WAGO Connectors Guide
Choosing the Correct Connector for the Job
WAGO produces screwless electrical connectors for building installation, lighting, control panels, machinery and industrial applications. Instead of relying on a screw to hold the conductor, WAGO connectors use spring-pressure connection technology to maintain contact with the conductor.
The range includes compact lever connectors, push-in junction box connectors, lighting terminals, inline cable connectors and DIN-rail terminal blocks. However, conductor compatibility, capacity and intended application vary between series, so the connector must always be selected using its individual product data.
Quick WAGO Connector Selection Guide
| WAGO range | Suitable conductors | Maximum conductor size | Typical application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 221 Series 4mm² | Solid, stranded and fine-stranded | 4mm² | General electrical connections |
| 221 Series 6mm² | Solid, stranded and fine-stranded | 6mm² | Larger conductors and higher-load applications |
| 221-2411 | All conductor types | 4mm² | Extending or repairing a cable inline |
| 221-420 | All conductor types | 4mm² | Connecting up to ten conductors at one potential |
| 2773 Series | Solid and stranded | 4mm² | Compact push-in connections |
| 2773-2401 | Solid and stranded | 4mm² | Tool-free inline cable extension |
| 2273 Series | Solid only | 2.5mm² | Compact fixed-wiring junctions |
| 243 Series | Small solid conductors | 0.8mm diameter | Doorbells, controls and extra-low-voltage wiring |
| 224 Series | Solid installation cable to flexible equipment cable | 2.5mm² | Luminaires, fans, motors and similar equipment |
| 222 Series | Solid, stranded and fine-stranded | Model dependent | Existing installations and general connections |
| 773 Series | Solid and stranded | 4mm² or 6mm² | Higher-capacity PUSH WIRE connections |
| TOPJOB S | Model dependent | Up to 25mm² on standard through terminals | Distribution boards and control panels |
| 285 Series | Large conductors | Up to 95mm² | High-current industrial connections |
Always check the current rating, voltage rating, conductor type, strip length and approvals for the exact part number being installed. Ratings can vary between models and approval systems.
Lever-Operated Connectors
A lever connector is opened by lifting the operating lever. The stripped conductor is inserted into the clamping point and the lever is then lowered to secure it.
Lever connectors are particularly useful when:
Different conductor types must be connected
Fine-stranded conductors are involved
The connection may need to be changed
Conductors of different cross-sections must share one connector
Visual inspection of the conductor position is useful
The 221 and older 222 Series are the best-known examples.
PUSH WIRE Connectors
PUSH WIRE connectors allow a suitable stripped conductor to be pushed directly into the clamping point. No operating lever is required, making the connector smaller and quicker to install where the conductor type is compatible.
These connectors are commonly used for:
Fixed solid-conductor wiring
Repetitive installation work
Junction boxes with limited space
Distribution of one potential to several conductors
Inline cable repair and extension
The 2273, 2773, 773 and 243 Series use PUSH WIRE technology. Conductor compatibility must be checked carefully because some ranges accept solid conductors only, while others also accept stranded conductors.
WAGO 221 Series
The 221 Series is WAGO’s most versatile lever connector range, suitable for solid, stranded and fine-stranded conductors. Standard 4mm² versions are available with two, three or five connection points, while larger 6mm² models are available for heavier conductors.
The range also includes the 221-2411 inline connector for joining or extending two cables and the 221-420 ten-way connector for connecting several conductors at the same electrical potential. Green Range versions are also available using plastics made partly from recycled and bio-circular materials.
WAGO 222 Series
The 222 Series is an older reusable lever connector range that accepts solid, stranded and fine-stranded conductors. It is available in several sizes and remains suitable for general electrical connections, maintenance and equipment wiring.
Although still widely used, it has largely been replaced in many applications by the newer 221 Series. The 221 connectors are smaller, have a transparent housing and are generally easier to inspect once the conductor has been inserted.
WAGO 2273 Series
The 2273 Series is a compact PUSH WIRE range designed specifically for solid conductors up to 2.5mm². Its small housing makes it useful inside junction boxes, lighting fittings and other areas where installation space is limited.
Models are available with different numbers of connection points, allowing several conductors to be connected together at one electrical potential. Unlike the 221 and 2773 ranges, the 2273 Series is not intended for flexible or stranded conductors.
WAGO 773
The 2773 Series consists of compact PUSH WIRE connectors for solid and suitable stranded conductors up to 4mm². Conductors are stripped and pushed directly into the connector, making the range well suited to quick fixed-wiring connections where reusable levers are not required.
Standard versions are available with two, three, five, six or eight connection points. The range also includes the 2773-2401 inline connector, which joins two conductors end-to-end for cable repairs and extensions in confined spaces.
WAGO 285
The 285 Series is designed for high-current connections involving larger conductors. It uses POWER CAGE CLAMP technology and includes models capable of accepting cables up to 95mm².
These terminals are typically used for machinery supplies, industrial control panels, power distribution and other high-load applications. Matching DIN-rail accessories, covers and mounting components are also available.
WAGO The X-COM®S SYSTEM 2022
The X-COM®S 2022 Series is a pluggable DIN-rail terminal block system designed for switchgear, control panels and industrial equipment. Its detachable connectors allow pre-wired assemblies to be tested, installed or replaced quickly without disconnecting each conductor individually.
The 2022 Series has a 5.2mm terminal width and accepts conductors up to 4mm² using Push-in CAGE CLAMP® technology. It is compatible with TOPJOB® S accessories and includes coding, locking, marking and commoning options to help prevent incorrect connections.
WAGO 243
The 243 Series is designed for small solid conductors with a maximum diameter of approximately 0.8mm. These miniature connectors are commonly used for doorbells, alarms, intercoms, telephone systems, speakers and extra-low-voltage controls.
Versions are available with several connection points, including four- and eight-way options. The range is intended for smaller control and signal wiring rather than standard power circuits.
WAGO 862
The 862 Series consists of chassis-mounted terminal strips for appliances, machinery, control equipment and electrical assemblies. Each electrical potential can accept up to four conductors between 0.5mm² and 4mm², making the range useful where several internal or incoming wires need to be connected together.
Push-in CAGE CLAMP® technology allows solid conductors, ferruled fine-stranded conductors and ultrasonically bonded conductors to be inserted directly. Integrated push-buttons also allow other suitable conductor types to be connected using a tool or by hand.
The range includes different pole configurations, mounting options and versions with or without an integrated ground contact. Selected models can automatically connect the protective conductor to the metal mounting plate, while test points and individual pole markings simplify inspection and maintenance.
How to Choose the Correct WAGO Connector
1. Identify the Conductor Type
Establish whether each conductor is:
Solid
Stranded
Fine-stranded
Fine-stranded with a ferrule
The connector must be approved for every conductor being inserted. The 221 Series is a common choice when different conductor types must be combined.
2. Check the Conductor Size
Do not select a connector using cable type alone. Check the conductor cross-sectional area or diameter against the data for the exact product.
A connector marked 4mm² does not necessarily accept every conductor type across the same minimum-to-maximum range.
3. Check the Electrical Rating
Verify:
Rated current
Rated voltage
Circuit protective device
Ambient temperature
Number of loaded conductors
Product approvals
Any derating required by the complete enclosure system
The conductor and connector must both be suitable for the circuit.
4. Select the Number of Connection Points
Every clamping point within a standard multiway splicing connector is normally connected to the same potential.
For example, all ten positions in a 221-420 are commoned together. It must not be used to connect separate live, neutral or protective conductor groups within the same connector.
5. Consider Available Space
A PUSH WIRE connector will often occupy less space than a lever connector. However, a lever connector may be easier to modify and may accept a wider selection of conductors.
For straight-through repairs, an inline 221-2411 or 2773-2401 may create a neater installation than a conventional side-entry connector.
6. Consider the Environment
A standard connector does not automatically provide protection against:
Water
Condensation
Dust
Mechanical damage
Cable movement
Outdoor exposure
Use a suitable enclosure or approved protection system for the installation environment.
7. Determine Whether the Joint Will Remain Accessible
Where a joint will be concealed or inaccessible, use a complete maintenance-free accessory that is approved for the application. Follow its conductor, circuit, enclosure, loading and cable-clamping instructions.
Do not assume that using a spring connector by itself automatically makes a concealed connection maintenance-free.
How to Install a WAGO Connector
Isolate the electrical supply and confirm that the circuit is dead using an appropriate safe-isolation procedure.
Confirm that the connector is suitable for the conductor type, conductor size, circuit rating and application.
Strip the conductor to the length shown on the connector or in its current datasheet. Strip lengths differ between ranges.
Check that the conductor is clean, straight and undamaged.
For a lever connector, fully raise the lever before inserting the conductor.
Insert the conductor until it reaches the end stop.
Lower the lever completely, or allow the PUSH WIRE mechanism to grip the conductor.
Use the transparent housing or inspection window to confirm that the conductor has reached the correct position.
Ensure that no bare copper is exposed outside the insulated housing.
Apply a controlled pull check to confirm that the conductor is secure.
Test the connection using the designated test point where provided.
Install the connector within its appropriate enclosure or mounting system and provide the required cable restraint.
Complete the relevant inspection and electrical testing before energising the circuit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which WAGO connector is best for general electrical work?
The 221 Series 4mm² lever connector is one of the most flexible options because it accepts solid, stranded and fine-stranded conductors. The final choice must still be based on conductor size, circuit rating, connection count and enclosure.
What is the smallest WAGO connector?
The answer depends on the conductor and application. The 243 Series is intended for very small solid conductors, while the 2273 Series provides a compact option for standard solid installation conductors up to 2.5mm².
Can WAGO connectors join solid and flexible cable?
Yes, but only when the connector is approved for both conductor types. The 221 Series can connect solid, stranded and fine-stranded conductors. The 224 Series is specifically designed for connecting solid installation wiring to flexible equipment or lighting conductors.
Can stranded cable be used in a PUSH WIRE connector?
Some models allow it and others do not. The 2773 and selected 773 connectors accept suitable stranded conductors. The 2273 Series is intended for solid conductors.
Are WAGO connectors reusable?
Lever-operated connectors such as the 221 Series are designed to be opened and reconnected. PUSH WIRE products must be removed and reused only in accordance with the instructions for the selected model. Inspect the connector and conductor before reconnection.
Can two wires be inserted into one clamping point?
Each conductor should have its own approved clamping point unless the product documentation expressly states otherwise. Use a connector with the required number of positions rather than forcing multiple conductors into one entry.
Can WAGO connectors be used outdoors?
Not without suitable environmental protection. Use an enclosure or approved system that provides the required protection against water, dust, mechanical damage and cable movement. Selected WAGO connectors can be used with compatible Gelboxes for moisture protection.
Can WAGO connectors be buried beneath a floor or inside a wall?
A loose connector should not simply be concealed. For an inaccessible connection, use a complete maintenance-free accessory approved for that purpose and install it according to its instructions.
What is the difference between the 221-2411 and 2773-2401?
Both are inline two-conductor connectors.
The 221-2411 uses levers and accepts all conductor types up to 4mm². It is easier to disconnect and is suitable where fine-stranded conductors may be involved.
The 2773-2401 uses PUSH WIRE termination and accepts solid and stranded conductors from 0.75mm² to 4mm². Its tool-free push-in design is suited to compact permanent repairs and extensions.
What is the purpose of the 221-420?
The 221-420 connects up to ten conductors to one common electrical potential. It is useful for high-density lighting, neutral, protective conductor and control-wire distribution where several smaller connectors would otherwise be required.
Are WAGO connectors a direct replacement for traditional connector strip?
They can replace connector strip in many applications, but selection must be based on the conductor type, circuit rating, enclosure and installation requirements. A WAGO connector should not be treated as a universal replacement without checking its technical data.