Wago box alternatives

[Chris Green]

I really like Wago connectors but I've never really found that Wago boxes work particularly well. I put up with them because there's not much alternative but I'm not often entirely happy with the result.

For example I recently replaced some (very old) fluorescent lights in my garage with batten mounted LEDs. I needed to connect:-

Two T&E 'power in' and 'power out' Two T&E and one twin to lamp fittings One T&E to switch

You would think this is a pretty standard sort of configuration, maybe running three lamps from one place is a bit more than 'normal' but not all that much. Anyway the connections themselves are pretty easy with Wago connectors, I've used 24A 773 series for this, four six way ones does the job easily with quite a lot of spare holes. However cramming all this into a Wago box isn't easy and it's not ideal having all the wires coming out of one end. A Wago 'lite' wouldn't cope with all the cables.

So, are there any alternatives? A 'standard' round (or square) junction box with no innards would suit I guess, has anyone else taken this route? What about cable clamping, is fixing the cable with clips adjacent to the box OK?

[Andy Burns]

I presume you've seen the wagobox XL?

[Robin]

AFAIK you need some sort of Wago box if you need the "maintenance free" status*. If you don't then you can use any enclosure that provides the necessary protection (e.g. a Wiska box) and other means of strain relief.

• the regs require "Equipment complying with BS 5733 for a maintenance-free accessory and marked with the symbol [MF} and installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions."

[Chris Green]

I have some but they're too big really, and expensive, and the cables still all come out the same side.

While I'm about it another niggle about Wago boxes is the method of fixing, that strange flange and slot on (what seems to to be to me anyway) the *side* of the box. If you mount the box using this then it's decidely awkward getting at things in the box.

[Tricky Dicky]

I have used Wagos in these and have also seen plenty of professional installs similarly. The only thing is that I do not think you cannot use them in a maintenance free situation as they are not type approved.

Schneider also do a couple of four entry round versions if that is what you want.

Richard

[Chris Green]

Yes, exactly, I have some of these (or some very like them) and it seems to me it would be much easier to use them for Wago connectors than 'proper' Wago boxes. The ones in the garage in particular would be easy to 'inspect' if necessary. However I'm not quite sure what sort of maintenance could be peformed on Wago connectors in non-conforming boxes.

I guess I can just do it and no one is going to notice! :-)

[newshound]

I know what you mean. There is something of a knack to "packing" a Wago box. I sometimes find it is hard to close the "lid", but one answer is to pinch the open end inwards using a standard size Mole wrench.