Is Wagos or wire nuts better?

When it comes to making electrical connections, electricians have two main options: Wago connectors or wire nuts. Both Wagos and wire nuts have their pros and cons, so choosing between them often comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the job.

What are Wago Connectors?

Wago connectors are spring-loaded electrical connectors that use a lever to clamp down on wires inserted into them. They are designed to accept solid or stranded wires from multiple wire gauges.

Some key features of Wago connectors include:

• Push-in style connections – wires are inserted by pushing them in, no twisting required
• Spring-loaded clamps – provide consistent clamping force on wires
• Multiple wire capacity – can accept up to 5 wires in each connector
• Vibration resistant – spring clamps maintain solid contact even in vibrating environments like motors
• Reusable – wires can be removed and inserted again without damaging the connector
• Labor saving – faster to install than twisting wire nuts

Wago connectors come in a range of sizes and terminal counts to accommodate anything from small signal wires to large power cables. The most common sizes used are 221 series (up to 4 #14 AWG wires) and 222 series (up to 5 #12 AWG wires).

What are Wire Nuts?

Wire nuts are simple cylindrical screw-on connectors used to join two or more wires together. To use them, the ends of the wires are twisted together, inserted into the wire nut, and then the nut is twisted on which tightens down on the wires.

Key features of wire nuts include:

• Inexpensive – wire nuts are cheaper than other connectors
• Simple to use – just twist wires together and twist nut on
• Common sizes accept 2-4 wires
• Color coded for size – makes it easy to spot proper wire nut
• Works for solid or stranded wires

Wire nuts come in a variety of sizes, specified by wire gauge and capacity, and are color coded. Common sizes are red (up to 2 #14 AWG wires), yellow (up to 3 #12 AWG wires), and orange (up to 4 #10 AWG wires).

Comparing Installation

Installation is one of the key differences between Wago connectors and wire nuts. Wire nuts require carefully twisting wires together before screwing the nut on. Wago connectors just require you to push the wires into the terminal.

This makes Wagos significantly faster to install. No pre-twisting wires together or worrying about untwisting later. Just strip, insert into connector, and clamp down. Studies have estimated 30-50% labor savings when using Wago connectors compared to wire nuts.

Wire nuts are the more finicky option. The wires need to be stripped and twisted together carefully to ensure a good connection. If they are loose inside the nut, resistance can increase leading to heat buildup. Overall, they take more time and care to install properly.

Installation Steps Comparison:

Wire Nuts:

1. Strip wire ends
2. Twist stripped ends together
3. Insert twisted wires into wire nut
4. Twist wire nut on tightly

Wago Connectors:

1. Strip wire ends
2. Insert individual wires into connector
3. Clamp lever down to tighten

Vibration Resistance

Vibration resistance is another key difference between these two wiring methods. Wire nuts may loosen over time when subjected to vibration. This introduces resistance and heat to the connection. Wago connectors maintain consistent clamping force even in high vibration environments.

For example, electrical connections on motors or other vibrating machinery should always use Wago connectors instead of wire nuts. The vibration resistance ensures the connections stay tight and maintin low resistance.

Reusability

Wago connectors are designed to be reusable, while wire nuts are single-use only. With a Wago connector, you can disconnect wires and insert new ones without any loss of function. Wire nuts must be replaced with a new nut each time you disconnect the wires.

Being able to reuse the connectors makes maintenance and wiring changes easier. You don’t need to stock up on as many spare connectors. For temporary or changable wiring, Wagos allow easily swapping wires in and out of the connectors.

Temperature Rating

Both Wago connectors and wire nuts are available in high temperature ratings for hot environments. However, Wago tends to offer higher maximum temperature ratings such as 221°C or 600VAC.

Connector Type	Maximum Temperature Rating
Wago 221 Series	221°C
Wago 222 Series	221°C
Wire nut	Typically 105-150°C

The higher heat tolerance of Wago connectors makes them a better choice for connections in hot environments such as:

• Inside enclosures with high ambient temps
• Close proximity to heat sources
• Outdoor connections exposed to direct sunlight

Number of Wires Per Connection

Wago connectors excel at accepting multiple wires in a single connection. Most models can terminate up to 5 wires in one connector. Wire nuts max out at around 2-4 wires depending on size.

The high wire count capacity of Wago connectors reduces the number of connections needed in complex junctions. Instead of stacking up layers of wire nuts, a single Wago connector can join all the wires cleanly and reliably.

Maximum Wires Per Connector:

Connector	Wires Per Connection
Wago 221 series	Up to 4 #14 AWG
Wago 222 series	Up to 5 #12 AWG
Wire nut	2 to 4 typically

Signal Wiring

For signal and data wiring, Wago connectors excel due to their vibration resistance and gas-tight construction. The spring-loaded design ensures solid contact pressure to avoid signal interruptions under vibration.

Wago lever connectors form a sealed connection without air gaps, preventing corrosion in sensitive data circuits. Wire nuts leave tiny air gaps that can lead to corrosion over time.

Overall, Wagos are superior for signal transmission reliability in industrial environments. Wire nuts would be more prone to vibration and corrosion issues when used for analog signals, bus networks, ethernet, etc.

Bulk Wiring

For bulk power wiring, such as wiring motor leads or fuse blocks, wire nuts may be preferred due to lower cost. Wago connectors excel at complex junctions with multiple wires, but for simple 2-3 wire splices, wire nuts are adequate.

Electricians will often stock up on large bags of wire nuts to have on hand for routine wiring jobs. Wagos come individually packaged, so are less convenient for high volume splices.

Connector Sizes

Wago connectors come in a wide range of sizes to accommodate wires from 18 AWG to 350MCM. Different terminal counts allow 2 to 5 wires per connection.

Wire nuts have less variety, but common sizes fit 12, 14, and 10 AWG solid or stranded copper wire. Larger 336 MCM wire nuts are also available.

Both connector types cover typical wire gauge sizes used in residential and commercial wiring. Wagos offer greater flexibility for mixing wire sizes in one connector.

Typical Size Ranges:

Connector	Wire Gauge Capacity
Wago 221 Series	20-16 AWG (0.5-1.5mm2)
Wago 222 Series	16-12 AWG (1.5-2.5mm2)
Wire nut	18-10 AWG (0.75-6mm2)

Conductor Types

Wire nuts and Wago connectors both work with solid and stranded copper conductors. This makes them suitable for a wide range of wiring applications.

Wagos can accept a mix of stranded and solid wires in the same connector. Wire nuts require all wires to be the same – either all solid or all stranded.

Overall, Wagos offer greater flexibility for conductor types, especially when transitioning between strands and solids.

Cost Comparison

Wire nuts are the more affordable option, costing just a few cents per piece even in bulk. Wago connectors range from around $0.30 to $2 per piece depending on size.

Labor savings from faster installation can offset the higher upfront cost of Wagos. But wire nuts are simpler and cheaper for basic wire joining applications.

Connector	Average Cost (100 pack)
Wire nut	$2-10
Wago connector	$30-200

Ease of Use

Wire nuts take more dexterity and effort to twist properly. Wagos just require you to insert wires and clamp down with no twisting. Most would consider Wagos easier to install for this reason.

However, wire nuts are an ingrained tradition in electrical work. Their simplicity also lends itself to quick installation for those used to it. So ease of use is subjective.

Reliability & Testing

Both Wago and wire nut connections have proven extremely reliable when installed properly. Electrical inspectors allow the use of either connector type in installations.

Extensive testing has been done on the fire safety, vibrational stability, and longevity of both options. Wagos excel in vibration prone environments, but both achieve gas-tight and electrically sound connections.

Error Proofing

Wago lever connectors have the advantage of being somewhat error proofed. Unlike wire nuts, you cannot install them without fully inserting and clamping down on wires.

This avoids any missed connections from loose wire nuts. Though wire nuts are reliable when properly twisted on, Wagos remove any chance of human error.

Code Compliance

Both Wago connectors and wire nuts comply with US electrical codes and standards like UL, NFPA 70, and OSHA when used properly.

According to NEC 110.3(B): “Listed wire connectors and soldering lugs shall be used for all wiring connections.” Both wire nuts and Wago lever connectors are tested and listed.

Conclusion

Overall, Wago lever connectors excel in specific applications where their strengths at vibration resistance, reusability, high heat tolerance, and high wire count are needed. They can make complex junction work much simpler.

For basic wire splices, wire nuts are entirely adequate and provide a cost effective solution. There’s a reason they have been the predominant connector for decades.

There is no definitively “better” option. It comes down to choosing the right connector type for the specific electrical project and budget.