Skip to main content

Replies sorted oldest to newest

Right.  Here's the OGR thread where the dual connector comes up as a side discussion.  It's probably a more relevant conversation in this thread.  @Mr. Mouthpear is a wealth of knowledge on this connector type so if there's interest perhaps he will contribute here too.  He suggests a more rugged version.

I'm still trying to understand how these unbranded lever connectors came to be.  I figure Wago would have worldwide patents or maybe they're licensed?

@stan2004 posted:

Right.  Here's the OGR thread where the dual connector comes up as a side discussion.  It's probably a more relevant conversation in this thread.  @Mr. Mouthpear is a wealth of knowledge on this connector type so if there's interest perhaps he will contribute here too.  He suggests a more rugged version.

I'm still trying to understand how these unbranded lever connectors came to be.  I figure Wago would have worldwide patents or maybe they're licensed?

Here is the mounting clips you asked about.

ScreenHunter 478 2020-11-15 10.29

Attachments

Images (1)
  • ScreenHunter 478 2020-11-15 10.29

Untitled

Nice.  I would NEVER have found it!.  The lack of readily identifiable manufacturer part numbers makes this a challenge of course.

So as to understand one of your previous comments, it seems that if the connector is only held down on one side that you can't easily open a lever with one hand without having the connector pop out of the clip?  In other words this is more of a retention clip to keep things neat after the wiring is done.  I can see how it would work if 2 sides are held down like the example in the middle.  Not sure I'm being clear...

Attachments

Images (1)
  • Untitled
Last edited by stan2004
@stan2004 posted:

Untitled

Nice.  I would NEVER have found it!.  The lack of readily identifiable manufacturer part numbers makes this a challenge of course.

So as to understand one of your previous comments, it seems that if the connector is only held down on one side that you can't easily open a lever with one hand without having the connector pop out of the clip?  In other words this is more of a retention clip to keep things neat after the wiring is done.  I can see how it would work if 2 sides are held down like the example in the middle.  Not sure I'm being clear...

The single clip with the bus type (snaps/levers only on one side), the connector kept coming off the orange holder/mount. I had to superglue the connector to the mount. Now whenever I mount one it stays in place and am able to connect wires, without the connector popping off the mount.

The side mounts are only for the pass through connectors (the ones with snaps/levers on both sides).

I prefer these for pass through connections. they are already mountable. Plus they have the test ports also.

Attachments

Images (1)
  • mceclip0
Last edited by Mr. Mouthpear

I have the XHF connectors and use them from time to time. They provide a solid physical and electrical connection. I also use them with the snap-on adapter for screw mounting. Wiring is quick and easy.

But...

I DO NOT recommend them for widespread wiring under the train table.

The problem is that XHF does not allow the easy use of test probes for voltage checks. (WAGO does have the test hole in the back). There is a slot on top of many XHF style connectors where a thin wire can be inserted as a test point but it is too small for a standard VOM probe. And once you add the screw mount, that hole is covered. The workaround is to ensure you use a connector with an extra empty slot to insert a probe, but that is not always doable on certain XHF styles.

Having easy access to test points under the table is a consideration when selecting your wiring termination method.

Highly personal opinions ...

Get the clear ones. You can see what is going on inside. If you have smaller diameter than 14 gauge (so higher gauge), you can put more than one wire in each slot; so a 5 slot could hold a qty of 15 (3*5) gauge  22 wires. I have done this inside a mod of an MTH full length vista dome. Also for temporary low voltage setups at work. DO NOT DO THIS FOR HOUSE WIRING.

The bonus of buying Wago over cheap Chinesium is the Wago are UL approved, can use then for your house.  I found the UL approval for the three slot clear on this page:

https://www.wago.com/global/in.../p/221-412#approvals

I just sent my suggestion of screw mounts to the company that makes Wago Connectors, automationsupport.us@wago.com. If any of you like my idea of being able to connect the Wago Lever Nuts to your platform. Please also send the same suggestion to them. Maybe, if they get enough requests, they may add the screw mount feature.  The text of my E-Mail to Wago is below:

"Randolph Harrison (hbcrandy@aol.com)

To:automationsupport.us@wago.com

I am a model railroad enthusiast. I am an avid user and recommender of your product. One thing I would recommend as an addition in the future is to build onto the body of the connector, a way to allow the connectors to be attached, with screws, to wood on the bottom of a train layout to allow for neater wiring that does not hang down under the layout.
Thanks for any consideration given the suggestion. It is a way to make your great product even greater.
Sincerely,
Randy Harrison
President,
Great Northeastern Railway"
Baltimore, Maryland USA

Highly personal opinions ...

Get the clear ones. You can see what is going on inside. If you have smaller diameter than 14 gauge (so higher gauge), you can put more than one wire in each slot; so a 5 slot could hold a qty of 15 (3*5) gauge  22 wires. I have done this inside a mod of an MTH full length vista dome. Also for temporary low voltage setups at work. DO NOT DO THIS FOR HOUSE WIRING.



I agree, when I buy more, I will buy the clear ones.

Highly personal opinions ...

Get the clear ones. You can see what is going on inside. If you have smaller diameter than 14 gauge (so higher gauge), you can put more than one wire in each slot; so a 5 slot could hold a qty of 15 (3*5) gauge  22 wires. I have done this inside a mod of an MTH full length vista dome. Also for temporary low voltage setups at work. DO NOT DO THIS FOR HOUSE WIRING.

The bonus of buying Wago over cheap Chinesium is the Wago are UL approved, can use then for your house.  I found the UL approval for the three slot clear on this page:

https://www.wago.com/global/in.../p/221-412#approvals

The ones I linked on Amazon are UL approved and can be used for 110/220 wiring.

UL Certified Lever Nuts on Amazon

However, I disagree with putting more than one wire in a slot, the way the latch works it can be easily held with low tension on one or more of the wires, not a good idea.

The ones I linked on Amazon are UL approved and can be used for 110/220 wiring.

UL Certified Lever Nuts on Amazon

However, I disagree with putting more than one wire in a slot, the way the latch works it can be easily held with low tension on one or more of the wires, not a good idea.

Those are the XHF connectors I mentioned that I use in electrical boxes these days.

Also,  As John mentioned, when I tried putting more than one wire (two) into the low profile clear WAGO connectors they did not take moving around.  One of them was intermittent.  In an electrical box though the XHF connectors hold more than one solid house wire really well.

John

Last edited by Craftech

Add Reply

Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×