Wago Lever-Nuts?

I use them. Just think of them as quick-connect wire nuts... there is no "wiring diagram", that's up to how you use them.

@ADCX Rob

Rob:

Thanks for the quick reply and helpful video. What are the maximum and minimum sizes by AWG that these connectors can accommodate?

I started using them on this layout and like how tight they hold the wires.  One thing, the lever is rather hard to open the first time, but once they snap closed they are easier to open if you want to make a change.

Wago makes some that are clear and easier to open. Plus you can see where the wires are at.

Thank you, Feet!  I’ll have to get some clear ones!

@Mark Boyce posted:

Thank you, Feet!  I’ll have to get some clear ones!

Your Welcome.

@feet posted:

Your Welcome.

Those gray ones are rough if you have arthritis.  😄

*snort*  Looking at the inside, they are just fancy Fanstock clips!

I use the two, three and five position ones, love them.  Well over 100 on my layout, no issues.

I like using them instead of terminals. Much easier to use and versatile.  So easy to add feeder lines where you hadn’t planned. Just replace it with one that has more “levers”.  For an old guy, it makes working under the table a bit easier.

WAGO now has a lower profile version of the grey, the 221.  Easier for smaller spaces. they are also clear.

I use these on my layout, and also non-train related things.  They are great.

There is a great channel on YouTube called “Sparky Channel”.  He covers all sorts of electrical topics and frequently uses the wago lever nuts.  That man seems to really know his stuff and likes them.  

@ToledoEd posted:

I like using them instead of terminals. Much easier to use and versatile.  So easy to add feeder lines where you hadn’t planned. Just replace it with one that has more “levers”.  For an old guy, it makes working under the table a bit easier.

I would love to see an actual diagram, power in, and power out... I'm not seeing that.....👀

They are similar to a terminal block or bus. All wires connected to the wago are connected together.  Nothing complicated!

This Wago look-alike has 2 conductors and has mounting screw holes which the "original" orange-lever version does not have. 

$1 each WYB 10 on eBay...

@stan2004 posted:

This Wago look-alike has 2 conductors and has mounting screw holes which the "original" orange-lever version does not have.

$1 each WYB 10 on eBay...

There's another thread, a little relay help that mentions these. It says do not buy. I guess these things are splitting when more than one lever is raised.  I doubt they are approved for use in this country.

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.

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...

After purchasing the ones on the left I was very unhappy.  Good thing I had already purchased the ones on the right and were in shipping.

My apologies for all clutter in the background. I was in a rush to take the pictures. If there is anyone who would like or needs more comparative shots/angles (without the clutter) let me know.

@stan2004 posted:

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.

Any new developments on these connectors ?  Are they operating and standing up to expectations?

I used these two styles to wire my layout.  I had zero issues with reliability or usability.  I'd use them again in a heartbeat.

UL Certified Lever Nuts on Amazon

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.

I have been using Wago Lever Nuts to do extensive rewiring of my layout. THEY ARE FABULOUS!!!!!! The only thing I wish they would include in future designs is a way to fasten them securely to the bottom of the train plat form with screws.

Would this be a good replacement for where you might currently use Jones blocks? For example, with DCS star wiring or with in block wiring with the transformer to block switches?

I used the exact ones Gunrunner John pictured and they are holding their own (pun intended) nicely.  I do find them tough to open for the first time especially, but I have arthritis and some nerve issues.

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

@illinoiscentral posted:

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.

@illinoiscentral posted:

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.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

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