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I've been an electrician for almost 4 decades. Industrial, commercial & residential. I'm just an old guy with an opinion, but I've seen a lot. I've opened many j boxes, troubleshot tons of circuit failures, and have seen hundreds of wire nut failures. Here's my opinion, do what you want with it. Due to the thermal expansion and contraction cycles present in electrical systems, over time wire nuts work their way loose and even fall off. I used to blame the previous electrician for not tightening the nuts, but eventually realized it's the wire nut at fault. A twisted splice inside a box is so rigid that it puts more strain on the connection, prohibiting this natural movement. The connection is the weak link, hence the failure point. I use the push in versions exclusively as I believe that the levers could be accidentally popped open when packing the j box. These spring loaded connectors don't loosen up, allow the conductors to swivel and flex easily within the box, eliminating the tension on the wires. You can feel the difference when packing the box too, so much easier, no stress on the conductors. These are not the same as the push in connections on cheap 50 cent receptacles, those are junk and should never be used under any circumstances! I have used WAGO products in the worst industrial chemical processing environments, along with residential applications, since 1994. They hold up better than anything else. I was extremely reluctant and skeptical early on as to their durability, as wire nuts were the gold standard in a trade with rigid beliefs of what works and what doesn't. Now I use them in every application that I can, with no hesitation whatsoever. I keep in touch with my customers, no callbacks ever. I am not an electrical engineer, I just play one in real life!

Licensed electrician here (31 years of experience), and I love the Wagos! They’re a little expensive compared to wire nuts but certainly have their place in my tool pouch.

Wirenuts... that’s really nuts... Thankfully not allowed in Germany... Wago is really good stuff!

You have every tester known to man. I have tester envy.

If you want to do more. It would be interesting to see how the Amazon/Ebay knockoffs fair against the Wagos.

UK spark here, terminal block connector used to be the standard here but wagos have pretty much made the terminal block connectors obsolete

3:10 You're using uninsulated wire. When the're twisted like that and contacting so far down (wich wouldn't even be possible with insulated wires) a lot of currennt can flow through the contact point in the twist, completly circumventing the nut.

I have a sneaking suspicion that most if not all people with complaints only have experience with knock-offs.

I gladly realized that Americans start using WAGOs instead of those horrible wire nuts. Appreciate it! Greetings from Germany!

at 3:00 wouldn’t a lot of current be passing through without ever reaching the wire nut, since the unsheathed wires start connecting below it? Why go so easy on the wire nut, I wanted to see it fry. :)

Been using Wago connectors for years in industrial environments and they are flawless. One great advantage is to successfully join wires of drastically different gauges. Some sensors and actuators have pigtails not terminal blocks. If the wiring standard from the control panel is #14 AWG and the sensor has a #20 AWG pigtail, twisting together is difficult but using a Wago makes life simple.

I’ve switched to these and have used them for several projects in my home. They are easy to use and give me a higher sense of security over wire nuts, as I too, have had issues with wires in wire nuts not getting properly twisted. Thanks for the video!

This is reminding me of Project Farm, great video!!

Because of the Wago 221 connectors, it makes electrician work just a little bit more fun and easier. I truly love those connectors. I wouldn’t go for anything else because of their ease of use. Whenever I buy electrician stuff, if they have the 221’s, I always prefer those. And the 222 by the way is also a very good one, but they’re a little bit bulkier, So I prefer the 221’s always!

Another german here. Just want to point out that the WAGOs with levers are usually used for temporary connections. Not that it is or isn't code but these are expensive in contrast to the regular ones. I worked for a company that was very reluctant to switch to push connectors. Oh boy, the stories of burning server rooms and what not. But for 20 years now, they are a staple in the field. We got them now almost everywhere. RCBOs, outlets, switches and whatnot. It made everything a lot safer and faster to build. All the oldschool connectors had the 3+ wire flaw. Any movement, vibration, thermal cycling could work screw terminal loose with 3+ wires in them. So in training we were told to tighten the screw, twist and work the wire and then tighten it again so that the wires would fall into a stable position. Well, some folks did't think it was important, or worked against the clock and got sloppy. What i wanna say is that i believe these connectors are more idiot proof. Should an idiot ever become an electrician? Hell no! Will there be idiot electricians? Yea, sadly. And there is also the kind that is like "what? 45 bucks/h, i do it myself, youtube and wikipedia is all i need" So if that at least contributes to families not burning due to stupidity, i'm down. Cheers.

I just started using the Wagos. I attribute the resistance to people resisting change. Some people that have been around usually resist new technology and just bash it instead of giving it a chance. I work in the Technology field and see it everyday.

Been using the Wagos for a few years now. Absolutely love them. They're great when connecting wires above your head. Just easier for me to group the wires together. Also very convenient when the person before you cuts the wire in the junction box too short and it's difficult to access the wire

As an electrician of forty years I'm impressed with the Wagos after seeing this test. I would like to see the same test on non-Wago brand type connectors, such as the type that come with recessed light fixtures. They are stab-ins with no levers.

I've spoken to people who *thought* the wago could come undone too easily, it turned out they were not opening the lever fully to insert the wire, they thought it only opened to about 45 degrees ...

Nothing beats the wago when you've got to join stranded wire with solid. I'd say that's the main advantage over a wire nut. Also much easier when you need to test. When adding a branch to an existing circuit you don't have to struggle with twisted up wire or cut and re strip. Not to mention all the hand twisting and tightening you won't have to do.

I like your load tester; brought back a lot of memories. I bought one of those (used) for a calibration lab I worked for many years ago. Never saw another one like it before or after.

What an outstanding video! I've been using Wago nuts for my home remodel projects, mainly for pigtails for my GFCI outlets to isolate them from downstream outlets. Loved seeing them hold up to these extremes.

I recently purchased some of these WAGOs ( before I saw this video) and they’re great. I can’t see ever going back to wire nuts again. BTW, mine are being used on a 30 amp circuit for a 5Kw unit/garage heater.

Well that answered every question I have. Great info as always!

I have to admit when you posted these connectors in your other vid I thought hmmm time will tell. But after watching this very informational video I am sold. Congrats on the growth of your channel by the way. This could be the viral video haha.

Great video! It's nice to see these being put through their paces. There are so many conflicting opinions but these do seem to hold up very well.

Test 4: we set our test home on fire to see how the connectors held up...

One big mistake in this comparison: in the overload test, the Wago connector was carrying all of the current. For the wire nut, you pre-twisted the wires, and they were touching below the wire nut...thus current was being passed between the wires where they were in contact instead of all of the current passing through the wire nut. Otherwise, you would have likely seen higher temps at the wire nut during maximum overload.

Just seeing you pre twisting the wire nuts, makes me want to use the wago.

Iappreciate your detail in explaining these. I’ve used wire nuts for years. I can see benefit for these especially in fixtures where it is a light fixture only or a ceiling fan. Thanks for the time to demonstrate these.

I used the wago today for the very first time. It was crazy easy to use and I love that I could see the wire to make sure it was all the way seated properly. I am a fan!!

Great video. I'd like to see a follow up with the wire nut on insulated wire, where the connection is entirely in the last 3/4" or so vs the 3" of twist in the bare wire we saw here. Maybe twisted vs untwisted too.

Great info...but would of liked to see pull test on the wire cap !

If you're REALLY worried, the slightly larger 221-6xx range are rated to 30A (UL) or 41A (IEC). That means that for the vast majority of domestic circuits you don't need to think twice. An assortment box of 221 series and 2273 (push wire) Wagos has pretty much replaced every other connector in my toolbox. I've got a couple of strips of connector block for emergencies, and crimps and heat-shrink for making joints in trunking, but for most domestic work (and a lot of commercial/light industrial) there's really no contest. They're also handy because I can get more useful work out of less skilled labourers - it's pretty much impossible to make a loose connection, so provided I can visually inspect their work before closing up then we can get much more done in a day.

Gr8, and timely, video. I recently came aware of these (wago) connectors while getting ready to replace my smoke detectors throughout my home. the new style "final mile" electrical connectors require my removal of old and reconnect of new in order to complete the task. I randomly noticed these units as a replacement to wire nuts (of which I've used throughout my life), so I bought a 100 pack off of amazon. I too, was somewhat curious as to their viability, even though I'd made the decision to "try n see" how they would perform. I can honestly say that since seeing this video (and reviewing some comments from electricians) that I'm moving full steam ahead on this project with full confidence. thank you all......... oh, and I'll be using them on my next project (workshop/storage building) over the remainder of this year.....

Used these types of connectors (Ideal) in commercial applications, for years, and have never had a problem

Good vid, I just have a single reservation, the cables were pretwisted well outside of the wire nut, at least 1”, to the point that the current between the wires flows without going much through the wire nut, wich make the contact area much bigger and dissipating the heat much better. Have you left the cables insulated out side the wirenut, as in real use, the outcome might’ve been different.

Having seen WAGO connectors used in Germany for many decades, I have full confidence in them and wired my whole house using only Wago connectors. They are also more efficient to use and provide great time savings as well as flexibility when changing some connections. With a 20A circuit breaker, a 40A current would be disconnected by the circuit breaker within 30 seconds, according to a Schneider Time Current Curve data sheet. Thus, in real life, there will be no overload of 40A or 60A for 10 minutes while circuit breakers are functioning properly. Overloading 12AWG wiring for 10 minutes or more with 60A could cause serious problems with the electrical insulation of the wiring in the wall, which is rated at 60 to 90 degree Celsius. Thus, any circuits overloaded in such a way would have to be physically examined for damage and possibly changed. The Wagos would be the least of my concerns. Thankfully, circuit breakers don't usually fail in such a way, but I have seen people swap 20A circuit breakers for 40A or 60A in order to accommodate a high-powered appliance or an old style welding machine. Maybe this only happens in the Philippines...

I am an electrical enthusiast from Pakistan. Never knew a comment on American channel will make him shoot a whole video. You guys are great this answers all my questions.

In germany we only use Wago's, these wirenuts are pretty damn sketchy in my opinion.

Nice solid test! Good to know the absolute facts of using these.

Thanks so much! This test was fantastic! I plan to start using Wago Lever Nuts from now on. Your test confirmed my decision. Thanks again.

I am almost sold on these. I understand expansion and contraction. Seems like under normal loads Wago is a good choice. I have seen many wires work loose even under normal loads. I still think more connection area would be better BUT you have tested and shown these are much easier to work with. Thanks for the follow up tests!

I love Wago lever connectors. I discovered them about a year ago, and now it's the only thing I use. What I have noticed is that the clamps sometimes come up a little bit, so what I do is wrap the Wago with a 1/2" piece of color coordinated electrical tape (black tape for hot, white tape for neutral, green tape for ground)v to lock the clamps closed. I haven't had a single issue, and I've used probably over a hundred of them in my house. I definitely recommend them.

Tests were fair & well done. Thank you for the info. Nothing you found changed my mind. I'll use the Wago connectors.

I’ve done a lot of retrofit to my 1927 house over the past 10 years. I use both but when space is tight or short wire ends I’ll always use Wago. Much more compact. Glad to see a test showing equivalent performance, though.

Great video, thank you!! Answered pretty much every question I had about the Wago connectors! 👍🏻🥃

I used wagos for one main reason. They’re rated for 20 amps, and they use a spring to hold the connection constant through temperature and humidity changes. I don’t worry about a wire slipping out of a wago, it’s positively locked when the wire is in place proper I love them.

We have been using these kind of connectors for decades here in Europe. I honestly couldn't imagine messing around with these wire nuts and having to twist the wires first. By the way: The series 221 connectors come in two sizes and ratings. The bigger ones are capable of taking up to 10 AWG wire and 32 Amps.

Love all your videos, keep them coming thumbs up 👍🏻

Ever since I found out about these wago plugs from your videos I been using them on my home electrical projects. Love these things. 🔥

4:38 only in Mass where you'll wear t-shirt and shorts outside when there's snow out LOL

We used Wagos all over our robots in FRC, and we had them running off 40A fuses. That's all I needed to know they were solid!

I'm not a homeowner, or in the market for lawnmower, or interested in doing electrical work BUT damn it...I watch every vid with interest! You make such informative videos. I would watch you do car reviews or gaming tutorials. Keep up the great work.

You mentioned it and you should test it as well, pre twisted conductors vs twisted with the nut. Just found your channel today an am looking forward to many more great videos like this one!

i didn’t see what the pullout strength would have been with the wire nut (especially when the conductors are NOT pre-twisted). Would it have held tighter or less than the Wago. Otherwise, many thanks for putting this demonstration together for us.

Your videos are hardcore. I never knew these wago connectors existed.

This is the first video I've found after an hour of searching that does an analytical comparison of the connectors instead of anecdotal evidence. I like your setup and would be curious to see the test expanded (ie. test multiple of each style and see if results are consistent). Another test point could be the resistance of the connection (directly correlated to heat).

I wish I was your neighbor. "I wonder if..." would lead to some great driveway fun. I enjoy that you rise to the challenge.

Great explanation. I never had any doubts about Wago. Always looked highly superior.

Good video. The biggest problem I foresee with the wago connectors is the same as the problem I have seen with the back stab connection used on many receptacles and switches. The problem I have found over the years is that with circuits that have higher current flow and are cycled frequently the blades that hold the wire in theses type devices tend to weaken due to the heating and cooling effect of the use cycle. This heating and coiling effect apparently changes the molecular structure of the metal causing a lose of tension on the wire. I know, a lot of people say I am just and old school guy, but I say if it ain’t broke why change it. First I must say I have never used the back stab connectors in my 45 to 50 years as an electrician. I have changed a lot of receptacles and switches over the years however. I can honestly say I have never in all those years went back to a job I did to replace a switch or receptacle because of a loose connection. But if people choose to use them, it is good job security for electricians, but not me I am retired.

Fantastic job, great to see these work as I have wanted to try them but just was not sure about them.

Great job on the testing, very well done !!

been using wago for more then 10 years, never had a problem with them, and way faster then a wire nut.

Exactly as expected, the wago conducts all the current, whereas the wire nut conducts some, but most conduction is through direct contact of the wires

Thank you so much for making this video! As an electrical contractor myself I really appreciate the tests you did. I suspect the doubt some have over these style of connectors come from residential electricians who take there experience from using the stab in connection for 14 gauge wire. The only outlets I've seen that offer that connection are made of low quailty material, giving that style of connection a bad rep. Don't judge a type of connection by the cheap outlet that employed its use.

Wow. That's some impressive testing. Much respect to you sir. Thanks again for all the info you share

I watch some videos and discover Wagos connectors. This is the best connector EVER! Ease to use and work with. Thanks for the test.

Gallons, pounds and Fahrenheit, I have never been so lost in my life listening to someone speaking English.

Great video. Thanks! Actually I think you went easy on the wire nut. A typical hot or neutral connection would only be twisted together INSIDE the nut, so more heat would build up inside the nut. In your test, most of the current probably never passed thru the half-inch-long twisted portion inside the nut. I think that would make the Wago look even better!

I use those wagos to connect up RBG led lighting to power supplies and so on for temporary installations in TV and theater. They save me SO MUCH time and hassle. Anybody can troubleshoot a bad connection quickly and without tools. Love them to bits for that task!

Wago definitely makes a great product. The lever connector takes up much less space in the electrical box than a wire nut, and it is much more reliable too.

May I suggest a follow up test: Wago versus the Chinese knockoffs on Amazon.

It is great to see a proper fair test, thank you for the excellent video!

Thanks . I have had wires disconnect using wire nuts in tight and multi wire applications so I use these in those applications and between stranded and solid wire installing light fixtures.

Way to go Wago! I've been an industrial electrician for over 50 years. I've seen a lot. Sometimes when developing control schemes and varying connections temporarily etc., I have found Wagos to be quite convenient. I like Wagos, this video just reinforced that liking!

That should settle it. Good testing from you and Bill (Sparky) from sparkychannel likes Wagos as well. I'm certainly sold. Thanks for taking the time to show what's what.

Very well done and extremely good info to have!

It's a multiple thing learning video; awesome! I'd love to know where to get one of those load testers?

I'm a Electrician and we only work with Wagos and i realy like them. Lg. From upper Austria

There is still the question of longevity...when something is heated up and cooled repeatedly for a period of time. Certain plastics degrade faster than others. Love your work!

Directly beforehand: I'm not connected anyhow to Wago, besides I'm German :-) Here in Germany we're using these kind of connectors for decades. I myself rennovated my house six years ago - all electrical connections are done with Wago: most with standard and whenever to connect to a flexibel wire with the ones seen in this video. I do not buy/use the cheap ones, because I want to still wake up in the morning...🤔 By the way during the house renovation I found some of these (old) twisting connectors. I guess they are from the 70ths when this house was build. So, they are reliable, for sure, but the Wagos are much faster during installation and especially if one wants to change something...👨‍🔧

Thanks I was curious about this not long ago when I saw ads for the wago

Great job with logical, thorough, and scientific testing! Intelligent people know that well-engineered and UL certified products can be used with confidence. However, I'm glad to see hard evidence stuck in the faces of all the Joe Specialists out there who pretend to know more about what aught and aught not be used. You know, the type of guys who are also ultra-opinionated about their favorite motor oil brands but really don't know enough about their vehicles to fill a mouse's tea cup.

When you had the wego at 20 amps, that's all I need to know it's good to use, as most 20 Amp breakers trip before they reach 20 amps. Thanks for a great video.

Great video. I find the wagos are great for connecting solid wires and stranded wires. I use them for most of my solid to solid wire connections too.

Became a sparky in the UK many years ago but now work and live in Germany and must say,will never go back to connector blocks. These Wago‘s are so well engineered it‘s unreal! Great test by the way 👍🏻

Very cool Video and test. Coming from germany I use those WAGOs for everything. It would be great if you could use °C or metric in general maybe as a text overlay or something so that we europeans can follow along a little easier :)

I've used Wagos over the last few years in cases where it was just easier using them because they stack easily instead of trying to jam wirenuts into a small box...I've also continued to use wirenuts. I think there are times when both connectors make sense...who said there had to be only one answer to a problem ?

Thanks! Good info and enjoyed watching.

I didn't searched for this, Was not disappointed 👍

LOL! Leave it to the Silver Cymbal to have the capability to run these tests and silence the doubters. I think the veteran electricians just like staying old school, which is perfectly cool. Change is sometimes hard to accept. Thanks for the great info as usual!🤩

Wirenuts in my country are called Marettes. Cool video!

Great follow-up video to the first video! You have proved me wrong. I admit, I am one of the "old school" electricians in the first video that called you and the Wagos out and you have convinced another traditional electrician to change his ways. The test you ran are sold evidence of the quality engineering of the Wagos. Again, thanks for providing great video evidence of this comparison. I am now a subscriber.

New sub. I just bought an LED recessed lighting kit that used these Wago push-in connectors. Man, I had to push like crazy to seat them all the way into the connector but once in there was no way I could pull it out. I was concerned about overheating if there was a short or too many amps and this answered that question in spades. Great video.

How much pull does it take to drag a wire out of a wire nut? I was waiting for the comparison test...

In Europe, we use Wago all the time. Best thing ever. Whenever I see those wirenuts, I sigh. You just cannot disconnect or connect a new wire under load with a wirenut.

I really loved how through your testing was. I was taught the same kind of thinking in Army aviation and later automotive racing. It is not enough to say, "Meh it will work." You in those settings need to KNOW it will work and how well it will work to a certain point before failing. After watching this video I ordered a free sample, but then decided I am just ordering a multi starter kit from amazon. I will be installing some smart switches this weekend so I am excited to see how they do. I wish they made a nice version of this for automotive use. I can think of a couple places where I could safely use them. I might try it.

European electrician here. We use Wago for everything. They are perfect if used within specifications. Most important thing is respecting the ratings... There are wagos rated for higher A if needed.. but generally you will be using 221 everywhere and be fine. Small tip: if you have a full box and are worried about the clamps opening when you close it, just wrap a bit of tape around them to avoid accidentally opening the clamps when pushing the wires in.