Three Benefits of Waterproof Wago Connectors

Moisture in junction boxes is a common cause of short circuits. Heavy rain or a powerful water jet can quickly penetrate through the wiring and into the connector, leading to costly errors.

WAGO Gelbox provides an optimal solution for this problem. The box and splicing connectors are sealed against moisture in accordance with IPX8.

1. Easy Installation

Waterproof wago connectors are simple to install. They are easily installed by pulling up one lever, inserting the conductor and closing the lever again. Compared to traditional splicing connectors, waterproof wago connectors the new WAGO Gelbox saves installers a significant amount of time. This is because the time required for mixing the sealing compound is eliminated. In addition, installers do not have to wait until the potting compound has hardened or dried. The Gelbox also saves time because it is already prefilled with gel and can be used immediately after installation. The box also encapsulates the connection and protects it from moisture, so electrical systems can be deployed without interruption – quickly, easily and reliably.

This is made possible by the patented Cellpack gel, which has been co-developed by WAGO and offers three major advantages over conventional potting compounds:

First, it can be stored indefinitely without losing its properties – something that cannot be said for silicone sealants. This is because the Cellpack gel does not contain any volatile substances. It is also label-free and can be safely handled and stored, unlike some other potting compounds. Moreover, it is suitable for use in all branches of industry and even where varnishes, paints and other silicone-sensitive products are used. In addition, it is also reversible and can be opened again. The WAGO Gelbox can be re-used, although the splicing connectors inside must be replaced to ensure a high degree of protection.

2. Corrosion Resistance

In many wiring applications, connections must be highly durable. This is particularly true in areas where the connections will be exposed to moisture, dirt, and other contaminants that can damage the wires or short circuit the circuit. Fortunately, there are several options available to make reliable and durable electrical connections, including splicing, crimping, and soldering. Each option has its pros and cons, so it is important to assess the needs of your specific wiring application before selecting a method.

When using WAGO connectors, installers can create robust and durable connections without the need for tools or time-consuming hand splicing. These connectors feature CAGE CLAMP, which uses spring pressure technology to connect solid and stranded copper wires faster and more reliably. The spring clamps adjust to the size of the wire, eliminating the need for manual adjustment – and ensuring a quality connection every time. This unique connection technology also reduces wiring times by up to 50% compared to other termination methods.

Another advantage of WAGO connectors is their corrosion resistance. They can be used in outdoor applications with temperatures from -40°C to 105°C, and they are protected against short-circuiting and surges thanks to their double insulation. The compact WAGO Gelbox is also pre-filled with silicone-free gel, providing IPX8 moisture protection for the connectors inside. This makes the Gelbox ideal for reducing moisture ingress in junction boxes.

3. Water Resistance

When moisture meets electricity, a short circuit can happen quickly. The WAGO Gelbox provides reliable moisture protection for lever-nut wire splicing connectors and branch wiring. Compared to conventional encapsulation, the Gelbox saves you time in three ways:

First, the time required for mixing the sealing compounds is entirely eliminated. Second, additional time is saved because you do not have to wait for the mixed potting compound to finally harden or dry. Third, the silicone-free Gelbox is non-hazardous because its chemicals have already reacted. This makes the solution ready for immediate use and allows electrical systems to be deployed right after installation without interruption – quickly, easily and reliably.

Moisture and condensation can form in junction boxes, for example due to heavy rainfall or strong water jets that are too close. The moisture within the connector causes currents to take completely new paths and can lead to a short circuit. This is often only noticed when protective devices are triggered, such as when the fuses blow.

The Gelbox is pre-filled with a special silicon-free gel and is available in six sizes. It is only tested and approved in combination with the 221 Series COMPACT Splicing Connectors for conductor cross-sections up to 4 mm2 and 2273 Series COMPACT PUSH WIRE connectors and is IPX8 certified (when used in the permitted combinations). The gel waterproof power connector also offers an important advantage over traditional polyurethane or silicone: the connections can be re-opened and re-wired at any time, whereas rewiring is not possible with conventional electronics encapsulation.

4. Easy Maintenance

Waterproof wago connectors are easy to maintain, as they don’t require any time-consuming extra steps like tape, heat shrink or mastics. These electrical connections have an insulated twist-on cap that provides waterproofing. The caps also keep out dust and dirt that could affect the integrity of the connection.

WAGO Gelboxes are tested and approved for use in a wide range of low and extra-low voltage applications, and are a great choice for multi-wire and branch wiring. These boxes are available in different housing variants to provide a variety of solutions for every application. In addition, they can be opened and re-wired quickly and reliably, making them a superior solution to standard electronics encapsulation.

Wire nuts are a popular choice for cheap electrical connectors, but they don’t perform as well as WAGO wire connectors in environments where vibration can wear the threading on the connection point down. Wire nuts aren’t your best choice for rewiring either, as they’re designed for single-use applications only and don’t provide visual evidence that the connections are correct.

WAGO 221 series lever-nut wire connectors, which are available in two to five-pole versions, feature compact cage levers that allow them to fit into small spaces. They can be used as electrical junction box connectors or field wiring connectors in distribution boxes, and they can connect any combination of solid core and stranded copper conductors. They have a window on their body (Wago 221) or opening on the back of the housing (Wago 2773 series) that lets you check for proper strip length and complete wire insertion.