Which Splicing Device is Best? Push Ins Vs. Wago Vs. Wirenuts

Comments · 2.5K

• HO

  @HowToHomeDIY · 4 years ago · pinned

  Which splicing device are you using and why?  I always appreciate the feedback as I am constantly learning new things no matter how big or small, and it can help the community here as well.  Thanks a lot!

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• SP

  @Sparky_Steve · 2 years ago

  Well as a 30 year electrician I feel cheated that we didn’t those wago connectors sooner. Honestly I don’t think my wrists would be able to keep going if I had to keep twisting wire nuts

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• AU

  @aurvaroy6670 · 4 years ago

  WAGOs are awesome. I use them all the time in my ceiling fixtures. Makes wiring so much easier. That being said, I still use wire nuts for switches and outlets. It is trickier to join stranded with solid but if the stranded wire leads the solid, the stranded will stay inside the wire nut during a pull test.

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• RI

  @richardvanbuskirk6709 · 2 years ago

  These things rock! The best thing for me is a cleaner fit inside of the junction box!! The ability to connect many lines is a big plus!! Thank you Wago….

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• CH

  @christopherhoopes7384 · 3 years ago

  I didn't know Wago existed.   Thanks for sharing.

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• XE

  @xepherys · 3 years ago

  The Wago connectors are great.  I started using them a couple of years ago and won't look back.  I've also got in the habit of putting a Sharpie dot on the lever of LINE (as the others will be LOAD), and a mark on the LINE wire as well.  This is especially useful in junction boxes where you may have multiple LOAD wires running out of the box.  Takes a few seconds, but saves time down the road if you ever open the junction box back up.

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• LA

  @larrystuder8543 · 3 years ago (edited)

  Have you ever seen the "old school" set screw type wirenuts? 3 pcs- a brass sleeve with a set screw in it, and a separate cover. You put the wires inside, tighten the setscrew, then screw on the plastic top. A couple of issues with them-  the plastic cap is rigid, like bakelite, and breakable. They also unscrew. We used those exclusively at one place I worked. More labor, and we ALWAYS wrapped them with tape.

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• TH

  @ThorsonWiles · 3 years ago

  I've used the WAGO connector for a few motorcycle farkles (aftermarket add-ons). they worked very well, especially when I wanted to add another connection. (Pull the 2 connector, switch to a 3)

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• JA

  @jackpestaner1716 · 3 years ago

  Excellent review of the three devices, I am still a wire nut guy, but have seen problems from stranded #12 and #10 not making good contact.   I like to pretwist the individual stranded wire in the same direction as the wirenut with my lineman's pliers to get a better grip.  As with fake Wago's, i will never use the cheap Chinese twist-ons that come with light fixtures, ceiling fans, etc.  Ideal or 3m are the only ones that should be used, as they have good spring force, and high temperature plastics.

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• NS

  @ns3v3n · 3 years ago

  I recently bought some wago lever connections and I thought about buying some knock offs but decided saving a few bucks is not worth starting an electrical fire or short something out. They were great!

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• AL

  @alf1519 · 2 years ago

  Have a WAGO 221 in hand.  It is rated 20 amps @ 300 V.  I have not used it at that rating.  A company I worked for used the DIN rail mounted WAGO connectors on crawler mounted mining machines.  The connectors were reliable in that high vibration use, mostly 24 VDC.  That gave me confidence in the actual connection technology.  Easy to use and inspect.  Can insert wire and make connections with one hand with WAGO 221.  I am a retired Electrical Engineer, still keeping my P.E. license active for one more 2 year cycle.

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• ER

  @ericl5973 · 4 years ago

  I like the Wago connectors for putting in smart home switches or light fixtures since they normally have stranded wire. For electrical outlets, I will use wire nuts.

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