Vago quick-disconnect terminals have long been known around the world as reliable devices for the fastest installation of electrical wiring with a copper single-core or multi-core cable. Also, these products work with aluminum wires or any combination of them. At the same time, during installation there is no need to use additional tools or materials. All those who used the Vago terminals speak of them strictly positively. So let's see what's special about these devices.
The German brand WAGO is one of the largest manufacturers of quick disconnect 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 clamp. This allows installation to be carried out as quickly and accurately as possible. Another major advantage is the high levelsafety during operation. The manufacturer excludes any possibility of accidental contact with the wires. Installation with these terminals does not depend on the physical strength of the master performing the work, and on his qualifications. Spring terminals "Vago" adapt to the cross-section of wires, 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, highly resistant to vibrations and shocks.
Where the wires come into contact with each other, oxidation is completely excluded due to gas tightness. The device is quite compact. There is no need for any maintenance during operation. Only one point can be attributed to the disadvantages, but it applies to any quick disconnect connections: these Vago terminals, like any others, should be installed in an accessible place.
Specifications
Special electrolytic copper is used for the production of these products. Its peculiarity is that it passes the tinning technology. The spring is made of chromium-nickel steel. Carriers for conductive parts are made of polycarbonate.
Depending on the type of terminal, they can carry currents from 6 A to 232 A. The operating voltage is from 100 to 1000 V. The wire size is from 0.08 to 95 mm2.
Full spring terminal
These solutions are designed to carry out quick installation work of electrical wiring. The device can be usedonly once. But master electricians claim that although the product is disposable for a single-core hard wire, the terminal can be used several times. In this case, the quality of the connection will deteriorate slightly, but not significantly. How long the “Vago” terminal keeps contact depends on how many times it has been used.
You can also connect stranded wires pre-crimped into lugs. The most popular model in this design is Vago 773. This terminal is produced in two versions.
So, there is an option with an insert, with which you can connect copper wire with a cross section of 1 to 2.5 mm2 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 colored inserts for convenience. Each of them will correspond to a certain number of connections. In this case, the current should not exceed 25 A.
Also available as model 773-173. 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 mm2.
In order to connect aluminum conductors to each other or to copper wires, a terminal with Vago thermal paste is used. The case of such a product is black or gray. To connect copper to aluminum, the paste is removed from the copper wire socket. Products 773-302-308 are designed for 2-8 connections. The wires used can have sections from 0.75 to 2.5 mm2. The maximum allowable current is 25 A. Model 773-503 has three connections. In this case, the wire cross section can be from 1.5 mm to 4 mm2, and the current can be 32 A.
The devices of this series are used to minimize voltage drops in long conductors in power wiring systems, parallel socket connections.
Cage Clamp
These models feature the innovative Cage Clamp. The device is intended for use in junction boxes, as well as for mounting lighting equipment. If a stranded conductor is used, then there is no need for ferrules.
Copper conductors can be solid or stranded. The cross section can be from 0.08 to 35mm2. Wires can be connected in any combination. Among the advantages of this series with this unique clamp is the ease of installation, as well as the reliability of the connections. The disadvantages of the terminals "Vago" reviews include a fairly high price.
Application
The terminal can be used with inductive motion sensors, for connecting electric motors, lighting equipment, including special ones, for electric machines, pumps, electricity meters.
This system is also popular in underfloor heating systems, in electric heating equipment, in low-voltage intercoms and door control systems. And, of course, this product is indispensable for temporary connections.
Series Features
The product is produced without paste and is designed for combined connection of various wires with a cross section from 0.08 to 4 mm2. In this case, the allowable current is 35 A, and the maximum voltage is up to 380 V. Take a look at how the “Vago” terminals look - the photo allows you to verify the veracity of the description.
To use a terminal to connect an aluminum wire, you need to purchase a paste and apply it to the appropriate slots. Models 222-412-415 are reusable. Vago 224 terminals are designed for quick connection of lighting devices without the need for tools. The product reliably protects against bare wires. The terminal can connect two or three copper or aluminum wires with a cross section from 0.5 to 2.5 mm2. The aluminum cord socket contains paste.
Fit-Calm
This 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, models from groups 222, 224, and 773 can be used. Products from series 243 and 862 are used much less often.
How to use
Quick installation is the main plus that the 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 stripped of insulation for a length of 12millimeters and inserted into the socket - that's it, the job is done. Model 222 is no different. But the wire is stripped 10 mm, and to insert it into the socket, you need to open the orange lever.
The main thing is to choose the right cross-section of wires and calculate the required terminal block based on power and currents. If you choose a fixture at random, then this may be the reason why the Vago terminals on the chandelier melt.
User experience
Reviews note the reusability of the terminals. They can be used with different types of wires. The warranty period is more than five years. However, for terminals designed for wires with a cross section of more than 2.5 mm2, you need to pay attention to installation. Yes, there is a special spring in the design. But if the wire is slightly skewed, crooked or deformed, the contact area will be minimal. As a result, the terminal heats up. With an increase in 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 will be able to withstand 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 characterize this product positively.