Vago quick-disconnect terminals have long been known around the world as reliable devices for the fastest installation of wiring with copper single-core or multi-core cable. Also, these products work with aluminum wires or any combination of them. However, during installation there is no need to use additional tools or materials. All those who used the “Vago” terminals respond to them strictly positively. So, let's see what is special about these devices.
The German brand WAGO is one of the largest manufacturers of quick-release terminals, as well as screwless spring connectors, which provide the highest quality connection of various wires.
Advantages and disadvantages of technology
Vago terminals are flat spring clamps.
The device has a lot of serious advantages. So, for each wire there is a separate clip. This allows installation to be carried out as quickly and accurately as possible. Another major advantage is a high level of safety during operation. The manufacturer excludes any chance of accidentally touching the wires. Installation with these terminals does not depend on the physical strength of the master performing the work, and on his qualifications. Vago spring terminals are adapted to the wire cross-section, and the clamping force is the most optimal. Therefore, any damage and deformation in the connected cables is completely excluded. The connection is very reliable, it is highly resistant to vibration and shock.
In the place where the wires are in contact with each other, oxidation due to gas impermeability is completely ruled out. The fixture is quite compact. No maintenance is required during operation. Only one point can be attributed to the shortcomings, but it applies to any quick disconnect connections: install these “Vago” terminals, like any others, in an accessible place.
Technical features
For the production of these products, special electrolytic copper is used. Its feature is that it undergoes tinning technology. The spring is made of chrome nickel steel. Carriers of conductive parts are made of polycarbonate.
Depending on the type of terminal, they can pass currents from 6 A to 232 A. The operating voltage is from 100 to 1000 V. The cross section of the wires is from 0.08 to 95 mm
2 .
Full spring clamp terminal
These solutions are designed for quick installation of electrical wiring. The device can only be used once. But master electricians argue that even though the product is a one-time use for a single-core rigid wire, the terminal can be used several times. At the same time, the quality of the connection will deteriorate slightly, but slightly. How much the Vago terminal holds the contact depends on how many times it has been used.
Stranded wires pre-crimped into lugs can also be connected. The most popular model in this design is the Vago 773. Issue this terminal in two versions.
So, there is an option with an insert, with which you can connect a copper wire having a cross section from 1 to 2.5 mm 2 in switchboards. The product allows you to connect 2, 4, 6, 8 cords depending on the model. The device is made in a transparent case, equipped with color inserts for convenience. Each of them will correspond to a certain number of connections. In this case, the current should not be higher than 25 A.
Model 773-173 is also available. Its difference is that it is designed for currents up to 41 A. Three connections can be made, and the wire can have a cross section from 1.5 to 6 mm 2 .
In order to connect aluminum conductors to each other or to copper wires, a terminal with thermal paste “Vago” is used. The case of such a product is black or gray. To connect copper to aluminum, paste is removed from the socket for the copper wire. Products 773-302-308 are designed for 2-8 connections. Used wires can have cross sections from 0.75 to 2.5 mm
2 . The maximum allowable current is 25 A. Model 773-503 is designed for three connections. Furthermore, the wire cross section can be from 1.5 mm to 4 mm
2 , and the current can be 32 A.
The devices of this series are used in order to minimize voltage drops in conductors that have a long length, in power installation systems, and in parallel socket outlets.
Cage Clamp Terminals
These models feature the innovative Cage Clamp. The device is intended for use in junction boxes, as well as for the installation of lighting equipment. If a stranded conductor is used, then there is no need for ferrules.
Copper conductors can be single or stranded. The cross section may be from 0.08 to 35 mm
2 . Wires can be connected in any combination. Among the advantages of this series with this unique clamp are ease of installation, as well as reliable connections. The disadvantages of the terminals "Vago" reviews include a fairly high price.
Application
The terminal can be used with inductive motion sensors to connect electric motors, lighting equipment, including special ones, for electric machines, pumps, electric meters.
Also, this system is popular in systems such as "underfloor heating", in electric heating equipment, in low-current intercoms and door control systems. And, of course, this product is indispensable for temporary connections.
Series Features
The product is made without paste and is intended for the combined connection of various wires with a cross section of 0.08 to 4 mm 2 . In this case, the permissible current is 35 A, and the maximum voltage is up to 380 V. Take a look at the “Vago” terminals - the photo allows you to verify the veracity of the description.
In order to connect the aluminum wire using the terminal, you need to purchase a paste and apply it to the appropriate slots. Models 222-412-415 reusable. Vago 224 terminals are designed for quick connection of lighting devices without the need for tools. The product reliably protects from
bare wires. The terminal can connect two or three wires of copper or aluminum with a cross section of 0.5 to 2.5 mm
2 . The aluminum cord slot contains paste.
Fit-calm
It is also an innovative development of the company. A special mortise contact is used here. Reviews say that it helps to carry out installation without the need for stripping conductors. This makes installation work even easier and faster.
Household terminals
For domestic use, you can apply models from groups 222, 224, as well as 773. Products from the series 243 and 862 are used much less frequently.
How to use
Quick installation is the main advantage that Vago terminals have. How to mount, we'll see now. One terminal is one contact. When using a model from the 773 series, the wire is cleaned of insulation to a length of 12 millimeters and inserted into the socket - that's all, it's done. Model 222 is no different. But the wire is stripped 10 mm, and to insert into the socket, you must open the orange lever.
The main thing is to choose the right section of wires and calculate the necessary terminal block based on power and currents. If you choose the fixture at random, this may be the article the reason why the Vago terminals on the chandelier melt.
Use experience
Reviews note the reusability of the terminals. They can be used with different types of wires. Warranty period - more than five years. However, with regard to terminals intended for wires with a cross section of more than 2.5 mm 2 , you need to be careful about installation. Yes, the design has a special spring. But if the wire is slightly skewed, crooked or deformed, the contact area will be minimal. As a result, the terminal heats up. With increasing current strength, melting is possible. Therefore, the thicker the wire, the more carefully you need to check the fasteners. An important condition is the maximum tight fit of the element to the contact area. Only in this way the terminal will not overheat and can tolerate increased loads.
Conclusion
So, we found out what the Vago terminals are. As you can see, this is a very convenient way to connect wires with different cross sections. Reviews positively characterize these products.