10+ years). They require something like the Wago or Ideal connectors.

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

Sounds llike somebody did a lousy job. If the job is done correctly, they do not come apart.

@sublimationman 2 года назад

@@electronicsNmore There were signs of heat due to resistance (cascading) the first one was when the house was around 25 years old. I have no idea for sure that they were installed correctly or not but he was a trained and licensed electrician and did this every day. They did not come apart but the wires were basically burnt and corroded from heat and the nut was slightly melted.

@sublimationman 2 года назад

@@drcornelius8275 It's possible but not like the market was flooded with Chinese knock offs back in 1981 like they would be today.

@sublimationman 2 года назад

@@drcornelius8275 fair enough.

@ThePreyMantas 2 года назад

Wow! I surmised the more expensive nuts were going to be hotter (cost more power to use because of the play in the connection) but I'd find them worrisome...

@phatdonkey78 2 года назад

Perfectly done testing. This debate has gone on for quite a while, and finally there is a test that shows heat buildup. Especially on a short run. Then you throw in the fact that if these were used to run a 7 or 8 outlet circuit, by the last outlet you could be talking quite a rise in voltage drop/heat buildup. My biggest issue with the clip type connectors is when you pull it out and look where the blade held the wire in place, there is just a tiny nick in the copper. That means that all the current is running thru the 2 points of contact made by the connector. Essentially reducing the gauge of the wire electrically. Overseas on a 240 volt system this may not be a problem, but as for in the US I'll stick to wire nuts. Need more space, get a bigger box.

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

Glad you liked the video!

@Llortnerof 2 года назад

Actually, the contact doesn't leave any sign on the wire. You're confusing the spring holding the wire with the contact it is being held against.

@huejanus5505 2 года назад

@@Llortnerof A round wire sitting on a flat piece of metal doesn’t have a whole lot of contact space, especially when compared to two wires twisted and compressed together. One edge of a thin piece of spring steel digging into a piece of softer copper wire, on one small spot, is bound to score a mark when there is any movement or doing a pull test.

@Llortnerof 2 года назад

@@huejanus5505 Doesn't change that the flat piece of metal is the contact and the edge is just the spring holding the wire in place.

@kenafren 11 месяцев назад

I was hoping for a table summarizing the outcomes with a column for comments and maybe a column for rating. This was very helpful as is though.

@inoahmann7542 2 года назад

Wago 221 connectors are the best for refrigeration and HVAC. Wire nuts are actually banned for use on r290 or r600a refrigeration equipment (for good reason). Currently I haven't seen a single failed Wago connector. The biggest issue with wire nuts I've seen is the added stress of twisting old wiring causing it to crack apart. On residential electrical I'd use ideal connectors, everything else Wago 221. Not saying wire nuts are bad for in-wall electrical, but I don't use them.

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

Yes, I've seen some old wire nuts after many years end up with a crack up the side, which takes pressure off the wires.

@grahamturner6119 2 года назад

Can't beat a good solder Joint

@hasserecht3678 2 года назад

The left most is also a Wago (222). If there's no logo it's a clone.

@JohnHill-qo3hb 10 месяцев назад

An interesting video, I like how your test was laid out. It would be helpful if the CSA/UL specification limits for wire connections were included and compared to your results, I think that comparison would help people make a better decision. So now with the popularity of these types of compression connectors increasing mainly because of ease of use, we will see counterfeit versions on the market at very low costs which of course, depending on the quality of the fakes, may result in more electrical caused fires and possibly denial of insurance claims if the electrical work was done by unqualified people.

@techsir8866 2 года назад

Excellent video, can you do the same test with stranded wire?

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

Thanks! If this video does extremely well, sure. I don't enjoy spending 8-10 hours or more creating a video to help others, and having only a few thousand people watch. I've seen inferior videos getting hundreds of thousands of views or more, it's ridiculous.

@djwmunro Год назад

They are great for solid to stranded connections. Makes overhead work so much easier. I Would not do an entire house with them if I was footing the bill

@heathwirt8919 2 года назад

I suspected the conventional wire nuts would have a lower contact resistance and this test proves it.

@tropicaldimitri7374 2 года назад

because it is an insulator and does not conduct electricity.

@garbo8962 2 года назад

Finally somenody supplied the price of each connector. THANKS. Cheap contractors will always use the cheapest connector. Had union guys charging over $135 a hour use the cheapest garbage electrical tape.

@user-jq9oo2tx8i 2 года назад

@garbo I’ve noticed that too. Also they use the cheapest wire nuts available. The type that the spring often separates from the nut by itself. My Journeyman always told me “the best is barely good enough” and Wago and Spliceline connectors are a shortcut.

@theoriginalchefboyoboy6025 2 года назад

I think Project Farm wants to have a beer with you...

@matticussilverman6179 2 года назад

As an Australian Electrician, I would have loved you to test the screw type connectors. We use them almost exclusively in Australia and they are even better than the American wire nuts (although obviously a little less convenient - as you have to tighten a screw).

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

Set screw connectors are superior, just a lot more labor involved.

@tropicaldimitri7374 2 года назад

most countries use screw type connectors but they damage conductors.

@InlineDownhillVancouver Год назад

@@tropicaldimitri7374 From that perspective, every connection "damages" the conductors. Yet, the connections are mechanically and electrically sound, so it's irrelevant.

@tropicaldimitri7374 Год назад

@@InlineDownhillVancouver But Wago causes much much less damage: just slight scratch yet the connection is very solid (as demonstrated by professionals on youtube).

@tropicaldimitri7374 Год назад

@@InlineDownhillVancouver Plus they are not "maintenance free" like WAGO 221 (if mounted on its mounting carrier) and WAGO 222 (with or without mounting carrier).

@georgemartin7717 2 месяца назад

Don't know about the other brands but the Wago 221's two conductors are rated for up to 32 Amps and up to 220 degrees fahrenheit.

@shoushi01 2 года назад

After this video I still prefer the clamp/spring-loaded connector. The other type of connector may have higher safety margin ( if done correctly), but *TRUST* is the ultimate problem. I would rather to have something more consistent although may not be the best perfoming. Wago should do well, as long as people are not abusing it. I've read comments elsewhere basically saying Wago have higher chance to be damaged in short-circuit situation. Those connectors are buried deep into the wall and once being damaged, they can be hardly replaced or being discovered even.

@huejanus5505 2 года назад

Not sure what you mean about connectors being buried deep in the walls. They’re supposed to done only in the appropriate, accessible boxes. I’m not an electrician, but am curious.

@MAGAMAN 2 года назад

If you are burying connections in the walls, you are an idiot and should never be allowed to work with electrical wiring. In most places electrical connections are required to be accessible.

@martaamance4545 Год назад

When using wire nuts I always twist the bare wire together for three to four twists using lineman pliers, very, very secure connection even when joining 4 wires together. Usually I will use three wire pigtails instead of trying to join 4 or 5 wires together. You take up more space doing this method.

@rpsmith 2 года назад

All of them had insignificant voltage drop and are all completely safe! Wago 221 are my go-to connectors and this little infomercial won't change that.

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

The point of the video was to show which was BEST, and best means: lowest resistance, lowest voltage drop, and lowest level of heating. Yes, all are fine to use.

@rpsmith 2 года назад

True, but in context those voltage drops are so close as compared to the applied voltage and current to be inconsequential. They only valid comparison one could take from this video is the cost per connector. Also, some 12 gauge wire has much thicker insulation than the wire you were testing with (some HVAC wiring) and the Wago connector would accommodate that but your test wire would move around more due to its thinner insulation. And after a full day of spinning on wire-nuts I think your hands would be screaming "Bring on the Wagos!" :o)

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

@@rpsmith I see no justification in spending 6x the money to connect 2 or 3 conductors together. You sure are a Wago cheerleader. LOL I could be talking to an employee, it wouldn't be the first time.

@rpsmith 2 года назад

@@electronicsNmore -- Well it took you awhile but you finally come up with a valid point about price. And yes, I work for Wago and they pay me to go around and call out people who say nasty things about our products! I guess you are just to smart for me to fool.

@illestofdemall13 2 года назад

@@rpsmith He didn't say anything nasty about them.

@antibrevity 2 года назад

I'd be interested in seeing you do a similar test between the push-in inserts and the screw terminals on UL approved electrical outlets and switches. The inserts are convenient and harder to get wrong, but the screw terminals offer more contact area. Perhaps such a test could also compare insert the wire straight into the screw terminal (some units have molded areas intended for this) versus hooking the wire around the screw.

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

I already thought of that idea. LOL. Based on these tests, the screw holding the wire will be a better connection.

@illestofdemall13 2 года назад

@@electronicsNmore Another problem with the back stab receptacles is the long term failures. They will work when first installed, but often fail down the line.

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

@@illestofdemall13 Very true. I've had to repair many "dead" receptacles over the years. For some light switches and receptacles, all I had to do was move them a little, and the wire made the connection again. With those, I simply moved the back wired connections to the screws.

@illestofdemall13 2 года назад

@@electronicsNmore Same here, I have had to repair those connections as well. My favorite method is the screw clamps on the side of higher end switches and receptacles, and the internal screw clamp of GFCI receptacles. I just need to not over tighten the screws because I have a gorilla grip from years of screwing and twisting wire nuts. I work for a small company and our niche is installing high end lighting, dimmers, smart switches, etc. Been there for 15 years so far.

@jpmacoo 2 года назад

@@electronicsNmore What is different about the back stab connections vs the push connectors shown above? You'd think that if the push connectors can be made to work reliably and safely that the same design could be used on receptacles.

@MannyAguilarJr 2 года назад

Wago 221 also works with fine stranded and has a test port on both sides. Gray one is the wago 222.

@electronicsNmore 2 года назад

Yes

@thomasseabrook1041 2 года назад

Can you so a Pre-twisted wire nut VS. a wire nut that is not. I don't think there will be much difference is any. If connecting 4 or more solid conductors I find Pre-twisting helps greatly to have a good connection. But with less conductors I do believe both are sufficient.