A DIN rail is a metal rail of a standard type widely used for mounting circuit breakers and industrial control equipment inside equipment racks. DIN Rail Terminals are used in a wide range of applications including machinery, automotive industry, railway and process engineering. Here is a collection of videos on
DIN Rail Terminals:
What are DIN Rail Terminal Blocks? Types and Explanation!
WAGO short circuit terminal block test
TOPJOB®S
Terminal Block Basics
Weidmuller Push-In Type Terminal Blocks P-Series
Weidmuller Screw Type Terminal Blocks W-Series
32 Comments
Tomi Engdahl says:
Types of Terminal Block Connections
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ua1UXh9l3c4
Different Types of Connections on Terminal Blocks presented by Katie Rydzewski for Galco TV.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Terminal Block Connection Types
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFSt8Y71WZE
Weidmuller Push-In Type Terminal Blocks P-Series
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5vuqEemq4w
Tomi Engdahl says:
The DIN Rail and How It Got That Way
https://hackaday.com/2018/09/13/the-din-rail-and-how-it-got-that-way/
Unless you’ve spent some time in the industrial electrical field, you might be surprised at the degree of integration involved in the various control panels needed to run factories and the like. Look inside any cabinet almost anywhere in the world, and you’ll be greeted by rows of neat plastic terminal blocks, circuit breakers, signal conditioners, and all manner of computing hardware from programmable logic controllers right on to Raspberry Pis and Arduinos.
A well-crafted industrial control panel can truly be a thing of beauty. But behind all the electrical bits in the cabinet, underneath all the neatly routed and clearly labeled wires, there’s a humble strip of metal that stitches it all together: the DIN rail. How did it come to be, and why is it so ubiquitous?
Tomi Engdahl says:
DIN rail
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIN_rail
A DIN rail is a metal rail of a standard type widely used for mounting circuit breakers and industrial control equipment inside equipment racks. These products are typically made from cold rolled carbon steel sheet with a zinc-plated or chromated bright surface finish. Although metallic, they are meant only for mechanical support, and are not used as a busbar to conduct electric current, although they may provide a chassis grounding connection.
Tomi Engdahl says:
DIN rail basics
https://www.designnews.com/electronics-test/din-rail-basics/151128668527601
If you deal with electrical installations for industrial control applications, no doubt you have heard the term DIN rail or have used DIN rail in your installations. Perhaps you have even read an article or two regarding some of the products that mount on DIN rail, such as terminal blocks or contactors. While much time has been spent educating customers on DIN rail mountable products, very little time has been spent on the backbone of this system, DIN rail itself. By gaining a valuable understanding of DIN rail applications in a control environment, such as materials available, options, and foot prints, new and long time users of DIN rail can better utilize this industry standard.
DIN rail is available in various base metals of which, the most common are steel, aluminum, stainless-steel and copper. In addition, DIN rail is available in various finishes with respect to the base metal. The most common base metal and finish combination in the industry is zinc plated, yellow chromated steel.
When selecting a DIN rail with specific metal composition, several factors must be considered; enclosure/control cabinet material, environment (usually already determined with the selection of enclosure material), products to be mounted and short circuit requirements for grounding. For example, if you have selected an aluminum enclosure, an aluminum DIN rail should be selected.
If mounting heavy components, such as large PLC’s, steel rail is the best bet due to its strength and durability.
TS-35 (35 mm wide rail) is the industry standard. Most existing and new designs of DIN rail mountable components incorporate this footprint. The TS-35 is available in two profiles, (1) “The Standard” which is 7.5mm in height and, (2) “The High Hat” which is 15 mm in height. The 7.5mm high rail is suitable for the majority of applications and is the most cost effective of the two. However, when mounting heavy components such as large PLC’s, transformers, contactors, drives, power supplies, etc.. the 15mm high rail provides the added strength and durability required.
DIN rail is also available with or without mounting slots. Pre-manufactured mounting slots come in two different configuration, standard (6.3 x 18mm slots) or long slots (5.2 x 25mm slots).
With the use of a DIN rail ground (protective conductor) terminal block, the DIN rail itself can be used as the grounding busbar.
When using DIN rail as a ground busbar, particular attention must be paid to the short circuit properties of the rail.
As you can see by now, there is more thought required to specifying DIN rail than asking, “Do my components fit on this rail?”
Tomi Engdahl says:
When will UK sockets have WAGO style connectors? – electricians comment
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pk7dENH9u4
Tomi Engdahl says:
UNDERSTANDING THE BENEFITS
OF DIN ENCLOSURES
https://www.altechcorp.com/RFY/Understanding-the-Benefits-of-DIN-Enclosures.pdf
Sponsored byUnderstanding the Benefits of DIN Enclosures | 1
DIN enclosures are widely used in Europe and are growing in use in a broad variety of OEM
systems across the world. These enclosures can be customized and fabricated to customer
needs and specifications in OEM quantities.
DIN is a metal rail standard widely used for mounting industrial control equipment inside of
controls panels. They are broadly used in Europe for both industrial and home automation
applications and should be considered whenever you are engineering a system for the
global market.
Since DIN applications are limitless and work for all manner of electromechanical devices
including relays, sensing and monitoring devices, timers, transducers, printed circuit boards,
housing electrical and electronic systems, and much more, you can find a wide range
of products.
Since DIN enclosures and components are used around the world, they are perfect for
IoT applications that need to have a standard look, feel, and interconnection. Equipment
monitoring, building management and safety, home utilities, and other IoT applications can
greatly benefit from using DIN enclosures for a clean, attractive, and consistent appearance
Tomi Engdahl says:
STOP Connecting Stranded Wire Like an Animal – Do it LIKE A PRO!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9jJqSGMB5g
Learn how to create PERFECT electrical connections instantly with NO SOLDERING – Connecting stranded wire can be a nightmare & look terrible. EASY to do anywhere once you see this simple pro trick for perfect connections every time. Your wiring will look amazing too when you learn how to use Ferrules aka known as Bootlace Connectors.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Push-In Terminals versus Other Types of Connections
March 18, 2022
The use of DIN-Rail Terminal blocks is widespread throughout every industry (Fig. 1). For everything from individual machines to complete systems and to multiple system factory interconnections, terminal blocks become an important component.
https://www.electronicdesign.com/leaders/components/connectors/article/21235032/altech-corporation-pushin-terminals-versus-other-types-of-connections
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS CONTROL systems use a wide variety of DIN-Rail Terminal blocks with a variety of connection methods dependent on the needs of the application. Electrical panels in automobile plants, chemical plants, utilities, buildings, and all types of automation and manufacturing require hardwired interconnection of some type or another.
Product design engineers have followed the needs of users to create compact products made from a variety of materials for different environments, and which are modular to expand to the needs of the customer. DIN-Rail Terminal blocks have evolved over time. Ultimately, the choice of terminal block must assure to maintain a long life of reliable service, provide as low maintenance as possible, and be able to be installed quickly and efficiently under any conditions.
We’ll discuss the more common connection technology options for your DIN-Rail Terminal block requirements—the screw clamp and the spring/cage clamp DIN-Rail Terminal block—then discuss the features and advantages of push-in type terminals.
Screw Type DIN-Rail Terminal Blocks
Screw terminals are used extensively in the distribution of electricity in homes and apartment buildings, as well as in warehouses, plants and factories inside all types of panels and junction boxes. Screw type terminals have been around for a long time and are the most dependent on human interaction because of screw tightening that is required (often at various torque values).
Spring/Cage Clamp DIN-Rail Terminal Blocks
Most engineers working with controllers and inside machine specific interconnection enclosures are familiar with spring clamp terminal blocks (Fig. 4). The human factor for these types of connections is less than that of the screw type DIN-Rail Terminal block. A tool, such as a screwdriver, is still needed to open the spring, but a specified torque is not necessary. A safe connection is assured through the use of a preloaded spring.
Operation is easy: By using a narrow screwdriver or similar tool, users push the tool into a slot where it opens a preloaded stainless steep spring. Once a wire is inserted into the terminal, the tool is removed, and the spring force presses the conductor against a copper-tin plated current bar for the connection. Solid or stranded wire can be used to create a secure connection in less time than using a screw terminal. This type of terminal block is also designed into elevator cabinets, machines and vehicles for its natural resistance to vibration and shock.
Push-In DIN-Rail Terminal Blocks
Innovative terminal block designs have continued to move forward. Due to the advancements in materials and the needs of specific applications, the possibly tool-less push-in terminal block technology has provided additional benefits to users. This new wiring option allows users to simply push solid wires and stranded wires with ferrules into the terminal block for quick and reliable connectivity. This type of terminal block needs the least human interaction and works well in automated and robotic wiring situations (Fig. 5).
More OEMs are switching to this established technology not only for its installation speed (Fig. 6) and safety, but for its reliability and extremely large pull-out force (Fig. 7).
Tool-free push-in terminal blocks add an additional option for your toolbox that could save time and money on several levels. Once you have narrowed down your needs, review available data sheets concerning the components you’ve selected in order to familiarize yourself with what is available and what will best suit the criteria of your particular application.
Tomi Engdahl says:
The Ultimate Guide to the Wago 221 Inline Connector
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7KW2QOfpN8
The Wago 221 inline connector is a great alternative to butt crimps or choc block style connections. In our full Wago product review, we show how to use the connector, compatibility with different conductor types, current ratings and test points.
== AD ====================================
More information Wago 221
http://hub.efixx.co.uk/wago-221-inline
===== Chapters ============================
00:00 Wago 221 now available in the UK
00:40 An alternative to butt or through crimps
01:21 Wago 221 Current rating and approvals – ENEC, UL & PSE
02:00 Conductor strip length
02:20 Conductor types and cross-sectional area
04:00 How to use a Wago 221 inline connector
04:57 Wago 221 inline carrier
05:50 Cable tie strain relief
07:03 Chassis mount Wago 221 inline carrier
07:40 Using with Wagobox light
08:55 Wago 221 inline test points
10:10 Wago test probes
=========================================
Tomi Engdahl says:
Wago 221 vs Ideal Gen II Connectors
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoU_n_zVqS4
Sam takes a closer look at two of the fastest-to-fit electrical cable connectors currently on the market (January 2022). Sam uses his professional expertise as an electrician to compare the Wago 221 and Ideal Gen II connectors. Which is the best and how do they stack up against each other?
Viewer comments:
I’m not sure if you’re using different wago 221′s than I am but the ones I have allow you to push conductors in without lifting the levers
Thanks very much for this video! I have used many Wago lever connectors, including the larger ones for 10 g (US) wire, and really like them versus wire nuts. The main reason for bad connections using the Wago connectors for me is not making absolutely sure the wire is pushed all the way into the connector before the lever is dropped (my bad- I can’t always see the wires well in the connector). However, I would very much like to try the Ideal Gen 2 lever connectors because the wire ports are opposite of the levers and they would seem to be easier to use in tighter boxes. Like others, I am not able to find a US supplier or a UK supplier willing to ship to the U.S.
Since both connectors are very similar, the decision point (for me) is often the price and availability. Wago 221 have become very easy to purchase online and at many electrical supply houses…in contrast, it’s much more challenging to locate the Ideal Gen II connectors. Wago 221 also seems to be priced well and consistently.
I’ve only recently become aware of this type of connector and they intrigue me. I know they’re common in Europe, but have heard that they’re not certified for construction or commercial use in the US where I live. I am interested in using them for automotive uses, and wonder if they’re still a decent choice in hot spaces with potential exposure to the elements.
WAGO Limited 221 Series – Compact Lever Connector
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8gLG6c-iKc
The new 221 Series Compact Lever Connector.
* CAGE CLAMP® connection, Re-usable
* Up to 4mm², 32A rating, 2, 3 & 5 conductor
* Continuous service temp: max 105°C
* Suitable for all wire types
* 100% Transparent housing
Tomi Engdahl says:
What Wire Connector is the Best? Settling a Debate! Wire Nut VS Wago
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgjo36-jaFY
In this video we will be having a closer look at wire nuts and wago connectors. Both are used for electrical house wiring and both come with their own advantages & disadvantages. I will present you their most important ones by doing a couple of different tests and at the end you will know what connector you will use in the future
Let’s get started!
0:00 Wire Nut VS Wago Overview
0:59 Intro
1:57 Comparison Criteria
2:58 Ease of use
5:27 Possible Problems
6:19 Fast to use?
6:54 Reusability
7:23 Size
7:44 Price
8:01 Pull Test
8:46 Resistance Test (Heat)
10:05 Flammable?
10:22 Verdict
Tomi Engdahl says:
I tested 7 Wago Knock-Offs Wire Connectors so you don’t have to! (Surprising Results)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8Xpjj47vgU
In this video we will be having a closer look at Wago Knock-Offs. That means I will be testing 7 different kinds of them in order to find out if one of them can be a Wago replacement. Tests include a resistance test, pull test, size comparison, price comparison and much more. Let’s get started!
0:00 I was weak and bought Wago Knock-Offs!
1:08 Intro
1:49 Wago Knock-Off comparison list
3:54 Ease of use
5:04 Extra features
6:11 Size
6:36 Prize
7:26 Pull Test
8:08 Resistance Test
9:35 Certificates
10:19 Verdict
Viewer comments:
The resistance test is also pretty important for short circuit currents. If you have a whole bunch of connections all over you want your short circuit fault currents to stay high so that fuses blow immediately instead of cooking and heating up places for a longer time.
I still can’t wrap my head around why people hate Wagos that much.
Yes, they’re slightly more expensive compared to some other connection types and yes, if used properly, other stuff like wire nuts can be just as safe.
But those are not foolproof and if used improperly, they might cause serious issues.
That being said, Wagos are simply foolproof and much more convenient.
Confirms me in my experience: ViD Products are absolutely fine to use. German department store OBI sells the non-levered as their house brand, which should mean their certificates are most definetely not faked. And I had no issues when using those and the levered ones so far.
big issue with knockoffs is quality control/assurance. They skimp in that area so although they might pass your testing a significant percentage of them (maybe one in a thousand or ten thousand) might be dangerous – which is an unacceptable failure rate for something meant to stop your house from burning down.
The certificates part made me laugh.
It’s much easier to have CE molded onto knockoffs than it is to get the certification.
The ViD connectors seem legit.
I can find them in the VDE database, so the VDE sign is correct.
Here in germany, they are available directly from the manufacturer.
I wouldn’t recommend using anything from Aliexpress for mains wiring anyway.
Even if wirenuts would give slightly better connection, I would still use wago because in case you will need to rewire – with wirenuts you will need to cut and shorten wire, while with wago you will just need to reconnect the same wire.
Tomi Engdahl says:
PCB TERMINAL BLOCKS
PROVIDE VALUABLE ELECTRONIC
INTERCONNECTIONS
https://www.altechcorp.com/MachineDesign/SlideShow_092022/MD-1582-Altech%20June-WP-rv1.pdf
Designing PCBs with terminal blocks requires
an understanding of the types of terminal
blocks available, the best way for them to
be packaged for delivery, and how to solder
them to reduce the potential for failure.
The printed circuit board (PCB) was introduced almost
90 years ago and has since seen immense changes and
improvements, bringing sophistication to the electronics
world. Printed circuit boards come in a multitude of
sizes and shapes to fit the ever-growing application base
for digital technologies. Multilayer printed circuit boards
have been assembled since the 1960s, and for most
electronic equipment, more than one PCB is used.
PCB Terminal Blocks
Printed circuit board terminal blocks should offer
highly dependable connections without the need for
wire lugs. For example, you might want to use tubular
screw clamps or box clamps for light duty applications
and screw-cage clamps for heavy-duty applications.
Sponsored by
PCB Terminal Blocks Provide Valuable Electronic Interconnections3
Although it is recommended that you use ferrules—
especially for export applications or when fine stranded
wires must be terminated—users can also simply strip
and insert the wire and then tighten the screw. Be sure
to use board-mounted terminal blocks that meet or
exceed most international standards and are accepted
worldwide.
The two primary types of PCB terminal blocks are screw
clamp and spring clamp designs. Screw terminal blocks
are simple to use; just insert the wire into the open
clamp, tighten the screw, and remove your screwdriver
for a reliable and safe connection. The benefit of
using a screw-type terminal block is that it can be
effectively manufactured for a wide variety of sizes
and configurations while offering the maximum in wire
efficiency and reliability to the user.
Be sure that the terminal block you select is able to
handle the physical stress of multiple wires mounted in
the same general location without putting undue stress
on the PCB. Terminal blocks must be sturdy and tough
and made from high-impact materials such as polyamide
PA66 and self-extinguishing plastics regardless of where
they are mounted. Note that most terminal blocks
are color-coded so that the user can easily determine
ground wires from hot wires and control wires.
Spring clamp terminal blocks take less time to wire
during installation. Through the use of a narrow
screwdriver or by hand while using a lever, users need
only to open a pre-loaded stainless steel spring. The
wire is then inserted into an opening in the spring leg.
Once the screwdriver is removed or the lever closed,
spring force presses the conductor against a copper-tin
plated clamp housing for a highly reliable connection.
The terminal blocks can be used with solid or stranded
wire for a very secure connection.
Another spring clamp terminal block design is made
specifically for single wire connections and allows the
wire to be pushed directly into the spring block without
using a screwdriver—for a tool-less connection—to
complete the operation. Push-in spring clamp terminal
blocks are growing in popularity based on their ease of
use
With spring clamp terminal blocks in general,
conductors can be terminated securely in mere seconds,
independently of one another and with absolute
reliability. This easy installation reduces wiring time by
over 50% while delivering a reliable, maintenance-free
connection independent of operator skill. Not only are
these terminal blocks versatile, offering a reliable gas-
tight connection, but they are vibration proof, having no
screw to loosen during operation.
These types of terminal blocks are particularly easier to
use with small wires than screw type terminal blocks.
They provide a fail proof and safe connection with no
torque requirements.
PCB terminal block design and manufacturing has come
a long way in the past few years due to the advancements
in materials and the needs of specific applications. Many
manufacturers offer a full line of components that fit the
broadest uses in the industry.
PCB terminal blocks that are designed for fixed
mounting should offer users high densities with
maximum flexibility.
Two- and three-pole modules can be interlocked to
create multipole assemblies or the company can
provide tailored assemblies to your specifications.
Lift-type clamps are used in applications with
heavy-duty requirements while wire protector versions
are for cost sensitive applications.
When choosing screw technology connection types,
consider your application and maintenance needs.
When your application calls for the highest reliability
and frequent wire terminations, screw-cage lift type
clamps are a solid choice. As the clamp is tightened, the
nickel-plated cage rises, pressing the wire firmly against
the busbar, ensuring a solid connection. On the other
hand, with box clamp wire protector designs, tightening
the screw presses the conductor directly against the
bottom of the clamp. These systems are a great choice
for cost-sensitive, lighter-duty applications.
PCB terminal blocks feature precision-formed or
machined metal parts, which are electrolytically plated.
Nickel or tin-plated brass cage clamps or tubes, stainless
steel wire protectors and springs, and tin-plated
solder pins satisfy the most demanding requirements.
Housings are precision-molded from self-extinguishing
UL-94 V0 polyamide, providing excellent strength and
temperature resistance. Each clamp style is offered in
metric and inch pin spacing
Pros and Cons of Reflow and Wave
Soldering
For many manufacturers, reflow soldering is the most
common method of PCB soldering. The process first
applies solder paste made of a precise mixture of flux
and solder. Once applied, the PCB is placed into a reflow
oven where hot air is raised to a predetermined level
where the solder paste melts and forms the solder joints.
This process can be applied to specific parts of the PCB
as well. Reflow soldering preheats the PCB to eliminate
thermal shock during the soldering process, which
doesn’t require a lot of monitoring.
Wave soldering is most often used when engineers need
to solder a large number of PCBs simultaneously. The
process begins by applying flux to the components that
need to be soldered. The flux cleans the metal prior to
soldering. Like reflow, a preheating cycle ensures that
thermal shock is avoided. A “wave” of solder then moves
across the PCB, soldering the components to the board.
A cooling cycle is used to permanently bond the solder in
place. If temperatures inside the wave soldering machine
are not correctly maintained, a number of failures can
occur. If the oven is too hot, the PCBs can develop cracks,
but if the soldering oven is not hot enough, cavities on
the PCB may result in conductivity issues and structural
weakness
Tomi Engdahl says:
DIN rail is based on a concept so elegant that its growth is expanding more than a century after it was conceived: DIN rail terminal blocks housing electrical and electronic modules represent a $26 billion global market that is expected to grow by up to 6% annually in the next few years.
https://www.electronicdesign.com/featured-media/gallery/media-gallery/21250687/altech-corporation-altech-corporation-products-for-electronic-design?pk=AltechSep22SGEm2-10172022&utm_source=EG+ED++Sponsor+Paid+Promos&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS220922056&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.identpull=omeda|7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://ebmdes.pathfactory.com/ed_altechsolutions/versatile-din-enclosures?pk=AltechCECSep22Em3A5-10182022
Tomi Engdahl says:
Wago Connectors Compared | What Wire Connectors Are The Best?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kr3gxIoohXw
Tomi Engdahl says:
Inside a Wago connector and a clone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ4tB5_GH7w
Wago terminals are here to stay. They have a long history, make easy, good connections and avoid issues with over or under tightened terminal screws. They are fast and easy to use, and there are dedicated purpose junction boxes designed specifically for them.
In this video I took a real Wago connector apart and a generic clone in fetching pink.
I gave up on trying to put the Wago connector back together again. It clearly requires some sort of factory jig to clamp the springs in position as the contacts are inserted into the housing. The clone was a different story. It went back together easily with a very refined approach and single spring strip.
Both connectors have tinned copper busbar plates that the wires are clamped against by spring steel grips. It’s inevitable that roque products will creep onto the market at some point with lower quality contacts, so for safety reasons for professional electrical work I recommend only using genuine Wago terminals bought from a local high profile supplier. For personal technical projects the generic imports may be a useful alternative.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Which Splicing Device is Best? Push Ins Vs. Wago Vs. Wirenuts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC3PI2Plw98
In this video I talk about the pros and cons of some of the most popular splicing devices used today. I also talk about some of the places I use them, along with where some of the pros in the field that I talked with, use them as well.
Tomi Engdahl says:
New Wago Electric Connector is SHOCKING everyone – Inline 221 has arrived!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heyEr8agVFA
Wago did the impossible, they released their much awaited in-line Wago 221 connector, so why you want these & how they are useful for your electric & wiring work.
Viewer comments:
WAGO connectors have actually been used in Germany since the 1970ies replacing screw terminal blocks. We never used wire nuts. More than three decades of use have proven their longevity and reliability and now virtually all new installations use them. I have recently wired our whole house in the Philippines exclusively with WAGOs. Probably the first house fully wired with WAGOs in a city of two million, where most installations use only twist-and-tape (without wire nuts or screw terminals).
You can get shrink wrap with a water proof lining on the inside. When you heat it up and it shrinks the, “goop” on the inside softens then molds to the wire to give you a hermetically sealed connection. Used it a lot in the millitary.
In Europe we have gel filled boxes (their name is Gelbox) specially for Wago terminals, by using those you can use wagos even under water. It has IPX8 rating, and it’s really convenient. But I’m not sure if you can buy it in the us.
I have been an electrician since the early 80′s and Wagos were just getting to the stated and were a bit pricey. I did use them where they were advantageous back then. Now that I’m older with arthritis in my hands, they are my standard method. Never had an issue with the push in type or lever style. It makes it easy to push the splices into the box as well. When troubleshooting, you don’t need to untwist the entire splice and you can test each wire easily. Way 2 go.
Tomi Engdahl says:
A Guide To Wire Nuts – Wagos – Push In Connectors – Do It Right The First Time
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cv9tZ6Prbfg
Tomi Engdahl says:
Connectors: Which is the Weakest Link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMVnOZCGljc
Here we test 6 common connectors used for household wiring: A standard wire nut aka Marr connector, a heavier duty wire nut Marrette connector, an Ideal In-Sure press-in connector, a Wago 221 Lever Nut connector, a regular 120V outlet connecting wires with its internal press-in connector, and a regular 120V outlet connecting wires with wit screw connectors. We try ever increasing currents from 20 to 70 Amps to see how they hold up to currents way beyond what they were intended for, and then finally over 270 Amps to simulate a short. Two of them even survived that.
Viewer comments:
When wires are twisted together the resistive load of the wire nut is zero because the wire nut isn’t need to create the connection. The push in and Wago add a resistive load because there is no direct connection between wires. They’re connected by a thin piece of metal inside the housing, so the probability is higher for failure compared to the wire nut.
In the 50 years I have been doing electrical wiring I have never had a wire nut joint fail. I have had many push in joints fail to the point I quit using them 40 years ago.I see no advantage in wago connectors.
I had a wire nut fail. But it was exposed to the elements. The copper oxidized and the nut became the conductor. It was quite an impressive light and pyro show.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Wago 221 vs Ideal Gen II Connectors
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoU_n_zVqS4
A review and demo of the WAGO 222 connectors. I show how to use the Wago 222 to create a lighting circuit, to connect and extend cables, and how to use them with the WAGOBOX Junction Box. I give a quick product overview with my thoughts on the Wago 222 series of connector blocks.
Tomi Engdahl says:
STOP Connecting Stranded Wire Like an Animal – Do it LIKE A PRO!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B65_vZ9DM1I
Learn how to create PERFECT electrical connections instantly with NO SOLDERING – Connecting stranded wire can be a nightmare & look terrible. EASY to do anywhere once you see this simple pro trick for perfect connections every time. Your wiring will look amazing too when you learn how to use Ferrules aka known as Bootlace Connectors.
Tomi Engdahl says:
WAGO 222 connectors review and demo. How to use with WAGOBOX Junction Box.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B65_vZ9DM1I
A review and demo of the WAGO 222 connectors. I show how to use the Wago 222 to create a lighting circuit, to connect and extend cables, and how to use them with the WAGOBOX Junction Box. I give a quick product overview with my thoughts on the Wago 222 series of connector blocks.
Tomi Engdahl says:
WAGO Inline splicing connector with lever 221-2411
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIU4J-_OMe4
Tomi Engdahl says:
Wago and fake Wago connectors
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eK_plZ7s2lE
Beware the Wago lookalikes!
Tomi Engdahl says:
QTV #14 – Wago connectors, how do they compare?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ekh65Jx1Qc0
Tomi Engdahl says:
2601 Series Super-Compact PCB Terminal Blocks
WAGO’s terminal blocks with 3.5 mm pin spacing take up very little board space by connecting both vertically and horizontally to the PCB
https://www.digikey.fi/en/product-highlight/w/wago/2601-series-pcb-terminal-blocks?dclid=CJi2tIua1v8CFYkPogMdSDgP_A
WAGO’s 2601 series super-compact, tool-free PCB terminal blocks with lever technology allow quick and easy wiring of cross-sections from 26 AWG to 14 AWG.
These solid conductors and fine-stranded conductors with ferrules feature WAGO’s push-in CAGE CLAMP® connection technology that connects by simply pushing them into the unit. Terminating fine-stranded conductors and disconnecting any conductor type is quick and easy with the lever connection.
The tool-free wiring is intuitive for worldwide use, and the lever technology ensures that the contact point is always secure. The 2601 series PCB terminal block can be connected both vertically and horizontally to the PCB with a pin spacing of just 3.5 mm, taking up very little space on the board.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Versatile DIN enclosures for almost any application
https://www.altechcorp.com/MachineDesign/ED-112021/Altech_DIN%20enclosure_spons_story.pdf
DIN rail is based on a concept so
elegant that its growth is expanding
more than a century after it was
conceived: DIN rail terminal blocks
housing electrical and electronic
modules represent a $26 billion global
market that is expected to grow by up
to 6% annually in the next few years.
Although DIN rail enclosures play a
significant role in DIN rail, they rarely
gain the attention they should, so this
article will help remedy this situation.
DIN rail was born in Germany in the
1920s driven by the increasing number
of electrical connections required as
industrial electrification became more
complex. At the time, these
connections were made on bare
control panels that relied on whatever
terminals were handy, even nuts and
bolts, and some form of insulator. Not
only were these panels difficult to
construct, but they were also equally hard to maintain, unreliable and unsafe. The biggest
problem was that the more connections there were, the larger the panel had to be. Clearly, a
new approach was needed that allowed more connections to be placed closer together to save
space.
The solution was a small porcelain tray with an integrated metal bus bar that connected the
wires through screw terminals. To increase connection density without compromising safety,
the terminal blocks were packed into long strips with one side enclosed by the porcelain to
reduce the possibility of electrical shorts.
DIN rail was an instant success throughout Europe, and although it took
some time to displace rack panels in the U.S., it is now ubiquitous. A variety of variants have
also been created over the years to meet the needs of specific applications, as well as widths of
32 mm and 15 mm, but the symmetrical 35 mm wide top hat DIN rail has become the most
commonly used and accommodates a wide range of industrial control products and
components.
DIN rail components like terminal blocks and circuit breakers mount directly to the DIN rail via
mounting feet or latches (Figure 2). What DIN rail did not initially provide was a protective case
around electrical devices and later electronic components, so the DIN rail enclosure was
devised. PC boards installed in DIN rail mount enclosures are kept in place by PC board guides
or screw mounted to standoffs. The enclosures facilitate wiring by providing integrated
terminals on the outside of the enclosure that connect to the internal PC board via wire jumper,
card edge connections or machine solderable pins. Almost any PC board can be put on a DIN
rail and as these enclosures are generally designed to be used indoors water protection is
unnecessary with IP 20 or IP 40 rating typical for finger protection.
From a board manufacturer’s perspective, the goal is to reduce or eliminate the need for
enclosure customization purely to support a PC board of a specific size. F
Summary
The DIN rail has been a success since it first entered the market 100 years ago, and it is likely to
remain that way until something better comes along, which seems unlikely. Industrial control
panels are constantly evolving with more and more electronic devices being included in the
panel. The DIN rail enclosure has also evolved and there are now as many enclosure models
available as user scenarios, and the list continues to grow as Industry 4.0 starts to become a
reality, bringing with it even more types of board-level products and other devices that must be
securely housed while easily upgraded to add new features. With DIN rail it is simply a matter
of snapping them off and on.
Tomi Engdahl says:
SDKF
Universal wire connectors
https://www.electroterminal.com/products/ca/product/show/p/sdkf/
All advantages at a glance SDKF …
Clamping range: 0.2 mm² – 2.5 mm² for solid, rigid stranded and flexible wires.
A number of wire cross sections can be combined in one terminal.
High pull-out forces.
Connection of rigid wires without activating the release lever.
Viewing window for visual inspection of the clamping points means greater safety during Installation.
Tomi Engdahl says:
I just came up with some marketing slogans: “Make connections great again” and “Connector of the brave”.